Cravings and Addictions

Looking for a self-help guide for cravings that get you into trouble? Look no further than this book. There are many self-help books out there, but very few are evidenced-based and written by clinical psychologists and professors in psychology such as are these two authors. Based on these underpinnings of original research and clinical practice, these two authors compassionately guide you step by step to changing your relationship to cravings.

JoAnne Dahl, PhD , professor emerita in the department of psychology at Uppsala University in Sweden, licensed psychologist, psychotherapist, peer-reviewed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer, and Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) fellow

Written by two leading scholars in ACT, this book brings together decades of research and clinical practice on how to cope with cravings and break addictive patterns. Its an excellent guide for learning how to develop a new relationship with your cravings so they dont push you around so much, with a wealth of practical tips and skills that apply to a wide range of craving-related problems.

Michael Levin, PhD , professor at Utah State University, and coauthor of Innovations in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Cravings and Addictions is an excellently crafted, interactive book with touching personal stories of the authors own struggles with cravings leading into innovative exercises that use cutting-edge theory from psychological science. We all struggle with certain cravings and addictions to varying degrees. Cravings and Addiction s provides key tips on how to surf the cravings, urges, impulses, and desires that underpin whatever habit it is that you want to break.

Louise McHugh , professor in the school of psychology at University College Dublin; peer-reviewed ACT trainer; author of more than one hundred academic papers in the area of ACT and relational frame theory (RFT); and coauthor of The Self and Perspective Taking

If you want to stop fighting with cravings and instead live life more fully, this book will show you the way. Honest, insightful, and full of clinical wisdom, the authors masterfully show you steps you can take to overcome your struggles. Using case studies combined with expert commentary, it is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to transform their struggle with cravings or therapists wanting to learn this approach.

Andrew Gloster , professor of psychology, head of division of clinical psychology and intervention science, and head of postgraduate training in process-based psychotherapy at University of Basel

This book is a highly engaging, user-friendly application of ACT for individuals who are struggling with the use of substances, including food. The authors masterfully balance instruction with compassion in a way that creates a setting for empowerment and change, and readers will easily relate to the client examples. The intense focus on cravings is novel, making this a must-read for lay persons and professionals alike.

Angela L. Stotts, PhD , professor and vice chair for research at the UTHealth McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

I found this book so helpfulboth informative and easily applicable. In fact, I received bad news while reading it, experienced a food craving, and was able to manage it effectively using the tools the authors provided! I loved the blend of classic and new ACT exercises along with the relatable case examples. Anyone who struggles with cravings of any sort should read this book!

Jill Stoddard, PhD , author of Be Mighty , and coauthor of The Big Book of ACT Metaphors

Just about everyone craves something. But as we give in to our cravings, they often grow in size and strength, and can quite literally take over our lives. But it doesnt have to be that way. This gentle and compassionate book offers you a newer, science-backed approach to help you break the cycle of cravings and additions so you can reclaim your power and your life. If you work with this book, youll find that you may have cravings, but they no longer control you. Instead, you gain the space and freedom to do what you truly care about, cravings or not.

John P. Forsyth, PhD , professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, and coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety and Anxiety Happens

This book is powerful. It unpacks the myths about cravings, and helps you understand your physical, social, habitual, and emotional coping strategies. It puts the reader back in charge by helping them with strategies for success that comprise good behavioral science plus human warmth via kindness and compassion. You will feel your motivation rise as you discover your trade-off. Living inside your immediate craving vs. valued living and being healthier, happier, having more money, better relationships, and greater confidence. This book is clear and easy to follow. If you want to change your life, I thoroughly recommend it.

Louise Hayes, PhD , clinical psychologist, and coauthor of The Thriving Adolescent ; Your Life, Your Way ; and Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

NEW HARBINGER PUBLICATIONS is a registered trademark of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Copyright 2021 by Maria Karekla, Megan Kelly

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Daniel

Acquired by Elizabeth Hollis Hansen

Edited by Kristi Hein

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Karekla, Maria, author. | Kelly, Megan ( Megan M.), author.

Title: Cravings and addictions : free yourself from the struggle of addictive behavior with acceptance and commitment therapy / Maria Karekla, PhD, Megan Kelly, PhD.

Description: Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, [2022] | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2021033401 | ISBN 9781684038336 (trade paperback)

Subjects: LCSH: Substance abuse--Treatment. | Acceptance and commitment therapy.

Classification: LCC RC564 .K375 2022 | DDC 362.29--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021033401

Maria

To my family, who cultivate in me the most coveted craving of allto live and to love.

To my coauthor, my cherished friend and cheerleader. To my clients, who allow me to touch their lives, hopefully for the better.

Megan

To my family, who have always believed in me and what I value. To my coauthor, for her many years of close friendship and support. To the veterans I have worked with, who are the embodiment of committed action.

Contents

Foreword

The great author, Mark Twain, famously said: Giving up smoking is easyIve done it hundreds of times. This witty line speaks to an important truth: breaking bad habits is not easyespecially when that habit is so deeply entrenched, so powerful and pervasive, that we label it as an addiction. Twain also said, Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. And that is precisely what the authors of this book will help you to do, using the science-based approach of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).