Michael eventually achieved complete abstinence, becoming entirely clean and sober. It required a year of therapy before he completely stopped consuming alcohol and drugs. He remained dedicated to the year-long program, continuing therapy with Dr. Petracek on a weekly basis, and also attended 12-step meetings. This case study has evidenced that Michael’s positive progress can be attributed to the use of DBT skills for addressing alcohol and substance use. Let’s review the four DBT modules used in this case.
Review: DBT Module 1
The fundamental module of DBT is mindfulness. It involves directing one’s attention to the present moment. This valuable tool allows clients to make thoughtful decisions, avoiding impulsive choices and misguided assumptions that could perpetuate their state of misery.