Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Acceptance and Commitment Theory
Part 1: Annotated Bibliography
Lanza, P. V., García, P. F., Lamelas, F. R., & González, M. A. (2014). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder With Incarcerated Women. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(7), 644–657. https://doi-org.eps.cc.ysu.edu/10.1002/jclp.22060
Lanza et al. (2014) conducted a randomized controlled study to compare acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). With fifty incarcerated women as participants, the authors found that ACT did not improve anxiety sensitivity outcomes compared to CBT. However, the authors concluded that ACT is a more viable alternative to CBT in treating substance usage disorders and associated mental disorders. The article also throws its spotlight on CBT programs, which employ cognitive restructuring in an attempt to change a client's unhealthy behavior. The authors elaborate further by explaining that CBT focuses on modifying troublesome thoughts and maladaptive behaviors to reduce symptoms. In conclusion, the article suggests that for incarcerated women who pose serious problems, ACT may be the most appropriate option. On the flip side, ACT proved more effective in improving mental health and reducing drug use. The article has valuable information on ACT and its effectiveness in treating substance abuse.
Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2014). Are Mindfulness-Based Interventions Effective for Substance Use Disorders? A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Substance Use & Misuse, 49(5), 492–512. https://doi-org.eps.cc.ysu.edu/10.3109/10826084.2013.770027
Chiesa and Serretti (2014) review current evidence on the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) as a therapeutic approach to treat substance use and misuse. According to the article, evidence points to the fact that MBIs can be instrumental in considerably reducing the consumption of several substances. These include, among others, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, and marijuana. MBIs incorporate a broad set of interventions, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and ACT. MBSR and MBCT are brief meditation programs that help patients develop an awareness sensation that is non-judgmental. On the other hand, ACT enables individuals to develop the ability to foster acceptance of unwelcome thoughts and feelings. Further, the authors explain that MBIs centrally focus on a reduction in craving and increased mindfulness. This has been suggested as a critical intervention measure to stem the prevalence of relapse, which remains a significant stumbling block in dealing with substance abuse. However, the authors note with a hint of regret that researchers have not reached a complete consensus on how the concept of mindfulness should be operationalized. In sum, evidence indicates that MBIs can considerably reduce the consumption of several substances of misuse. The article is paramount because it focuses on acceptance and commitment therapy (AC...