The major difficulties that individuals experience in life can leave a lasting impact. The aftermath of this can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, anger, depression, or grief. When this happens, there’s a very real temptation to rush past those hard emotions, covering them up with distractions or maladaptive coping strategies like substance use. However, doing this can exacerbate an already difficult situation.1 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment that empowers individuals to accept their most difficult emotions while developing a plan for personal growth.

At Arkview, we can help you take your next step and restore your belief in a bright future again. Call 717.744.0756 today to hear more about our addiction therapy programs.

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What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people to accept difficult experiences and not deny their emotional pain. It requires patients to look closely at their situation and assess whether they can somehow rectify things or if there’s a new reality that must be accepted. Chronic illness, for example, is something that people experience without full-proof solutions. The person experiencing the illness must, unfortunately, accept a new reality for their life. ACT is also effective for those in substance abuse treatment, as planning a new healthy path is vital to recovery.

ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. They get to feel how they feel while cultivating thoughts about what might come next for them. This begins by understanding what they value most and then designing a plan to move toward a life that embodies that.

A Closer Look at ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is built around six elements that help individuals accept the hardship that they’ve endured while moving toward a bright future. The elements are:

Accept things as they are – Patients are taught to allow their natural thoughts and feelings to emerge without trying to fight them, no matter how painful they might be.
Cognitive defusion – This means understanding that our thoughts are not fixed or permanent. The emotions you feel won’t last forever.
Mindfulness – Narrow your focus and think about the moment you’re in, not allowing your thoughts to get too far into the future or dwell too much on the past.
Self-as-context – A life perspective that helps people think of themselves more objectively, teaching them to view themselves from the outside.²
Values – Patients learn to identify what their core values are and what’s most important to them. Their values then act as a guide for decision-making.
Action – Even when faced with obstacles, the identified core values help people to create goals for themselves to work toward.

The components of ACT work together to help people accept what is out of their control and commit to actions that improve and enrich their lives. This can be particularly powerful when it comes to those recovering from substance abuse.

The Benefits of ACT for Substance Abuse Treatment

ACT is particularly effective in addressing substance misuse issues. By focusing on mindfulness, patients can learn to observe their cravings without acting on them, viewing them as temporary experiences rather than overwhelming or permanent feelings.

Additionally, once patients are out of recovery, they can use what they’ve learned during their sessions to help build meaningful goals for their next steps toward a healthier life. This process can help reduce the risk of relapse through a purpose-driven life. This holistic approach not only supports sobriety but also enhances overall well-being. If you or a loved one is looking for a substance misuse recovery program in Mechanicsburg, acceptance and commitment therapy could be the right choice for you.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Mechanicsburg, PA

ACT helps people develop the skills they need for resilience and adaptability, essential tools in managing both trauma and addiction. Finding the right path to recovery can be challenging, but acceptance and commitment offer a path forward. Choosing the right treatment center is essential to your recovery. Find ACT for substance abuse at Arkview.

Call Arkview Today for ACT

Arkview stands out for its team of experienced therapists who specialize in ACT and other therapeutic modalities. Our supportive environment is exactly what you need to embrace the next chapter of the rest of your life. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Arkview is accessible to those in nearby areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. We proudly serve a broad community while maintaining a neighborhood feel. Call 717.744.0756 today or submit our online contact form for more information.

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