Acceptance and commitment therapy, also known as ACT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It focuses on helping people accept the things they cannot control while still committing to taking action in areas they can influence. ACT programs typically involve six core principles: mindfulness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action. For those in addiction recovery, these principles can be incredibly helpful in staying on track.
What Is an ACT Program?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is one approach to mental health that has been shown to be helpful for those in recovery for addiction. Because the focus is on helping people accept the things they cannot control while still committing to taking action in areas they can influence, it can be a valuable tool for anyone struggling with addiction.
What You’ll Learn in an ACT Program
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. It involves accepting thoughts and feelings as they are without trying to change them. Mindfulness can be practiced through meditation, yoga, and other forms of mindfulness training.
Cognitive Defusion
Cognitive defusion is a technique that helps people disentangle themselves from their thoughts. It involves recognizing that thoughts are not facts and that it is possible to experience thoughts without getting caught up in them. This can be done through various cognitive techniques such as mindfulness or thought labeling.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the willingness to experience thoughts and feelings without trying to change them. It involves acknowledging that some things are out of our control and learning to live with them. This can be done through various acceptance-based therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.
Self-as-Context
Self-as-context refers to the idea that people are more than their thoughts and feelings. It is the recognition that they are the observers of their own experiences and that they can step back from their thoughts and feelings to gain perspective on them. This principle is often used in conjunction with mindfulness training.
Values
Values are those things that are important to people and guide their actions. They help them set goals and make decisions about how to live life. Values can be individual or shared, and they can change over time. Some examples of values include family, health, relationships, career, or spirituality.
Committed Action
Committed action is taking steps toward achieving goals despite difficult thoughts and feelings. It involves setting goals based on values and taking action towards those goals even when motivation is lacking. This principle is often used in conjunction with other cognitive-behavioral techniques such as problem-solving or goal-setting.
The Benefits of an ACT Program
There are many benefits to participating in an ACT program. These include:
- Learning how to accept thoughts and feelings without trying to change them
- Learning how to disentangle yourself from your thoughts
- Learning how to set goals based on values
- Taking action towards goals even when motivation is lacking
If you are struggling with addiction, an ACT program can be a helpful way to learn skills for managing difficult thoughts and emotions. It can also help you set goals and take action toward those goals.
Discover the Benefits of an ACT Program for Mental Health at Athens Recovery
Athens Recovery can help you build a foundation for long-term recovery. We offer an ACT program that can help you learn how to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, set goals based on your values, and take action toward those goals. Contact us today at 844.959.4998 or reach out to our team online to learn more about our program and how we can help you recover from addiction.
