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.
➡ Check out the bottom of the page for details on our Book Talk on December 15!
SIG Leaders
Molly England - president
Deirdre Waters - past president
Elijah Meason - president elect and community connector
Cordelia Kraus - friend of the board
Contact Information
Molly England [email protected]
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, students, 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 encourages 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.
Upcoming Events
We're excited to announce our upcoming Book Talk with Dr. Maria Karekla, Author of Cravings and Addictions. Join us December 15.
Registration is now open!
Cravings and Addictions: Free yourself from the struggle of Addictive Behavior with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Cravings and Addictions. Author bio and photo attached. Watch Dr. Karekla’s TedTalk here.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Dec 15, 2026 06:00 PM Nicosia/8 am PT/9 am MT/11 am ET
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PqqLgCkJQ3GS29H_bFm9Jw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
**** PLEASE USE A TIME CONVERTER TO CONFIRM YOUR LOCAL TIME: time and date converter
Attach bio and headshot Book Talk 12/15/2026