Objectives: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically supported treatment which aims to enhance self-acceptance and a commitment to core values. The present study examined the effectiveness of the Choice Point model of ACT in a residential substance use disorder (SUD) setting. Choice Point is a contemporary approach to ACT and targets transdiagnostic processes.Methods: This uncontrolled quasi-experimental design assessed 47 participants taking part in Choice Point for Substances (CHOPS) in order to investigate its influence on psychological inflexibility, values-based action, and self-compassion over time. The study additionally assessed for sleeper effects and associations between transdiagnostic processes and warning signs of relapse.Results: Findings demonstrated a decrease in psychological inflexibility and increases in values-based action and self-compassion over time. Gains were maintained at follow-up, and sleeper effects were observed for psychological inflexibility and mindfulness. Correlational analysis suggested that all transdiagnostic processes were related to warning signs of relapse at follow-up.Conclusion: These results provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of CHOPS for SUD. Observed sleeper effects in psychological inflexibility and mindfulness indicate that CHOPS may provide longer-term benefits critical to a population where relapse is common. While encouraging, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Future research should utilize comparison groups when investigating CHOPS.
The Choice Point Model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With Inpatient Substance Use and Co-occurring Populations: A Pilot Study
