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Battling Addiction and Mental Health? How DBT Supports Both
Apr 9, 2025
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding about the impact of alcohol misuse and the paths to recovery. At Mental Health Systems (MHS), we believe it’s essential to recognize one critical truth: Treating addiction effectively means addressing mental health at the same time.
Addiction and mental health disorders often go hand in hand. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation are frequently at the root of substance use. Many people turn to alcohol or other substances in an attempt to cope with overwhelming feelings, traumatic experiences, or mental health struggles that feel unmanageable.
In fact, 20-40% of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders also have alcohol use disorders, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
That makes it essential to help individuals cope with their anxiety – as well as their addiction. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help with both.
The DBT for Addiction Difference
DBT is proven to be highly effective in helping individuals who struggle with both emotional dysregulation and substance use disorders. At MHS, our Waypoint program uses a specialized DBT for Addiction model that integrates traditional DBT skills with additional strategies tailored to substance use recovery.
How DBT Supports Both Recovery and Mental Health
DBT uses numerous skills to help individuals, including the following:
- Emotional Regulation
Many people turn to substances to escape intense emotional pain. DBT teaches practical tools to help individuals recognize, understand, and manage those emotions without needing to numb them through alcohol or drugs.
- Distress Tolerance
Cravings, withdrawal, and life stressors can all be triggers for relapse. DBT offers skills to tolerate distress in healthy ways, empowering clients to stay grounded even when life feels overwhelming.
- Mindfulness
DBT emphasizes present-moment awareness, helping individuals notice their urges and thought patterns without acting on them. This is especially helpful in managing impulsive behaviors tied to addiction.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
Addiction often harms relationships, and fractured relationships can fuel further substance use. DBT helps individuals build healthier boundaries, communicate effectively, and repair interpersonal damage.
- Commitment to Change
In our Waypoint program, we help clients clarify their goals and strengthen their commitment to recovery, even in the face of setbacks. DBT’s nonjudgmental approach supports people where they are, while helping them move toward lasting change.
Treating the Whole Person
DBT recognizes that addiction is not just a behavior to stop, but a signal of deeper pain and unmet emotional needs. By addressing the underlying mental health struggles, clients don’t just stop using — they heal, grow, and rebuild a life worth living.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use and mental health concerns, know that help is available. Our Waypoint program is here to provide the structure, support, and skills needed to take back control. Contact us today to learn more about the program or schedule an intake!
