Meta-Analysis of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Treating Substance Use

Abstract

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach used to treat a variety of psychological issues. In this meta-analysis study, we examined six between-groups studies based on DBT for the reduction of substance use symptoms. We aggregated the findings of these studies at the post-treatment assessment as well as follow-up assessment. DBT groups were superior to alternative treatment and waitlist groups in the remission of substance use symptoms or increase in substance use abstinence. When we compared DBT to comparison groups at the follow-up assessment scores, we observed no significant differences. However, when we removed one study conducted outside of the United States (U.S.) run the analysis with U.S. samples only (j = 5), we obtained significant differences between DBT and comparison groups (treatment and waitlist groups). Our findings suggest that DBT is an effective approach in the treatment of substance-related issues, as evidenced by post-treatment assessment and follow-up assessment. We provided implications for clinicians, counselors, researchers, as well as institutions and organizations.

Keywords

• Dialectical behavior therapy,DBT,Meta-analysis,Substance use disorders,SUD

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