Life is full of ups and downs, but when addiction and mental health issues are thrown into the mix, it may feel downright impossible to cope. That’s where an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program comes in.
Skywood Recovery offers a supportive environment where people can explore their challenges and begin to make lasting changes. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about addiction therapy in Michigan.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based approach that has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including addiction. The goal of ACT is to help individuals accept what is out of their control, commit to taking action that aligns with their values, and develop psychological flexibility so they can more effectively navigate through difficult experiences.
The thinking behind ACT is that many psychological problems are caused or maintained by our attempts to control our thoughts and emotions. When we try to suppress or get rid of thoughts and emotions that are seen as unpleasant, they often have the opposite effect and become even more prominent in our minds. This may lead to a vicious cycle of anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems.
ACT aims to break this cycle by teaching people to accept their thoughts and emotions rather than trying to control them. Once they have done this, they can then focus on taking actions that are in line with their personal values. This may involve doing things that are uncomfortable, but it is important to remember that thoughts and emotions are not under our control—only our actions are.
Principles of ACT Therapy for Addiction
The ACT program consists of six core principles:
- Acceptance
- Mindfulness
- Defusion
- Self-as-context
- Values
- Committed action
These principles can work with each other, which can help individuals develop psychological flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Acceptance
Acceptance is about accepting the things that are out of our control. This includes thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. There’s no need to try and push away or ignore unpleasant experiences when they happen. Instead, we can simply let them be and focus on what we can control—our actions.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This may be a difficult task, but it is important to remember that we are not our thoughts and emotions—we are the observers of them. By practicing mindfulness, we learn to detach from our thoughts and emotions and see them for what they really are—just thoughts and emotions.
Defusion
Defusion is about learning to disentangle ourselves from our thoughts and emotions. This can be done by recognizing that thoughts are just thoughts and they do not have to control us. We can also use techniques such as mindfulness to help us step back from our thoughts and observe them without getting caught up in them.
Self-as-Context
Self-as-context is about understanding that we are not our thoughts and emotions—we are the observers of them. This principle helps us to detach from our thoughts and emotions and see them for what they really are—just thoughts and emotions.
Values
Values are the things that are important to us and guide our actions. They are our personal compass and help us to navigate through life. It is important to remember that our values are not static—they may change over time as we grow and change as individuals.
Committed Action
Committed action is about taking actions that are in line with our values. This may involve doing things that are uncomfortable, but it is important to remember that thoughts and emotions are not under our control—only our actions are. By taking committed action, we start to move in the direction of our values and away from the things that are causing us distress.
The main goal of ACT is that it can help people live a more fulfilling and meaningful life by teaching them how to accept the things that are out of their control and to commit to taking action in areas that are important to them.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Addiction
Acceptance and commitment therapy for addiction treatment focuses on changing an individual’s relationship with their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them altogether. This is an important distinction because many people who struggle with addiction have a history of using substances as a way to escape from or numb difficult emotions. As such, trying to get rid of all negative emotions may actually be counterproductive and lead to further distress.
Instead, ACT helps individuals learn to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment and to see them as separate from themselves. This can be a powerful shift for people who have long believed that their thoughts and feelings defined them as a person. Once an individual has made this distinction, they can then start to commit to taking actions that are in line with their values rather than their impulses.
ACT Therapy for Addiction Treatment at Skywood Recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Skywood Recovery can help. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatment programs, including ACT therapy for addiction treatment. Our compassionate and dedicated professionals work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Call us at 269.280.4673 or reach out online and get your life back on track.