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When to 'ACT': An Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for AOD Recovery
A practical, skills-based masterclass on navigating cravings and difficult emotions without fighting them, and building psychological flexibility to take meaningful action toward the life you want, even when discomfort is present.
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Recovery can feel like a constant battle against cravings, difficult thoughts, and overwhelming emotions. It’s natural to want those experiences to disappear. But lasting recovery isn’t about eliminating discomfort - it’s about learning how to respond differently when it shows up.
In this masterclass, Clean Slate Clinic's Fiona Faulkner is joined by Dr. Paul Grinzi to introduce Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - a practical, evidence-based approach that builds psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to suppress or avoid cravings and difficult emotions, ACT teaches you how to stay present with discomfort, create space from unhelpful thoughts, and take action in line with what truly matters to you.
Participants will explore how attempts to escape or avoid discomfort can unintentionally reinforce the cycle of substance use - and learn skills to break that pattern. Through guided exercises and real-world tools such as cognitive defusion, urge surfing, and values clarification, you’ll discover that meaningful change doesn’t require perfect control. It requires committed action - even when cravings and difficult emotions are still present.
Watch the recording to learn:
✅ Understand how ACT builds real psychological flexibility
✅ Recognise when avoidance is shaping your behaviour
✅ Apply practical tools to defuse triggering thoughts
✅ Respond to urges with clarity instead of reaction
✅ Build a simple action plan guided by your values
Resources:
Pre-Session
Values Clarification Worksheet
Before watching the masterclass, complete this reflection to better understand your relationship with cravings, difficult thoughts, and emotions - and identify the values that can guide your next steps in recovery.
Values Clarification Worksheet
Post-Session
ACT Daily Practice Guide
Use this daily practice guide to strengthen psychological flexibility through simple morning, in-the-moment, and evening exercises that help you respond to cravings and difficult emotions while staying aligned with your values.
Cognitive Defusion Techniques
This practical guide introduces cognitive defusion strategies to help you step back from unhelpful thoughts, reduce their grip, and choose responses that support your recovery rather than react automatically.
Further Support:
Online resources
- Dr Russ Harris - Acceptance Commitment Therapy
- Interview with Kelly Wilson, Ph D: What if nothing needs to be removed?
Research
This review examines the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy across substance use disorders and highlights growing evidence that ACT improves psychological flexibility and reduces substance-related outcomes.
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of ACT specifically for alcohol use disorder and suggests promising outcomes for reducing drinking behaviour and improving long-term recovery engagement.
This study explores ACT’s impact on co-occurring depression and anxiety in people with substance use disorder, supporting its role in addressing underlying emotional drivers of addiction.
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Books
- The Happiness Trap - Russ Harris
- Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life - Steven C. Hayes & Spencer Smith
- ACT Made Simple - Russ Harris
- A Liberated Mind - Steven C. Hayes
- The Worry Trap - Chad LeJeune
Speakers:
Fiona Faulkner | Clean Slate Clinic
Fiona is the Managing Director at Clean Slate Clinic and has a background in nursing, social work, and mental health. Her journey led her to specialise in alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling, where she found her true passion. As one of Clean Slate's first nurses, Fiona values the continuity of care she can provide to clients throughout their recovery journey.
Dr. Paul Grinzi | Clean Slate Clinic
Paul is a GP with a career long interest in addiction and substance use issues. Paul is also a medical educator, assisting colleagues with their understanding of both general practice broadly, and alcohol and other drug issues. Paul’s philosophy for supporting clients is underpinned by a belief that everyone should have access to care that is non-stigmatised and treats their health issue for what it is - a health issue, rather than something moralistic.
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