Managing emotions: A service evaluation of a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed skills group within community drug and alcohol services.

This article evaluates a seven-session Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed skills group implemented within community drug and alcohol services in the UK, aiming to address co-occurring substance use and mental health difficulties by improving emotion regulation, psychological distress, and recovery from substance dependence. Using three standardized self-report measures—the Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation (CORE-10), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Substance Use Recovery Evaluator (SURE)—data from 39 participants showed statistically significant improvements post-intervention across all domains. The study highlights the feasibility and potential benefits of DBT-informed interventions in community settings, while noting limitations such as participant attrition, lack of ethnic diversity, and variability in facilitator training. Future recommendations include program standardization, broader accessibility for marginalized groups, and further research comparing delivery formats and exploring participant experiences.