Khandelwal, N., Das, K., Sharma, R., & Ghosh, A. (2024). Testing the waters: A pilot trial of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for alcohol use disorder. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(2), 191-194. DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_820_23
Background:
Psychosocial interventions help maintain alcohol abstinence. Third-wave psychotherapies have emerged as an alternative to cognitive behavioral therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. However, third-wave therapies have not been tested in non-western settings or via telehealth.
Aim:
We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in moderate/severe AUD.
Methods:
This was a pre- and post-study design. All those who met the eligibility (n = 40) criteria consented to participate. A trained nurse delivered four sessions of ACT, either in-person or via video-conferencing, per participants’ preference. Alcohol use, craving, relapse signs, and psychological flexibility were assessed three months post-intervention.
Results:
Twenty-eight participants (70%) attended all four sessions. There was a significant increase in abstinence and a decrease in alcohol use, frequency of drinking/heavy drinking, craving, relapse signs, and improved psychological flexibility. Outcomes were positive for either mode of delivery.
Conclusion:
ACT is feasible, acceptable, and probably effective in AUD.