Executive summary
Addictive behaviours can have a devastating impact on individuals and society as a whole. This systematic review explores the effectiveness of ACT at helping individuals break free from addictive behaviours.
- Researchers conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of multiple studies on ACT and addictive behaviours.
- They examined treatment completion rates, addiction-related outcomes, and changes in psychological flexibility.
- A total of 28 studies were included, providing a robust overview of the therapy’s effectiveness.
Krotter, A., Aonso-Diego, G., González-Menéndez, A., González-Roz, A., Secades-Villa, R., & García-Pérez, Á. (2024). Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for addictive behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100773
Findings
- ACT showed higher abstinence rates at the end of treatment and at short-term.
- ACT evidenced higher abstinence rates than CBT conditions at the end of treatment.
- Being younger was related to higher short- and long-term abstinence rates.
- A higher number of ACT sessions increased long-term abstinence rates.
- ACT groups tended to show greater improvement in psychological flexibility.
Various factors were shown to influence the effectiveness of ACT, for example they found that a lower age and a greater number of therapy sessions were associated with higher abstinence rates in the long term. This highlights the importance of tailoring treatment to individual needs and investing sufficient time in the therapeutic process.
Summary
ACT presents a promising path towards freedom from addictive behaviours. Through acceptance, commitment to meaningful actions, and improved psychological flexibility, therapy clients can embark on a personal journey of recovery.
