Page title background

Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Addiction in Chicago, IL

Table of Content

Table of Content

Man and therapist having a one on one meeting

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

While those struggling with addiction may use substances to try to make their problems go away, it never works. Accepting reality so that you can take positive actions toward your recovery is the basis of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This is one of the therapeutic modalities we offer at Gateway Foundation’s Chicago Independence center to help patients address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.

Woman talking with her therapist

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance is not easy, even for those not grappling with addiction. When you decide to break free from substance use and get help, you may have a difficult time accepting painful emotions or even the process of getting sober. Through acceptance, however, you can let go and move on.

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a behavioral therapy that teaches you to accept painful feelings, thoughts and experiences as part of normal human existence. As you learn to face these without judgment rather than avoid them, you can commit to taking action based on your values to create a more fulfilling life.

ACT is not just theoretical. Each session encourages you to make concrete, lasting changes that will work with your new values and direction in life. There is also an element of mindfulness, similar to mindfulness-based therapy. By assessing how you feel at any given moment, your actions can better align with healthy goals for your life.

The Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Addiction

There are many benefits of ACT for those in addiction treatment:

  • Confronts the futility of everything that hasn’t worked to alleviate pain in the past
  • Helps you get in touch with your deepest values to serve as the foundation for setting goals
  • Prepares you to consider new strategies for improving your life
  • Teaches acceptance for whatever is happening in the moment without judgment
  • Increases psychological flexibility to handle life’s challenges, negative thoughts and painful emotions without using drugs or alcohol
  • Enables you to tolerate unwanted cravings or the urge to use
  • Encourages positive change through values-based action
blue banner

How We Incorporate ACT Into Your Individualized Treatment Program at Chicago Independence Center

We are proud to offer acceptance and commitment therapy at Gateway Foundation’s Chicago Independence location. Whether you require the 24/7 care of our residential treatment program of the flexibility of outpatient care, ACT can serve as a powerful tool in your recovery process.

When you come to our Chicago-based center for help, you can count on compassionate and comprehensive care using evidence-based techniques. We personalize our treatment plans based on your unique needs. Acceptance and commitment therapy is just one of the many therapies and services we offer. Other elements we may incorporate into your addiction treatment strategy include:

Man making a phone call

Learn More About ACT for Addiction in Chicago, IL

If you are ready to accept your past and present and choose a more mindful future, we can help. At Gateway Foundation’s Chicago Independence center, you can take advantage of the many benefits of ACT as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Learn how we can help you create a path to real and lasting sobriety. Contact us online or give us a call at 773-867-5115.

Contact us today

Our Blog

Latest from Gateway Foundation

blue banner

Contact Gateway Foundation