There are many forms of therapy out there for people dealing with substance use disorders. Certain therapies work for some people, while others might not. If you are struggling with finding “the right type of therapy,” it is important to try out different types. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to therapy.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, per Recovery Research Institute, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach that is used when treating substance use disorders. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is based on the concepts of acceptance, mindfulness, and personal values. The goal of this type of therapy is for individuals to find ways to cope with their feelings and challenges without using the substance they are addicted to. During this process, the individual may be forced to come face to face with difficult or uncomfortable experiences.  

Recovery Research Institute outlines the “Central Assumptions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” and the “Six Core Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.” They are as follows:

Central Assumptions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  1. It is human nature, and thus understandable, that people tend to avoid negative inner experiences. 
  2. Clarity of personal values and commitment are keys to behavior change.
  3. Rather than fighting the feeling attached to a behavior, a person can observe having the feeling but still act in a way not directly influenced by the feeling.

Six Core Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  1. Cognitive defusion: Detaching from inner experiences by interacting or relating to them differently.
  2. Acceptance: Allowing thoughts and feelings to arise without trying to change their form or frequency.
  3. Mindfulness: Retain contact with the present moment.
  4. Self understanding: Letting go of concrete and inflexible thoughts or ideas about oneself, and moving to understand yourself within the context of situations.
  5. Values: Learning what is most important to oneself (family, service, etc.).
  6. Committed action: Efforts to empower behavioral change. 

Changing behavior is difficult — Pinnacle Recovery understands that. We aim to help you find the therapy approach that fits best with you. We offer a wide range of services. Call our trained staff today for more information about Pinnacle Recovery at 1-866-301-0573. We cannot wait to hear from you!