ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and describes DBT adaptations for use with individuals with substance use disorders. It also describes a rationale for the application of DBT with young adults, and highlights some of the adaptations of DBT for treating young adults experiencing mental health–substance use problems and other self-destructive behavioural problems related to impulsivity and deficits in emotion regulation. Individual DBT psychotherapy sessions typically occur once weekly and last an hour. In DBT, life-threatening behaviours are the highest priorities, followed by behaviours that interfere with therapy, and then behaviours that reduce quality of life. DBT also recognises that therapists require support to maintain their motivation to work with their individual and to improve their skills in working with people who pose a challenge. DBT has been adapted for and evaluated with individuals with comorbid borderline personality and substance use disorders.
