• 24/7 Confidential Helpline. Call Today.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Addiction Therapy

Check My Insurance

Is Your Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance? Check Your Benefits

Online Assessment

Describe What You or Your Loved One Is Struggling With Right Now

(844) 489-0836

24/7 Confidential Free Helpline Is Available. Speak With Someone Today

WHAT TO EXPECT

Addiction remains a pervasive issue, affecting millions globally and causing profound physical, emotional, and social consequences. Traditional treatment methods often focus on managing the symptoms, but many individuals struggle with long-term recovery due to underlying psychological factors.

ACT for addiction is an increasingly popular approach, emphasizing psychological flexibility and encouraging individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight against them. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shown promise in treating a wide range of addictive behaviors, offering an alternative approach to the conventional models by focusing on mindfulness and values-based action.

We offer treatment for addiction and mental health conditions (as well as dual diagnosis) at our California treatment centers. Click here to learn more!

Young man sits back while receiving ACT therapy from woman with glasses.

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals manage difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It was developed in the mid-1980s by Steven C. Hayes. ACT for addiction aims to increase psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to better cope with challenges and align their actions with their core values.

The core tenants of ACT include:

Acceptance

ACT is centered in encouraging individuals to embrace their feelings and experiences without judgment rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. This approach helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with their emotions, reducing internal conflict and fostering self-compassion. By accepting emotions as they arise, individuals can minimize emotional avoidance that can often fuel addictive behaviors.

This modality of therapy is centered in helping individuals identify what truly matters to them, enabling them to set meaningful and value-driven goals in life. By clarifying their values, individuals can align their actions with their deeper sense of purpose and work for a more fulfilling life.

Taking concrete steps aligned with personal values, even in the presence of challenging emotions or thoughts, is a core tenant of ACT. It empowers individuals to continue moving forward, fostering resilience and a sense of accomplishment, even when faced with obstacles. Committed action ensures that recovery is not only about stopping negative behaviors but also actively engaging in life with purpose and intention.

Fostering mindfulness and encouraging individuals to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties. This practice enhances mental clarity, promotes peace, reduces distractions, and helps deepen one’s connection to the present moment.

Allowing individuals to detach from harmful thoughts and view them from a more objective perspective, reducing their power. It helps individuals see thoughts as temporary events, not absolute truths. This can reduce their impact on behavior and emotions.

It’s important to support individuals in seeing themselves as separate from their thoughts and experiences, thereby reducing their self-judgment. This perspective enables people to cultivate self-awareness and greater psychological flexibility, fostering a more compassionate and balanced sense of self. 

Benefits of ACT for Addiction Treatment

Happy woman holds up hands to gesture during ACT therapy while therapist takes notes.

ACT offers several benefits in addiction therapy, particularly due to its focus on internal experiences and value-based living. Some key advantages of using this technique include:

Addresses Personal Feelings and Systems

ACT allows individuals to work through their internal struggles and conflicts, which are often at the root of addictive behaviors. By fostering self-awareness and understanding, individuals can work through emotions that may fuel their addiction (such as shame, guilt, and fear).

Instead of remaining stuck in unhelpful thought patterns, ACT for addiction encourages individuals to take tangible steps toward their values. This active approach helps build a sense of purpose and can be particularly empowering for individuals in recovery.

By focusing on acceptance and mindful action, ACT promotes resilience. This helps enable individuals to manage setbacks and challenges during recovery better. This strengthens their ability to stay committed to their long-term goals, even in the face of difficulties.

One of the key elements of ACT is developing self-compassion. It helps individuals learn to treat themselves with kindness and understanding rather than self-criticism. This shift in mindset can significantly enhance mental well-being and motivate individuals to continue their recovery journey without harsh judgment.

ACT helps individuals become more psychologically flexible, meaning they are better able to adapt to life’s challenges without reverting to old, harmful habits. This flexibility allows them to navigate stressful situations with  a more calm and controlled attitude, which is crucial in managing triggers and avoiding relapse.

ACT helps individuals improve emotional regulation by teaching them to accept and experience emotions without being overwhelmed. This reduces the urge to use substances or engage in addictive behaviors and promotes healthier emotional responses, enhancing overall well-being and reducing relapse risk.

Who is ACT Therapy For?

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those dealing with:

Mental Health Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorder, various forms of depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mood disorders can benefit from ACT. It can help them accept uncomfortable emotions and thoughts without letting them control their behavior.

Individuals struggling with substance use disorders can use ACT to help them manage cravings, accept complicated feelings without numbing emotions, and commit to healthier, value-driven actions.

ACT is effective for people dealing with chronic pain or long-term medical conditions, as it teaches how to accept pain rather than fight against it. This can create room for a more meaningful life around and despite physical pain.

People experiencing high levels of anxiety or burnout (especially in high-pressure environments) can find relief through ACT’s focus on mindfulness and living in alignment with personal values.

ACT can also help individuals navigate relationship challenges by teaching skills to accept difficult emotions and engage more meaningfully with others.

Anyone seeking to enhance their emotional well-being, cultivate psychological flexibility, and/or align their life more closely with their core values can benefit from ACT. This can be regardless of whether they have a specific mental health diagnosis.

Other Forms of Therapy for Addiction Treatment

While ACT is a powerful tool for addiction therapy, it is just one of several therapeutic approaches that can aid in recovery. Other common modalities of therapy for addiction treatment include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This modality focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction by helping individuals recognize distorted thinking and replace it with healthier, more constructive thought patterns. CBT and its idea of the cognitive triangle allows individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and alter their thinking around triggers, which empowers them to break free from self-destructive behaviors and manage their addiction more effectively.

This is a form of CBT that emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, with a unique focus on balancing acceptance and change. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers strategies to cope with intense emotions, reduce impulsivity, and build healthier relationships while navigating the challenges of addiction.

It involves individuals sharing experiences and supporting each other in a group. This creates a safe, non-judgmental space for learning. Group therapy fosters connection and accountability, often enhancing the recovery process by providing peer support, building social skills, and reinforcing a sense of community and belonging.
Aimed at improving family dynamics and providing support for both individuals in recovery and their families, this modality of therapy can help teach family members about addiction and its impact. It can also address family issues contributing to addiction, such as enabling behaviors or poor communication.

This is a modality of therapy that monitors brain activity in real-time, providing feedback to help the brain self-correct toward balance. Neurofeedback therapy aims to improve brain function (particularly in individuals with addiction or mental health disorders) by training the brain to operate more efficiently, improving emotional regulation, and reducing symptoms associated with both addiction and mental health challenges.

How Does ACT Therapy Work?

In sessions with an ACT therapist, you’ll explore your values, goals, and go on a process of self-discovery. The therapist will guide you, explaining expectations and helping you plan achievable milestones aligned with your objectives.

ACT is an ongoing process, typically lasting between 8 to 20 sessions, depending on individual needs and progress. Each session is personalized and may involve exercises designed to help you, including helping you to:

  • Recognize and modify any behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that could be hindering your personal progress.
  • Create and work toward meaningful goals that align with your true desires and aspirations.
  • Cultivate mindfulness to stay present, enhancing your awareness and focus in daily life.
  • Discover and embrace your fundamental values, ensuring your actions reflect what is truly important to you.

This process can help you develop overall psychological flexibility. You can then work to become more empowered to make choices for a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Receive Mental Health Support at First Steps Recovery

At First Steps Recovery, we provide comprehensive mental health support (including ACT and other therapeutic modalities) to assist individuals in overcoming addiction. We integrate proven treatments and compassionate care to help you or your loved one take the first step toward recovery. Reach out today to discover how we can help your journey to mental well-being.

Picture of Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team

From our certified therapists and nurses to our emotional support animal "Cooper", our entire team is dedicated to the health and success of our clients throughout our program and beyond.

Help Is Available. Speak With Someone Today.

Our admission team is available to help 24/7.
Call (844) 489-0836
Have questions about our evidence-based therapies? Let’s talk.
Check My Insurance
Call (844) 489-0836

OUR THERAPIES

Variety of Evidence-Based Therapies We Offer

We offer a variety of holistic therapies to our clients, both experiential and evidence-based. These therapies help our clients to get in touch with their minds and bodies while undergoing treatment, promoting a sense of peace and wellness.
Individual Therapy

During individual therapy sessions, clients will interact with licensed and trained counselors to work through underlying issues that may be contributing to their drug or alcohol addiction.

Learn More
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (also known as CBT) has been clinically proven to help clients with a wide range of problems, including substance abuse.

Learn More
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (or DBT) is another common form of talk therapy that is found in many substance abuse treatment programs. 

Learn More
Trauma Informed Therapy

During trauma-informed therapy sessions, clients are able to talk with a specialist who accounts for their past trauma and the way it may have affected their thinking, behavior, and ability to interact with treatment.

Learn More
Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a type of alternative therapy that utilizes spots in a person's field of vision in order to help them process trauma.

Learn More
Neuro Feedback

Neuro Feedback is a type of noninvasive therapy that helps clients to alter the way their brain responds to certain types of stimuli.

Learn More
Family Systems Therapy

Family counseling is one of the best ways to reconnect with family members who are affected by addiction and mend the relationship between a client and their family. 

Learn More
Group Therapy

With our treatment approach, we help you get to the deeper roots of what’s driving your addiction. Through sharing and listening, the groups become a source of motivation, accountability, and real change.

Learn More

OUR PROGRAMS

Offering Innovation & Excellence in Addiction Treatment, Fresno County

Discover how we approach addiction treatment and detox at First Steps Recovery.

Medical Detox

Our detoxification program features 24-hour monitoring and professional guidance from licensed detox technicians.
Learn More

Residential Treatment Care (RTC)

A highly individualized treatment experience designed for lasting sobriety using evidence-based and holistic treatment options.
Learn More

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP allows you to continue your addiction treatment program without residing at the inpatient facility.
Learn More

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP program Sacramento offers individuals the ability to receive the high-quality, personalized level care of our rehab, but the flexibility to continue their daily lives.
Learn More

Alumni

Individuals in the alumni program are invited to stay connected for meetings, events, and resources that are intended specifically for First Steps graduates.
Learn More

ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

First Choice for Drug & Alcohol Detox in Fresno County

Learn why people choose to start their recovery at First Steps Recovery in Clovis, Fresno County.

Outstanding

★★★★★ 5/5
My experience with First Steps and their entire team has not only helped me to gain sobriety but maintain it now for knots 18 months. The 24 or so days I spent there was the best thing that happened. My kids have their mom, the parents have their daughter but most importantly I have myself back!!

Dayatra L.

Amazing Experience

★★★★★ 5/5
Amazing people. Super supportive and always there when you need them. My counselor, Amanda, makes it fun but also takes you to uncomfortable places in the best way. I recommend First Steps to anyone struggling with addiction.

Melissa B.

Above and Beyond

★★★★★ 5/5
I attended First Steps outpatient program and was very happy with the help I received. I felt the staff genuinely cared about the health and well being of the people there. They went above and beyond to help me meet my goals and keep them.

Bruce G.

Have questions about how our alumni program works? Let's talk.

See More Reviews
Call (844) 489-0836
PAYMENT OPTIONS

Are You Covered for Addiction Treatment?

First Steps Recovery is an in-network provider with most insurances! Regardless of where you live, our skilled and compassionate drug treatment counselors in Fresno can help you and your family get the help you need to get on the road to recovery.
Check My Insurance
Anthem_600x172
aetna_600x172
kaiser_600x172
healthnet_600x172
halcyon

Accessibility Toolbar

FSR-logo-color-02

Have questions about First Steps Recovery? We're here to help.

Check My Insurance
Call (844) 489-0836

© Copyright 2023 • First Steps Recovery • All Rights Reserved