ACT helps you stop fighting the thoughts and feelings that drive addiction — and start moving toward the life you actually want. Built on psychological flexibility and values-based action, ACT pairs with CBT and 12-step recovery for clients who need meaning, not just abstinence.
Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and group therapy typically make up the core of a treatment plan. ACT is considered to be a leading method for helping those with addictions because it teaches individuals to both accept things as they are and take the steps that are necessary to make them better. ACT treatment specialists in California operate from the theory that increasing acceptance leads to improved psychological flexibility. In other words, acceptance makes it easier to learn new things. In the case of people with substance use disorders, learning healthy new ways to cope with stress and deal with triggers is foundational to long-term recovery.
To talk with an addiction specialist about the Pacific Bay Recovery Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program, call (619) 350-8220 today.
No matter what reason a person starts misusing substances, continued use will eventually lead to addiction and physical dependence. Addiction directly impacts the brain and causes chemical changes that affect the way a person behaves and thinks. This explains why people who are addicted often make poor choices that negatively affect themselves and their loved ones.
ACT is a form of traditional behavioral therapy similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to end negative thinking patterns. Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages people to first accept their thinking patterns and any traumas they might relate to.
ACT therapy in San Diego begins with acknowledging and accepting all of your emotions and thoughts. That includes negative thoughts like wanting to misuse drugs or the desire to resist dual-diagnosis treatment because you don’t want to admit to having mental health concerns. Accepting all the parts of yourself without judgment is the goal.
Cognitive defusion sounds complicated, but it’s really just the process of separating yourself from your inner thoughts. In other words, you are not what you think. Thoughts are simply thoughts, and you don’t have to react to them. Methods to encourage cognitive defusion include singing your thoughts out loud and observing without judging.
Being present is a way of being mindful. It relates to simply experiencing a moment without judging it or trying to change it.
Patients at our ACT center in San Diego learn that they are more than their thoughts. Self as context means understanding what you do is separate from what you think about yourself. You may think you cannot resist the urge to misuse prescription drugs, but that is just a thought. It does not define or predict your behavior.
During acceptance and commitment therapy in San Diego, CA, patients have the opportunity to examine their own values. A close examination of what gives your life meaning is an important source of motivation.
The final step in acceptance and commitment therapy treatment is commitment. The commitment process involves reviewing the work accomplished in the previous steps and making behavioral changes based on your value principles.
With ACT, making positive lifestyle changes is a natural extension of the willingness to accept your thoughts without chaining your identity to them.
Emotional struggle can be exhausting. It is no wonder that people who are focused on avoiding their negative thoughts lack the energy required to practice new habits. With the goal of reducing struggle, ACT therapy in San Diego helps patients engage in more of the activities that bring their lives meaning.
Of course, “meaning” is different for every person. ACT does not impose any specific set of values except to build a healthy, fulfilling life. The process of acceptance and commitment therapy is made up of six specific components.
If you believe you or someone you care about could be helped by this therapeutic approach, call the Pacific Bay Recovery Acceptance and Commitment Therapy clinic at (619) 350-8220.
San Diego ACT treatment is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that can help individuals with many different mental health concerns, including addiction. You may be referred to an acceptance and commitment therapy clinic if you need professional support for:
Recovering from a substance use disorder is complex because people are complex. Every individual affected by addiction has experiences, values, and beliefs that are unique to them. A comprehensive treatment plan takes all of this and more into consideration.
Treatment options like our San Diego Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program can make the difference in going through the motions of treatment and enjoying the benefits of lifelong sobriety and improved mental health.
Free verification in about 15 minutes — no obligation, no commitment.Insurance covers most of treatment
Both ACT and CBT are evidence-based therapies with strong research support. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns, while ACT helps clients develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts by accepting them without being controlled by them. Many individuals benefit from using both approaches together.
Yes. ACT aligns well with many core principles of 12-step recovery, including acceptance, surrender, personal responsibility, and values-driven action. Many clients find that ACT strengthens their ability to apply recovery principles in daily life.
ACT can be delivered in shorter programs of approximately 8 to 16 sessions for focused concerns or extended over a longer period for more complex mental health and substance use challenges. Treatment length is individualized and integrated into your overall recovery plan.
Yes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is considered an evidence-based behavioral health treatment and is covered by most major PPO insurance plans. Our admissions team can quickly verify your benefits and explain your coverage options.
Speak with a licensed admissions counselor — confidential, free, available 24/7.
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