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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permis -
sion to photocopy this worksheet is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details). Purchasers may 
download a larger version of this worksheet from www.guilford.com/dbt-  
worksheets .distress tolerance WorksHeet 13   (Distress Tolerance Handouts 16–21)
Skills When the c risis i s addiction
Due Date:       Name:                   Week Starting:  
Check off two skills for backing down from addiction to practice this week during a stressful 
situation:
Plan for abstinence Sample abstinence for    days
Plan for harm reduction Burn bridges
Practice clear mind Build new bridges
Search for abstinence reinforcers Practice alternate rebellion
Increase non-  addicting pleasant events Practice adaptive denial
Skill 1. Describe the situation and how you practiced the skill:
 
 
How effective was the skill in helping you cope with the situation (keeping you from doing 
something to make the situation worse)? Circle a number below.
I still couldn’t stand 
the situation, even 
for one more minute.I was able to cope somewhat, 
at least for a little while.  
It helped somewhat.I could use skills, 
tolerated distress, and 
resisted problem urges.
1 2 3 4 5
Did this skill help you cope with uncomfortable emotions or urges, or  avoid conflict of any 
kind? Circle YES or NO.