Addiction can be an isolating and relentless cycle, deeply entangled with emotional pain, trauma, and self-doubt. Breaking free from its grip requires more than detoxification—it demands a shift in perspective and behavior. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a unique approach to recovery, offering practical tools for managing the mental and emotional challenges that come with addiction. By fostering mindfulness, acceptance, and value-driven actions, acceptance and commitment therapy exercises empower individuals to build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
At Sana at Stowe, located in the idyllic mountains of Stowe, Vermont, ACT is one of the many evidence-based approaches we use to help clients overcome addiction and heal from trauma. Let’s explore how ACT exercises work, their role in recovery, and specific practices that promote lasting change.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fight or suppress them. By fostering acceptance, ACT teaches clients to live in the present moment, identify their core values, and take meaningful actions aligned with those values.
In the context of addiction recovery, ACT helps individuals:
- Break free from avoidance behaviors that fuel substance use.
- Develop coping strategies for difficult emotions.
- Reconnect with what truly matters in life.
This approach is particularly effective for treating co-occurring conditions like substance abuse disorder, alcohol use disorder, and trauma-related conditions such as PTSD.
Persistent anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness are common signs you have PTSD. You may avoid certain places or situations, struggle with mood swings, or experience heightened irritability. If these symptoms disrupt your daily life, seeking professional treatment can help you regain control and find healing.
How Do Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Exercises Work in Recovery?
ACT exercises focus on six core processes that help individuals build psychological flexibility:
- Acceptance: Learning to accept painful emotions and thoughts without judgment.
- Cognitive Defusion: Reducing the power of negative thoughts by viewing them objectively.
- Mindfulness: Staying present in the moment, even during difficult times.
- Self-as-Context: Understanding that we are more than our thoughts and experiences.
- Values: Identifying and committing to personal values.
- Committed Action: Taking steps toward a meaningful life, guided by values rather than impulses.
By practicing these principles, clients can address both the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Specific Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Exercises
Here are some practical acceptance and commitment therapy exercises that can help individuals break the cycle of addiction:
1. Leaves on a Stream
This mindfulness exercise involves visualizing thoughts and feelings as leaves floating down a stream. The goal is to observe them without attachment or judgment.
- Purpose: Helps individuals practice cognitive defussion, reducing the emotional intensity of cravings or self-critical thoughts.
- Application: When experiencing a craving, clients can use this exercise to acknowledge the urge without acting on it.
2. Values Clarification
Clients list their core values and identify specific actions that align with those values. For example, someone who values family might commit to spending quality time with loved ones instead of using substances.
- Purpose: Encourages individuals to focus on long-term goals rather than short-term relief.
- Application: This exercise is particularly helpful for repairing relationships damaged by addiction.
3. Acceptance and Expansion
This exercise involves sitting with uncomfortable emotions or sensations, such as anxiety or withdrawal symptoms, and imagining them expanding within the body without resistance.
- Purpose: Builds tolerance for discomfort and reduces the urge to avoid feelings through substance use.
- Application: Can be used during detox and withdrawal management to cope with physical and emotional distress.
4. The Choice Point
Clients map out decisions on a chart, identifying behaviors that move them closer to or further from their values.
- Purpose: Encourages mindful decision-making in moments of temptation.
- Application: Useful for identifying triggers and creating healthier coping mechanisms.
ACT for Trauma and Addiction
The National Library of Medicine has done multiple studies on the effectiveness of ACT. For individuals with co-occurring trauma and addiction, ACT provides a powerful framework for healing. Trauma often amplifies avoidance behaviors, leading to substance use as a coping mechanism. By fostering acceptance and mindfulness, ACT helps clients process trauma in a safe and supportive way.
At Sana at Stowe, ACT is integrated with other therapies, such as trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and holistic treatment detox, to provide comprehensive care.
Holistic vs. Conventional Medicine in Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, holistic approaches address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. At Sana at Stowe, we combine the best of both worlds to provide a holistic treatment plan for each client.
Holistic Treatment Includes:
- Medically-Supervised Detox: Ensuring safety and comfort during withdrawal.
- Mindfulness and Yoga: Promoting mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Nutritional Support: Farm-to-table meals that nourish the body.
- Acupuncture and Massage Therapy: Relieving stress and enhancing well-being.
Why Choose Sana at Stowe?
Located near the Burlington, Vermont airport, Sana at Stowe offers a luxurious retreat for recovery. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Comprehensive Care: From detox and withdrawal management to long-term therapy, we address every stage of recovery.
- Expert Team: Our highly trained professionals specialize in treating substance abuse disorder, alcohol use disorder, and trauma.
- Veteran Support: We work closely with veterans and their families to address the unique challenges they face.
- Serene Environment: Nestled in the stunning New England landscape, our facility offers the perfect setting for healing and reflection.
Signs You May Need Help
If you’re wondering whether addiction is impacting your mental health, relationships, or daily life, here are some signs to look out for:
- Difficulty managing emotions or stress.
- Persistent cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
- Strained relationships with family or friends.
- Avoidance of responsibilities or social activities.
Take a drug use screening test or seek a professional evaluation to better understand your needs.
Does Insurance Cover Depression and Alcohol Rehab?
Does insurance cover rehab? Yes, Sana at Stowe accepts insurance through in-network providers to provide a holistic treatment plan. Our admissions team is happy to help you navigate the process, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of your recovery.
Begin Your Journey at Sana at Stowe
Breaking the cycle of addiction requires courage, commitment, and the right support. With evidence-based therapies like acceptance and commitment therapy exercises, along with holistic treatments, Sana at Stowe offers a transformative path to recovery.
Reconnect with your values. Heal from trauma. Build a life of purpose and connection.
Contact us today at (802) 566-5906 to learn more about our programs or to schedule a consultation. At Sana at Stowe, your journey to renewal begins in the heart of Vermont’s natural beauty.
