Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training in Alcohol Dependence Treatment: Findings Based on an Open Trial

ABSTRACT

Background: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating disorders such as alcohol dependence that are characterized by emotional dysregulation. Preliminary evidence has revealed the feasibility of DBT skills training (ST) as a stand-alone treatment for such disorders. Although emotional dysregulation plays a significant role in alcohol dependence, there are no previous reports of using DBT-ST to treat it. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of abstinence and changes in emotional regulation in a 3-month DBT-ST program for alcohol-dependent patients and to look for relations between abstinence and emotional regulation. Methods: We administered the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and used urine toxicology screening to monitor alcohol/substance intake among the 244 subjects admitted to the program. Results: Among the 157 patients who completed the treatment, 73.2% were abstinent at the end of the program, and their emotional regulation improved. Improvement was independent of the initial severity of both alcohol use and emotional dysregulation. For substance use outcomes, we found a partial mediation role of improved emotional regulation. Conclusions: This is the first open trial to show improved alcohol-related behavior and emotional regulation in alcohol-dependent patients treated with DBT-ST and to posit a partial but significant relation between improved emotional regulation and alcohol use outcomes. In the treatment of alcohol dependence, emotional regulation may be a relevant factor for therapists to consider.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotional dysregulation
• alcohol dependence
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• DBT skills training

Disclosure statement

The authors report no relevant financial conflicts. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.