The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of DBT compared to a standard drug counseling approach for the treatment of opiate addiction and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Treatment research has repeatedly shown that retention of BPD and substance addicted individuals to be the among the most challenging for therapists. DBT has established itself as one of the most effective treatments for treatment retention of these patients and for reducing parasuicidal and self-injurious behaviors. This study is one of two in a multi-site RCT for the treatment of opiate addiction. DBT has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of BPD patients and it has been extended in this study to target addictive behaviors in these patients. The study consists of three treatment parts: weekly individual and group therapy and suboxone maintenance medication. Participants are provided therapy on a weekly basis for one year and suboxone for 2 years. Assessments for tracking outcome are conducted every 4 months. It is hypothesized patients in the DBT condition will show a reduction of substance use, parasuicidal and other psychological difficulties and these gains will be maintained through the year of follow-up assessments. In addition, it is predicted that adherence to DBT treatment protocols will be associated with improved outcomes. Finally, it is predicted that treatment "dosage" (average hours of therapy/week) will be positively related to clinical improvement.
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Psychological assessment interview
Timeframe: Baseline, 4-month, 8-month, 12-month, 16-month, 20-month, 24-month
Urinalysis
Timeframe: 3x/week during active treatment; 1x/week during follow-up year