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.
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
- 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
