Reducing self-stigma in substance abuse through acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, manual development, and pilot outcomes
2008, Vol. 16, No. 2
,
Pages 149-165
(doi:10.1080/16066350701850295)
Jason B. Luoma1†, Barbara S. Kohlenberg1, Steven C. Hayes1, Kara Bunting1 and Alyssa K. Rye1
1University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557–0062, USA
Little is known about the assessment and treatment of self-stigma in substance abusing populations. This article describes the development of an acceptance based treatment (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy–ACT) for self-stigma in individuals in treatment for substance use disorder. We report initial outcomes from a study with 88 participants in a residential treatment program. The treatment involves 6 h of a group workshop focused on mindfulness, acceptance, and values work in relation to self-stigma. Preliminary outcomes showed medium to large effects across a number of variables at post-treatment. Results were as expected with one potential process of change, experiential avoidance, but results with other potential mediators were mixed.
