Abstract
Gratz and colleagues report an initial RCT of distress tolerance treatment for substance use — teaching riding out urges without using, with promising retention and use outcomes.
Gratz, K. L., Bornovalova, M. A., Daughters, S. B., Delany-Brumsey, A., & Lejuez, C. W. (2012). Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 122(1–2), 70–76. DOI
Key findings
- DT for SUD — First RCT of distress tolerance package for substance use.
- Urge surfing — Skills target tolerating affect without immediate escape.
- Retention signal — Participants stayed in treatment relative to comparators in pilot.
- Fortitude stack — Pairs with DBT distress tolerance lineage — operational in room.
Limits
Initial RCT — promising but early; distress-tolerance package for substance use needs replication at scale.