Is DBT-Informed Treatment Right for You?
Talk with our team about treatment that includes DBT-informed therapy
If stress, conflict, cravings, or overwhelming emotions have contributed to substance use, dialectical behavior therapy may be a helpful part of treatment. DBT is an evidence-based therapy approach that teaches practical skills for managing distress, regulating emotions, improving relationships, and responding to triggers more effectively.
At Ladoga Recovery Center, DBT may be incorporated into individualized inpatient treatment for adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns. It is one of several therapy modalities that may be used alongside medical support, individual therapy, group therapy, relapse-prevention planning, and other evidence-based approaches. DBT is not a separate level of care at Ladoga.
Is DBT-Informed Treatment Right for You?
Talk with our team about treatment that includes DBT-informed therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. It was first used to help people with severe emotional instability and self-destructive behaviors, and it has since been adapted for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns.
In addiction treatment, DBT can be especially useful when substance use is tied to emotional reactivity, impulsive decision-making, relationship conflict, or difficulty tolerating distress. Rather than focusing only on why someone uses substances, DBT also helps address what happens in the moment when emotions rise and the risk of returning to substance use increases.
Many people entering treatment already know that drugs or alcohol are causing harm. The harder part is responding differently when cravings, shame, anger, panic, or conflict begin to build. DBT helps clients practice skills that may make those moments more manageable.
DBT may help clients:
DBT can also support care when substance use overlaps with co-occurring mental health concerns. A person may use alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, trauma-related distress, depression, anger, or intense shame. Over time, substance use can make those symptoms harder to manage. DBT principles and skills may help clients recognize these patterns and respond in safer, healthier ways.
Mindfulness helps clients notice thoughts, emotions, urges, and physical sensations in the present moment without reacting automatically.
Distress tolerance skills are used during high-intensity moments to help a person get through a crisis without making the situation worse.
Emotion regulation helps clients better understand emotional patterns and reduce the intensity of reactions that can interfere with recovery.
Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on communication, boundaries, and conflict management, which can be especially important when relationship stress contributes to relapse risk.
DBT includes a range of coping tools that may be introduced based on a client’s needs, stage of care, and treatment plan. One commonly referenced distress-tolerance example is TIPP, which stands for Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
TIPP Skills
TIPP skills are designed to help reduce emotional and physiological intensity during moments of acute distress.
Because some TIPP techniques involve physical exertion or rapid temperature changes, clients in treatment should use them with guidance from their care team when needed.
DBT and cognitive behavioral therapy are both evidence-based approaches used in addiction treatment, but they emphasize different things. CBT focuses more directly on identifying and changing harmful thought patterns. DBT places greater emphasis on distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and coping during moments of intense emotional stress.
At Ladoga Recovery, DBT is a therapy modality that may be incorporated into an individualized inpatient treatment plan. During medical detox, the priority is safe withdrawal management and stabilization. As clients become ready, foundational coping skills may be introduced, with continued therapeutic work often reinforced during residential treatment.
Depending on clinical needs, clients may engage in individual therapy, group therapy, dual-diagnosis treatment, relapse-prevention planning, and other services as part of a broader treatment program. DBT principles and skills may be used where they support the person’s recovery goals.
DBT may be helpful for adults whose substance use is closely connected to emotional distress, impulsivity, high stress, or co-occurring mental health concerns. It may be a strong fit for people who:
Ladoga Recovery Center provides inpatient addiction and mental health treatment for adults throughout Indiana. Depending on your needs, DBT skills may be incorporated into medical detox, residential treatment, and individualized recovery planning.
If you are searching for DBT therapy near you as part of treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns, contact our team to explore your options.
Ladoga Recovery accepts both Medicaid and commercial insurance. If you are exploring inpatient addiction treatment in Indiana, our team can help you understand the appropriate level of care and how therapy approaches such as DBT may fit into treatment.
Reach out to Ladoga Recovery to verify your insurance and learn more about medical detox, residential treatment, and therapy options that may support long-term recovery.
DBT may be beneficial for some people in addiction treatment, especially when substance use is tied to emotional dysregulation, stress, impulsive behavior, or co-occurring mental health concerns.
TIPP skills are a DBT distress-tolerance technique that stands for Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
During medical detox, the main priority is stabilization. As clients become ready, coping skills may be introduced, with DBT-informed therapeutic work more commonly reinforced during residential treatment.
CBT focuses more on changing harmful thought patterns. DBT places more emphasis on distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and coping during intense emotional situations.
Find the Right Therapy Approach
Our team can help determine which therapies and level of care fit your needs.
Tim Grzeskiewicz was raised in the Washington, DC Metro area and completed High School in Fairfax County Virginia before entering the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Seargent before being honorably discharged. Tim has worked several careers over the years, with his move into mental health and addictions being his final transition, which he refers to as his “move from success to significance”. Tim completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University, graduating with honors and attending Huntington University for graduate school. Tim’s passion for the addictions population comes from his own experience with substance use issues and is currently a sober man in recovery with over 27 years of sobriety. Tim’s hope is to lead others in love and service to the sick and suffering.
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and more than a decade dedicated to nursing practice, Mandy brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and compassion to her role as Director of Nursing at Ladoga Recovery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Northwest and has built a career spanning diverse clinical settings, developing expertise in patient-centered care, clinical operations, and team development.
Mandy’s dedication to the field of addiction recovery is not only professional but also deeply personal. Having walked alongside loved ones in the throes of addiction, she understands firsthand the challenges, heartache, and hope that come with the journey of recovery. This perspective drives her passion to ensure that every patient is treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Specializing in substance use treatment and recovery support, Mandy is committed to fostering an environment where patients receive safe, evidence-based care during one of the most critical times in their lives. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, staff education, and adherence to best-practice protocols to ensure the highest quality of care.
Passionate about guiding both patients and staff toward growth and resilience, Mandy continues to be an advocate for recovery-focused healthcare that not only supports healing but also transforms lives.
Ethan brings over six years of hands-on-experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, where he has built a career rooted in passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping other transform their live. Starting from an entry-level role and working his way up through the ranks, he’s gained a strong understanding of the challenges individuals face in recovery – both clinically and personally.
His journey in the SUD field has been fueled by a genuine passion for supporting individuals as they confront addiction and mental health struggles. He takes pride in meeting people where they are, creating a safe and supportive environment, and helping them recognize their own potential. Whether through patient facing positions or leadership roles, he has strived to show every individual that recovery is not only possible but within reach.
Throughout his career, he’s been recognized for his ability to lead with integrity, build trust, and foster growth – not only in the clients he’s served but also in the team’s he’s worked with as well. Ethan believes in leading by example, staying grounded in empathy, and always advocating for those who may not yet have the strength to advocate for themselves. Helping other discover their own path to recovery is more than a job to him, it’s a calling. Every step forward that he witnesses in someone else’s life journey reaffirms why he does this work and will be committed to this mission for years to come.
Cristina Monnett is an HR professional with over 12 years of experience supporting teams in manufacturing and healthcare. She partners closely with operations leaders in fast-paced, highly regulated environments to strengthen employee relations, ensure compliance, and implement practical, real-world people strategies. Cristina is passionate about creating workplaces where employees feel supported and organizations run smoothly.
Shane Austin is a dedicated behavioral health professional, bringing a wealth of experience in the field of substance use disorder treatment. As a lifelong resident of Indiana and an alumnus of the Indiana University, Shane embodies a profound sense of empathy and understanding, deeply rooted in his own transformative four-year journey of recovery. This personal experience fuels his passion and relentless commitment to inspiring individuals to embrace the treatment that leads to lasting sobriety and fulfilling lives. By connecting those in need with essential resources, Shane skillfully utilizes his knowledge and personal narrative to illuminate the path to recovery for others, empowering them to embark on their own successful journeys.
Dr. William Cooke is the Medical Director of Ladoga Recovery Center, an inpatient facility dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. With over two decades of experience in addiction medicine, Dr. Cooke leads the clinical team at Ladoga Recovery Center with a focus on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.
As a board-certified expert in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Cooke brings a holistic approach to treatment, integrating medical, psychological, and social support to address the complex needs of individuals on their journey to recovery. Under his leadership, Ladoga Recovery Center emphasizes a “whole-person” philosophy, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment plans that foster long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Dr. Cooke is also a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of addiction medicine through continuous learning, advocacy, and collaboration. At Ladoga Recovery Center, he is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and effective environment where patients can begin their path to healing.
As Executive Director of Ladoga Recovery Center, Brian Foster brings nearly a decade of experience in behavioral health, specializing in substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment. With a diverse background spanning from inpatient detox and residential care, sober living, outpatient treatment, and both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Brian is dedicated to creating comprehensive, holistic treatment programs. Holding a Business degree from Indiana University and graduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, Brian combines a strong foundation in business with a personal commitment to recovery, using his own experience to inspire and support others on their journeys. This broad background enables Brian to approach leadership with a well-rounded perspective on the complex needs of individuals in Recovery.
As a person in long-term Recovery, Brian is proud to lead a team that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction and helping them rebuild relationships with their loved ones. Living in Fishers, IN, with a supportive wife and two wonderful daughters, family is the heart of Brian’s life, bringing a deep commitment to building a community where individuals can find hope, healing, and a path forward.