Acceptance and commitment therapy can be effective for individuals struggling with addiction, especially when combined with other evidence-based treatments. While ACT is not a quick fix, requiring commitment and effort from the individual, the benefits of ACT can be significant.
One of the main benefits of ACT is that it promotes acceptance. Rather than trying to control or avoid unwanted thoughts and emotions, individuals are taught to accept them as a natural part of the human experience. This practice can be especially beneficial for people struggling with addiction, as they might have a history of turning to drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings or avoid difficult emotions.
By learning to accept and tolerate challenging emotions, individuals with addiction can develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. They can learn to manage their cravings and urges without resorting to substance use, and they can create a greater sense of resilience.
ACT also focuses on identifying and living according to one’s values, which can be a powerful motivator for behavior change. In addiction treatment, this means helping individuals to identify their core values and use them as a guide for behavior. By aligning their actions with their values, individuals can build a sense of purpose and meaning, which can help them to stay focused on their recovery goals.
For example, individuals who value honesty may recognize that their addiction causes them to be dishonest with themselves and others. By focusing on this value, they can be more motivated to change their behavior and become more honest and authentic in their relationships.
ACT also emphasizes mindfulness, or being present in the moment without judgment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with addiction, who may dwell on the past or worry about the future. Individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation by learning to be present in the moment.
For example, an individual struggling with a craving for drugs or alcohol may learn to use mindfulness techniques to become more aware of their thoughts and emotions in that moment. They may recognize that the urge is a passing sensation and that they can choose to respond to it in a way that is consistent with their values and long-term goals.
Over time, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and develop skills for managing them without turning to drugs or alcohol.
ACT emphasizes taking action toward goals, even when uncomfortable or difficult. This can be helpful for individuals with addiction who may feel stuck or overwhelmed by their addiction, as it encourages them to take small steps toward recovery. For instance, you might attend a support group or reach out to a therapist. ACT can help you develop greater agency and control over your life.
You can also develop a greater sense of self-efficacy or the belief in your ability to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Many individuals with addiction have underlying thoughts and emotions that contribute to their addiction, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. By identifying these underlying issues, individuals can develop more effective coping strategies and reduce their risk of relapse. This can be especially beneficial in the long term, as it can help individuals to maintain their recovery and avoid future addiction-related problems.
For instance, maybe a traumatic experience has contributed to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. While it’s common for people to turn to substances to numb these feelings or to avoid thoughts about the trauma, ACT encourages you to identify the triggers and take meaningful steps toward overcoming them.
While ACT can help with addiction, it can also promote greater well-being in general. By learning new coping skills, staying mindful, and accepting yourself with compassion, you can improve your mood and treat symptoms of co-occurring conditions. You might also set healthy goals to improve your overall health, such as exercise or creative activities beneficial for the mind and body.
ACT shows us that we can always take small steps to enrich our lives — even when specific aspects are out of our control. It helps you see that you are more than your condition or illness and that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life in line with your personal values. This realization can be powerful enough to reduce symptoms and gain a better, healthier perspective on life.
At Gateway, we provide acceptance and commitment therapy in Illinois to help those struggling with addiction. Here are a few common questions we receive about this therapy:
ACT can be an effective treatment for people with addiction. A 2020 study found that ACT was effective in reducing opioid use and improving the quality of life among individuals with opioid use disorder receiving medication-assisted treatment. The study found that those who received ACT had more significant reductions in opioid use and improved quality of life.
A 2022 study found that ACT and other mindfulness-based treatments were effective in reducing alcohol consumption and improving psychological flexibility among individuals with alcohol use disorder.
While ACT can benefit anyone who puts in the effort and determination, it seems most effective for people who have set beliefs or expectations about their symptoms returning and thus need help dealing with persistent issues. patients can work toward understanding their cravings are a reality that can be controlled over time.
ACT differs from other forms of therapy in that it focuses less on changing thoughts and feelings and more on developing acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action. It emphasizes the importance of accepting difficult emotions and experiences rather than trying to eliminate them since it’s unrealistic to live a life free of difficult emotions and experiences.
An ACT-informed therapist will help patients identify their values and explore how they might want to change. From there, they may accept their dissatisfaction and begin making changes to align their values and behaviors. Overall, ACT focuses on creating new, healthy relationships with painful thoughts or feelings to start the path of recovery.
