Slow and steady wins the race: a randomized clinical trial of acceptance and commitment therapy targeting shame in substance use disorders

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2012 Feb;80(1):43-53. doi: 10.1037/a0026070. Epub 2011 Oct 31.

Abstract

Objective: Shame has long been seen as relevant to substance use disorders, but interventions have not been tested in randomized trials. This study examined a group-based intervention for shame based on the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in patients (N = 133; 61% female; M = 34 years old; 86% Caucasian) in a 28-day residential addictions treatment program.

Method: Consecutive cohort pairs were assigned in a pairwise random fashion to receive treatment as usual (TAU) or the ACT intervention in place of 6 hr of treatment that would have occurred at that same time. The ACT intervention consisted of three 2-hr group sessions scheduled during a single week.

Results: Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated that the ACT intervention resulted in smaller immediate gains in shame, but larger reductions at 4-month follow-up. Those attending the ACT group also evidenced fewer days of substance use and higher treatment attendance at follow-up. Effects of the ACT intervention on treatment utilization at follow-up were statistically mediated by posttreatment levels of shame, in that those evidencing higher levels of shame at posttreatment were more likely to be attending treatment at follow-up. Intervention effects on substance use at follow-up were mediated by treatment utilization at follow-up, suggesting that the intervention may have had its effects, at least in part, through improving treatment attendance.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that an approach to shame based on mindfulness and acceptance appears to produce better treatment attendance and reduced substance use.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Residential Treatment / methods
  • Residential Treatment / statistics & numerical data
  • Self Concept
  • Shame*
  • Stereotyping
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*