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ACT For Substance
Abuse Recovery

Substance-Free Living Starts Here: Discover The Power Of ACT Therapy For Addiction And Co-Occurring Conditions.

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Transform Your Recovery With ACT at Ikon

Experience a transformative journey towards health and restoration at Ikon Recovery Center, where we believe everyone deserves a personalized and comprehensive approach to their wellness journey. Our commitment to your well-being is reflected in our innovative application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based modality that empowers individuals to embrace change with mindfulness and commitment.

Our tailored programming ensures an effective and enjoyable journey toward lasting recovery, supported by a dedicated team passionate about your success in building a fulfilling, substance-free life.

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What is ACT for Substance Abuse?

ACT is a treatment modality that was developed to improve well-being by embracing your full range of emotions (rather than attempting to avoid or change them).[1] ACT can be an ideal approach for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and addiction issues, owing to its focus on promoting psychological flexibility. By fostering acceptance of emotions and thoughts, individuals can better align their actions with their values and pursue meaningful goals.[2]

Based on many core principles drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a well-researched treatment modality, ACT is incredibly adaptable for use in addiction and co-occurring (or multiple issues) treatments. Typically running for anywhere from 8 to 16 total sessions,[3] ACT for substance abuse can take place in individual or group settings, providing flexibility to accommodate different preferences and needs.

Licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and therapists, are trained to provide ACT. The therapy’s versatility makes it suitable for various treatment settings, including outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Its evidence-based approach and effectiveness in addressing addiction-related challenges make ACT a valuable resource for those seeking a holistic and tailored approach to recovery.

At Ikon Recovery Center, ACT for substance abuse is seamlessly integrated into our model for comprehensive, whole-person care. An ACT approach to addiction treatment emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance, fostering trust, and tailoring interventions to align with the individual’s unique needs and values.

This client-centered approach enhances engagement and ensures that recovery principles are woven into the fabric of your treatment experience, promoting a supportive and transformative journey to long-lasting sobriety.

How (and Why) ACT Treatment for Substance Abuse Works

ACT for substance abuse is a highly effective therapeutic approach due to its multifaceted and adaptable strategies for addressing the inherent complexities of addiction.[4] Acceptance and commitment interventions promote lasting recovery by fundamentally reshaping individuals’ relationships with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

By working to cultivate acceptance, individuals learn to acknowledge and embrace their internal experiences without judgment, creating a new foundation for increased self-awareness and personal growth.

ACT treatment plans also commonly cover several other core competencies in the recovery process for substance abuse and addiction, including:[5]

Cognitive Defusion:

This involves changing the way individuals relate to their thoughts. Instead of being dominated or overwhelmed by thoughts, cognitive defusion techniques help individuals observe and detach from their thoughts, mentally viewing them as passing events.

Present Moment Awareness:

Mindfulness techniques are incorporated to help individuals stay grounded in the present moment. This reduces the impact of past experiences or future concerns on their current state of mind.

The ‘Self-As-Context’:

ACT emphasizes the idea that individuals are more than the sum of their thoughts and feelings. It encourages the development of a broader perspective, where a person identifies with their values and sense of self rather than being defined solely by their thoughts.

Value Clarification:

Identifying and clarifying one’s values is a fundamental aspect of ACT. By understanding what truly matters to them, individuals can align their actions with these values, contributing to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Planning For Committed Action:

This involves setting and working towards meaningful goals that align with one’s values. It emphasizes the importance of taking action, even in the face of challenges, to create a life that is in harmony with one’s values.

Ikon Recovery Center is proud to offer ACT for substance abuse and several other evidence-based, holistic treatment modalities to provide a personalized approach to recovery. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals understand the unique challenges individuals face in their journey to sobriety, and we’re dedicated to guiding you toward a fulfilling life beyond addiction with our proven and inclusive treatment.

The Efficacy of ACT for Substance Abuse

Acceptance and commitment therapy was recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an evidence-based practice in 2010, and a recent review of the literature demonstrated that ACT was successful in treating substance use disorders, delivered either individually or in combination with other therapeutic interventions.[6, 7}

ACT has also shown promise as a front-line treatment for co-occurring disorders frequently seen alongside addiction issues, including depression and anxiety.[8]

ACT for Substance Abuse At Ikon

At Ikon Recovery Center, we go beyond conventional approaches to substance abuse treatment by seamlessly blending evidence-based practices with a uniquely personalized and holistic ethos. We recognize that the recovery journey is a profound and unfurling process, not just an endpoint. Our unwavering commitment to creating a genuine community of empathetic professionals dedicated to your sustained success sets us apart, forging a collaborative partnership to pave the way toward an enriching, encouraging recovery.

Treating Addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Family Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
Art Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Music Therapy
Exercise Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Family Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
Art Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Music Therapy
Exercise Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about ACT for Substance Abuse

Are Group Sessions Available For ACT Therapy In Substance Abuse Treatment, Or Is It Primarily Conducted On An Individual Basis?

ACT therapy can be conducted in both individual and group settings. The choice between individual and group sessions typically depends on your therapeutic goals. Group sessions can also provide the added benefit of shared experiences and support from your peers who are also working towards recovery.

Is ACT Therapy Suitable For Individuals Who May Not Have A Formal Diagnosis But Are Struggling With Unhealthy Substance Use Patterns?

Yes, ACT therapy is suitable for individuals with various levels of substance use concerns, including those who may not have a formal diagnosis. ACT is a trans-diagnostic modality,[9] and the flexibility of ACT allows it to be applied to a spectrum of challenges, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking support in addressing and transforming their relationship with substances.

What Outcomes Can Individuals Expect From Participating In ACT Therapy For Substance Abuse?

Participating in ACT therapy for substance abuse can lead to various positive outcomes, including increased psychological flexibility, improved coping mechanisms, reduced risk of relapse, and enhanced overall well-being. Individuals often report a greater sense of self-awareness, better management of cravings, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.

Sources

[1] Dindo, L., Van Liew, J. R., & Arch, J. J. (2017). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Behavioral Intervention for Mental Health and Medical Conditions. Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 546–553. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3 on November 10th, 2023

[2] What is ACT therapy? Overview, uses, and benefits. (2022, May 25). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/act-therapy#overview on November 10th, 2023

[3] Dochat, C., Wooldridge, J. S., Herbert, M. S., Lee, M. W., & Afari, N. (2021). Single-session acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) interventions for patients with chronic health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 20, 52–69. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.03.003 on November 10th, 2023

[4] Gloster, A. T., Walder, N., Levin, M. E., Twohig, M. P., & Karekla, M. (2020). The empirical status of acceptance and commitment therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18(18), 181–192. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.009 on November 11th, 2023

[5] Dorenkamp, M. A., Waldron-Perrine, B., & Hanks, R. A. (2023). Influence of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Core Processes on Anxiety and Stress in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-sectional Study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 104(4), 612–618. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2022.11.004 on November 11th, 2023

[6] Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center. (n.d.). Www.samhsa.gov. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp on November 11th, 2023

[7] Osaji, J., Ojimba, C., & Ahmed, S. (2020). The Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 12(10), 629–633. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4311 on November 11th, 2023

[8] Lee, E., An, Woolee, Levin, M., & Twohig, M. (2015). An Initial Meta-Analysis of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Treating Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.utahact.com/uploads/5/1/3/4/51340265/2015_leeanlevin_twohig__jd_ad_.pdf on November 11th, 2023

[9] Villanueva, J., Meyer, A. H., Rinner, M. T. B., Firsching, V. J., Benoy, C., Brogli, S., Walter, M., Bader, K., & Gloster, A. T. (2019). “Choose change”: design and methods of an acceptance and commitment therapy effectiveness trial for transdiagnostic treatment-resistant patients. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2109-4 on November 11th, 2023