Navigating the path of addiction recovery can be challenging, and finding the right therapeutic approach is a vital part of that journey. One evidence-based treatment that continues to gain recognition for its effectiveness is acceptance and commitment therapy for addiction. Often referred to as ACT for addiction, this approach blends mindfulness techniques with behavioral strategies to help individuals make lasting changes while accepting themselves along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to explore therapy options or looking for something new in your recovery journey, understanding how ACT therapy activities work can empower you to take the next step. Sophros Recovery Tampa proudly offers ACT for addiction recovery.
What is acceptance and commitment therapy, and how does it promote addiction recovery?
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. Instead of avoiding difficult emotions or trying to control unwanted thoughts, ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present and committed to behaviors that align with their values.
In the context of addiction recovery, ACT helps clients recognize cravings, triggers, and negative thought patterns without judgment. It empowers them to sit with discomfort and still make choices that support their well-being and sobriety. This shift in mindset helps reduce the power that urges and habits have over their lives, fostering long-term resilience.
How many sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy are needed?
ACT is typically a short- to medium-term therapy. Many people begin to see progress in 8 -16 sessions, although the exact number depends on individual needs, the severity of the addiction, and whether ACT is combined with other treatments. Some individuals benefit from ongoing support and choose to engage in ACT for longer periods as part of a broader relapse prevention plan.
Therapy may be delivered in one-on-one sessions, group formats, or integrated into larger treatment programs. When exploring mental health services in Tampa, FL, many treatment centers offer flexible scheduling and tailored approaches to make therapy accessible.
What are the goals of ACT?
The core goals of acceptance and commitment therapy for addiction are centered on building a meaningful, value-driven life while reducing the impact of harmful thoughts and behaviors. Key goals include:
Increasing psychological flexibility
Developing the ability to adapt to challenges and situations in a way that promotes growth and resilience, rather than getting stuck in old habits or avoidance strategies. This means being open to life’s difficulties while still finding ways to move forward with purpose.
Accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings
Cultivating a willingness to experience unpleasant emotions, thoughts, or sensations without immediately trying to “fix” or escape them. This approach helps reduce the struggle against internal experiences and allows for greater emotional balance over time.
Clarifying personal values
Taking the time to identify what truly matters most to the individual—such as relationships, personal growth, or helping others—and using that insight as a guide for decision-making. Values serve as a compass, helping individuals align their actions with their deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
Taking committed action
Setting meaningful goals and taking practical, concrete steps to achieve them, even when challenges arise. By taking actions that align with personal values, individuals can build a life that supports both recovery and long-term well-being, even in the face of setbacks or difficulties.
By focusing on values rather than just symptoms, ACT helps individuals cultivate a more fulfilling life beyond addiction.
Acceptance and commitment therapy techniques
ACT therapy activities include a variety of experiential exercises, mindfulness practices, and values-based planning tools. These techniques aim to help individuals increase psychological flexibility and develop a stronger sense of self.
Some commonly used techniques in ACT include:
- Mindfulness training: Teaching clients to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment and return to the present moment.
- Cognitive defusion: Helping individuals create distance from their thoughts rather than getting entangled in them. For example, saying, “I have the thought that I need a drink,” rather than “I need a drink.”
- Values clarification: Identifying core values that matter most—like family, creativity, or health—and using them as motivation for behavior change.
- Committed action: Setting and working toward goals that reflect those values, even when faced with emotional discomfort or setbacks.
Incorporating these techniques into daily life gives individuals powerful tools to stay grounded, make healthier choices, and respond to challenges with compassion and purpose.
Contact Sophros Recovery Tampa for the support you need today
If you’re considering ACT for addiction or are looking for mental health services in Tampa, FL, working with a qualified therapist at Sophros Recovery Tampa can help you explore how this approach fits into your recovery journey. With time and commitment, ACT can support a powerful transformation—not by eliminating pain, but by helping you live well in its presence. Call 813.686.6306 or connect with us online for more information today.
