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Live Webinar

The Emotion Behind the Addiction: Integrating DBT into SUD Treatment Models

Julie Holland, MHA, CEDS-C
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Information

Date & Time

Description

Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently co-occurs with pervasive emotion dysregulation, yet many standard treatment models target use behavior directly without addressing the affect-regulation deficits that maintain it. This webinar provides a clinical overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy adapted for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD), the model developed by Marsha Linehan and colleagues that integrates the four standard DBT skills modules with SUD-specific structural adaptations, including dialectical abstinence, the Path to Clear Mind, and an expanded behavioral target hierarchy. Participants will examine the DBT-SUD target hierarchy, SUD-specific skills (e.g., Burning Bridges, Alternate Rebellion, Community Reinforcement), the four modes of treatment delivery, and current empirical support for the model across alcohol, opioid, cannabis, and stimulant use disorders. The course closes with a discussion of clinical considerations for implementation, including patient selection, fidelity requirements, and integration with medication-assisted treatment. This session is designed for licensed mental health and substance use treatment professionals seeking to expand their clinical toolkit for clients with co-occurring emotion dysregulation and substance use.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the structural adaptations - dialectical abstinence, attachment strategies, and an expanded behavioral target hierarchy - that differentiate DBT-SUD from standard DBT.

  • Differentiate between Addict Mind, Clean Mind, and Clear Mind, and identify the SUD-specific skills (e.g., Burning Bridges, Alternate Rebellion) used to support movement toward Clear Mind.

  • Compare the four modes of DBT-SUD treatment delivery - individual therapy, skills training group, phone coaching, and the consultation team - and their respective clinical functions.

  • Evaluate current evidence and patient-selection considerations to determine appropriate candidates for DBT-SUD treatment, including its role alongside medication-assisted therapy.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is for participants to understand the relationship between substance use and emotion dysregulation and be able to explain how Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD) addresses both substance use and underlying emotional difficulties by developing emotion-regulation skills while supporting recovery.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Julie Holland, MHA, CEDS-C
Julie Holland, MHA, CEDS-C is a nationally recognized leader, strategist and speaker in behavioral health and eating disorder treatment. She currently serves as Divisional Vice President, Behavioral Health for UHS, where she provides strategic leadership on strengthening access to high-quality behavioral health care across multiple regions. With a rare blend of clinical insight and executive-level growth and marketing expertise, Julie has spent her career advancing access to care, elevating professional education and driving sustainable program development across the continuum of treatment. She has partnered with world-renowned medical and mental health professionals to support the development, implementation and scaling of evidence-based and innovative therapeutic interventions. In addition to her executive leadership roles, she has worked directly with clients in top-tier eating disorder treatment centers and maintained a private practice in both the United States and Bermuda. A respected thought leader, Julie is a frequent speaker and educator for professional audiences, families and communities, and has contributed to national conversations through media, conferences and continuing education programming. She is deeply committed to collaboration across clinical, operational and community partners, with a focus on ensuring individuals and families receive compassionate, ethical and effective care when they need it most.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Foundations Recovery Network