Renaissance Ranch

The Value of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for a More Successful Recovery

May 14, 2024

Even after treatment has been completed, some individuals find it difficult to accept their past. It is common for one to feel a sense of regret, extreme guilt, or shame for their past behaviors. Many individuals still face challenges with accepting their diagnosis. This can make it very hard to stay committed to helpful strategies while in the healing stage. Sometimes participating in outpatient therapy in recovery can make a world of difference in the long run. Attending acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) at Renaissance Ranch can provide several mental health benefits for a more successful recovery. 

The Importance of Staying Committed to Therapeutic Strategies for a Successful Recovery

Even the most motivated individuals may experience serious obstacles in both early and late recovery. Trauma triggers and substance cravings may still be problematic for those even after finishing a treatment program. Although they may not be as intense as in the past, they can still just as easily derail one’s recovery progress if left unmanaged. Therefore, it can be helpful for someone to take the tools learned in therapy and use them outside of treatment to maintain a healthy recovery. Different therapy interventions may provide unique tools to promote mental stability. An individual may find great benefit from continuing to use their skills learned in past therapy and incorporating them into their new routine with outpatient therapy. 

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Not every type of therapy provides the same advantages to an individual’s life. For example, if one was facing challenges with trauma, trauma-informed therapy may have been extremely helpful. The transition into recovery can be a highly vulnerable phase in one’s life. Even after completing a treatment program, some individuals may experience problems accepting their state of health. In other words, a small obstacle could fortunately be managed by exploring other outpatient therapy options such as acceptance and commitment therapy while in recovery.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ACT-based interventions work to improve an individual’s behavioral patterns. Acceptance and commitment therapy provides psychological flexibility to fully acknowledge the present time while learning mindfulness and acceptance as a conscious individual. If an individual stays dedicated to treatment, they may experience long-term behavioral change through a set of rules, contrary thoughts, and emotions as a part of their inner self rather than the determinant of their past behavior. ACT helps one view current events for what they are while developing healthier habits for their future. 

The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for a Successful Recovery

It is common for one to feel a bit skeptical before incorporating anything new into their daily routine. Time is of the essence. Therefore, it can be beneficial for an individual to simply research the efficacy of a new therapy type that may interest them. It can be helpful for one to discuss their entire medical background, strengths, and weaknesses with a trained specialist. Doing so may assist a professional in deciding if an individual may respond well to a certain treatment for increased efficacy. Taking a step back to research the efficacy of a specific treatment may also save one from having an unresponsive experience to care. 

Research indicates that ACT-based interventions have been correlated with significant mental health and medical improvement. Studies have also found that many individuals have experienced positive behavioral outcomes after attending acceptance and commitment therapy. Quickly evolving literature has highlighted the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of ACT treatments that involve participants in existing healthcare settings. With each session, an individual will endure skills related to perspective-taking, cognitive distancing, values, and acceptance, for committed action. 

The Benefits of Participating in ACT at Renaissance Ranch for a Successful Recovery

It is common for one in recovery to stare down the barrel of their past mistakes. Although many individuals in recovery frequently dwell on their past, moving forward with ACT at Renaissance Ranch can help. Living in the past can weigh one down. Many individuals find it difficult to accept their life for various reasons. Although it can be difficult for one to cope with intense feelings of shame related to their past, attending ACT can help them find true acceptance within themselves to effectively heal.

This is important for one to stay committed to healthy habits for ongoing mental stability while in recovery. An individual may experience increased motivation for ongoing commitment. ACT can help one become more acclimated to their new lifestyle. With ACT, an individual may soon acknowledge life from a more positive perspective for a greater sense of fulfillment. Some other advantages of participating in acceptance and commitment therapy include: 

  • Acceptance of pain related to their condition
  • Increased patience with milestones in recovery
  • Improved mental health
  • Increased gratitude regardless of one’s situation
  • Ongoing improvement for long-term recovery
  • Increased self-awareness
  • Improved relationships with loved ones

Reaching out to patients with our unique treatment methodology has made Renaissance Ranch Outpatient the foremost authority in outpatient addiction recovery in Utah. By concentrating our healing efforts on not just the physical aspect of treatment but on the spiritual side as well, we help a person’s mind and body recover and overcome the obstacles in the healing process. Depending on the specific needs of our clients, we create an individualized treatment program that includes medications, a series of therapies, and discussions on Gospel principles. With our outpatient treatment program for men in Utah, we can lend a hand to men afflicted with the disease so they can overcome it. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 for more information.