DBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. Originally created for borderline personality disorder, it's now widely used for substance use disorders and addiction treatment.

DBT focuses on four core skill modules:

1. Mindfulness – staying present and aware

2. Distress Tolerance – surviving crises without making things worse

3. Emotion Regulation – managing and changing intense emotions

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – maintaining relationships and self-respect

For addiction treatment, DBT helps patients manage cravings, cope with triggers, regulate the emotions that drive substance use, and build healthier relationships—all without turning to drugs or alcohol.