The purpose of this study is to compare a one year treatment program of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) + suboxone for opiate addicted individuals meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) to a one year program of standard drug counseling (I/GDC) + suboxone. Drug counseling consists of manualized individual sessions + group therapy. This trial is being completed at two sites, at the University of Washington and at Duke University. One hundred and seventy-two individuals (86 per condition) with opiate dependence and meeting criteria for BPD will be enrolled in a one-year treatment and a one-year follow-up assessment. Each site (University of Washington, Duke) will enroll 86 clients with both treatment conditions being conducted at each site. Assessments measuring drug use, suicidal behaviors, retention and other treatment-related behaviors, general psychopathology and functioning, and increases in behavioral skills will be given at four month intervals for the entire two years.
The purpose of this study is to compare a one year treatment program of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) + suboxone for opiate addicted individuals meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) to a one year program of standard drug counseling (I/GDC) + suboxone.