Acceptance and commitment therapy, also known as ACT, is a type of behavioral therapy that is used to help individuals accept painful thoughts and experiences and commit to making changes in their lives.
Many individuals who struggle with addiction developed problems with substance abuse as a way to cope with challenging emotions and situations. These might have included mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or past trauma. While a number of therapies exist to help individuals work through the underlying causes of addiction, acceptance and commitment therapy can be useful in helping individuals manage their response to situations in the future.
At TruHealing Hagerstown, we incorporate ACT as a therapeutic approach in our clients’ personalized treatment programs. Learn more about our center located in Hagerstown, MD by contacting us today at 833.297.4343.

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and commitment therapy involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist in which clients learn more about themselves and how they react to specific situations. They might learn how to re-interpret events in the past that were painful, such as traumatic experiences. They also might identify the behaviors that they have used to cope with painful or uncomfortable situations, such as using drugs or alcohol.
Acceptance and commitment therapy does not necessarily address addiction itself, but it can help individuals understand why they have used these substances and how they can avoid relapse in the future.
The principles of acceptance and commitment therapy include:
- It’s possible to change the way you relate to past experiences
- You can accept your thoughts and feelings as they are without trying to change them
- Mindfulness can help you stay connected to the present moment
- The way you view yourself can change
- You can approach life in ways that will help you maintain your sobriety
It’s inevitable that you will encounter challenging situations in the future even after completing treatment. However, ACT can help you approach these situations in a healthier way. Pain does not have to cause you to reach for drugs and alcohol again.
How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Works
During these sessions, your addiction therapist will help you understand how to develop a new relationship with your experiences. Instead of trying to seek control over your situation, your thoughts, and your emotions, ACT will help you accept where you are and who you are.
If you have struggled with addiction for some time, it’s possible that you feel like you will not really be able to change. If you have relapsed in the past, you might feel hopeless about not having control over your use of drugs and alcohol. However, ACT can help you reframe your thoughts and will encourage you to take actions that are guided by your core values.
ACT can also help you weather challenging situations in the future. Relapse does not have to be inevitable. Instead, you can make changes in your life that will lead to a happier, healthier future.
Reach Out to TruHealing Hagerstown Today
TruHealing Hagerstown provides a peaceful, supportive environment where you can begin your journey to recovery. Here, our clients learn about addiction, develop healthy coping skills, and build strong networks of support. Our goal is for our clients to rebuild their lives and relationships for long-term recovery.
Our addiction treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment
- Aftercare program
- Case management
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
- Alumni program
We offer personalized care for those who are ready to take back their lives from drug and alcohol abuse. Acceptance and commitment therapy can help you create a more fulfilling life in sobriety. Reach out to our treatment center at 833.297.4343 or contact us online to learn more.
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