ACT Therapy for Addiction: A Values-Based Path to Recovery
By Ben Rea, LCSW
Recovery isn’t just about stopping a behavior. It’s about reclaiming your life.
Whether you’re newly sober, deep into your journey, or just starting to wonder if something needs to change—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a compassionate, structured path to healing.
ACT doesn’t shame or fixate on what’s wrong with you. It helps you tune into what matters most—even when your mind or body is pulling you toward old habits.
What Makes ACT Different?
Unlike models that focus purely on control or avoidance, ACT teaches you how to:
Accept cravings, emotions, and thoughts without being ruled by them
Identify the values that matter most to you
Choose committed action that supports long-term growth
Build a life worth staying sober for—not just “white-knuckling” it
This approach honors the reality that pain is part of life. But you don’t have to avoid pain to move forward—you just have to choose what’s meaningful in the presence of it.
Why ACT Works for Addiction
Addiction often thrives in avoidance—avoiding pain, shame, grief, boredom, or disconnection. ACT breaks that loop by helping you build psychological flexibility: the ability to stay with discomfort without reaching for your escape button.
Through therapy, you’ll learn to:
Pause when cravings show up
Recognize old mental scripts like “I always mess this up” or “One more time won’t hurt”
Separate your identity from your behavior
Reconnect to purpose and meaning—even when it’s hard
Take small, daily actions aligned with recovery—not perfection
This is about more than sobriety. It’s about creating a life you’re proud to stay present in.
Tools Used in ACT for Addiction
ACT includes hands-on strategies like:
Urge Surfing: Riding the wave of a craving without reacting
Cognitive Defusion: Getting space from thoughts that fuel relapse
Willingness Practice: Making room for discomfort instead of avoiding it
Values Clarification: Identifying the kind of person you want to be
Committed Action Planning: Building recovery habits grounded in your why
These tools aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re adapted to who you are and how you want to live.
Who ACT Helps
ACT is especially helpful for:
Professionals managing addiction privately
Parents navigating recovery while raising children
People with co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma
Individuals who’ve tried other approaches and want something more holistic and values-driven
Learn about concierge therapy services if you need flexible or high-access care.
You’re Not Starting Over. You’re Starting Forward.
Recovery isn’t linear. It’s not about being “cured.” It’s about learning to show up—again and again—with compassion, commitment, and clarity.
If you're ready to build a sober life that’s about more than avoiding relapse, I’m here.
Or call 805-903-2604
ACT therapy can help you get unstuck, find your “why,” and live like you mean it.
