"Mindfulness & Acceptance for Addictive Behaviors," edited by Steven C. Hayes, PhD (the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT), and Michael E. Levin, MA, is an authoritative collection that applies the principles of Contextual CBT (ACT) directly to the wide spectrum of addictive behaviors. The book’s core message is that the struggle against addiction is rooted in psychological inflexibility—the tendency to get trapped in thoughts and feelings and try to control or suppress them.

The book introduces the concept of psychological flexibility as the antidote. This is achieved through the dual practice of Mindfulness (learning to accept and observe difficult internal experiences without judgment) and Acceptance (choosing not to fight cravings, painful emotions, or self-critical thoughts). By embracing these experiences, the reader is empowered to choose actions that align with their deepest personal values, rather than reacting impulsively to impulses. This revolutionary approach is applicable not only to substance abuse but also to behavioral addictions like gambling, overeating, and sex addiction. The book is an essential, evidence-based guide for achieving lasting change by learning how to live a full and meaningful life, even with difficult feelings present.

Study Guide for Recovery

This study guide is designed to help you explore the concepts in "Mindfulness & Acceptance for Addictive Behaviors" and apply these powerful tools to your own path toward a valued life.

Key Themes & Concepts

• Psychological Inflexibility: Recognizing that the struggle against addiction is often made worse by attempts to control or suppress inner experiences like cravings and negative thoughts.
• The ACT Stance (Acceptance and Commitment): The core strategy of accepting what you cannot control (thoughts, feelings, cravings) and committing to action that aligns with your values.
• Cognitive Defusion: Learning to see thoughts, even self-critical ones or those urging relapse, as just words or mental events, rather than literal truths or commands.
• Values-Based Living: Identifying your deepest personal values (e.g., honesty, connection, health) and using them as a compass to guide your sober choices.

Discussion Questions

1. Identify one difficult feeling or craving you typically fight or try to suppress. How can you practice Acceptance toward that feeling today, simply allowing it to be there without reacting?
2. The book encourages Values-Based Living. What are your top three core values that guide your recovery, and what is one small action you can take to honor those values today?
3. Think about the technique of Cognitive Defusion. What is one self-critical thought you are willing to try saying in a silly voice, or labeling as "Just a thought," to strip it of its power?
4. The book applies to behavioral addictions as well. What is one non-substance, compulsive behavior (e.g., compulsive eating, excessive phone use, overworking) that you can approach with a mindful, non-judgmental awareness?
5. What does Psychological Flexibility look like in a high-risk situation? How would you define your flexible response (observing and acting on values) versus your inflexible response (reacting and giving in)?

Additional Resources

• Video: "Steven C. Hayes Explains ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)":
  • Watch the originator of ACT provide a clear overview of the model and its application to human suffering and change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY6T-7eF5vM (Search: Steven C. Hayes ACT explained)
• Resource: ACT Mindfully Website:
  • Explore resources, exercises, and further readings on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy from one of its leading proponents. (Search "ACT Mindfully resources".)
• Article: "The Science of Acceptance in Addiction Recovery"
  • This article discusses the empirical support for using acceptance and mindfulness techniques to successfully manage cravings and compulsive behavior. (Search: psychological flexibility addiction science)
• Website: Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS):
  • Explore the international professional organization dedicated to the research and application of ACT and other Contextual CBT models. https://www.contextualscience.org/