Applying ACT to Addictions SIG

Applying ACT to Addictions Special Interest Group

Affiliated 2013

Click here to join the Applying ACT to Addictions SIG and its Listserv!

You will be added as a member to the SIG and to the SIG's email listserv. You will receive those messages in daily digest form (by default). If you would like to change your email delivery preference, you can do so here.

Join us on Facebook (AAA-sig) where we have a less active (but still fun) presence. 

➡ Check out the bottom of the page for details on what's happening at World Con this year!

SIG Leaders

Deirdre Waters, President
Molly England, President Elect, Community Connector                                                                                           Cordelia Kraus, Past President
Gabriella Svanberg, Facebook Manager

Contact Information

Deirdre Waters, PsyD                                                                                                                                                            Licensed Psychologist                                                                                                                                                        Rutgers GSAPP MAP 
Behavioral Health Institute of Monmouth County 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Applying ACT to Addictions SIG is to foster the application of ACT and CBS to the understanding and treatment of harmful substance and activity addictions leading to their alleviation.

Topics of Interest

We will develop and share better skills and techniques for the application of ACT specifically to problems of abuse and dependence on substances, and compulsive engagement in harmful activities. We will certainly keep abreast of current research and trends in the field of addictions. We plan to dedicate some energy to updating the practices used in addiction rehabilitation programs (both inpatient and outpatient) and addiction therapy and support groups to include applications of contextual science as well as other science-based techniques and practices.

Description of SIG membership

We are an international group of researchers, teachers, and therapists who see a rather clear connection between having addictions and attempts to avoid private internal experiences, fusing with some very unhelpful thoughts/ideas, and a disconnect from one's values.

SIG Activities

• The SIG has met together at every ACBS World Conference since 2013. 

• The SIG holds at least one online community gathering a year, often a few weeks after World Con. 

• We have established both a Listserv and a Facebook group for community connection and support and encourage all AAA-SIG members to introduce themselves and share their thoughts! 

• The AAA-SIG maintains a webpage of protocols and research resources and encourage our members to add their resources. A recording of our October 2024 panel on using ACT in Groups for addiction available on this page!

• AAA SIG  provides a process for sponsorship for World Con submissions related to addictive behaviors and can offer up to three sponsorship designations per conference.