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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details).distress tolerance Handout 21   (Distress Tolerance Worksheet 18)
alternate r ebellion and a daptive Denial
alTerna Te reB ellion
When addictive behaviors are a way to rebel against authority, conventions, and the boredom 
of not breaking rules or laws, try alternate rebellion. Alternate rebellion replaces destructive rebellion and keeps you on a path to your goals.
Examples:
Shave your head.
Wear crazy underwear.
Wear unmatched shoes.
Have secret thoughts.
Express unpopular views.
Do random acts of kindness.
Vacation with your family at a nudist colony.
Write a letter saying exactly what you want to.Dye your hair a wild color.
Get a tattoo or body piercing.
Wear clothes inside out.
Don’t bathe for a week.
Print a slogan on a t-shirt.
Paint your face.
Dress up or dress down where 
doing so is unexpected.
aDapTive Denial
When your mind can’t tolerate craving for addictive behaviors, try adaptive denial.
Give logic a break when you are doing this. Don’t argue with yourself.