ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the role of emotions in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and defines several key terms including affect regulation and emotion regulation. Theory and research are reviewed that support the development of an Emotion Regulation Treatment (ERT) approach for individuals with AUD, and evidence of ERT’s initial efficacy is provided. Next, research is reviewed that supports the importance of adaptive emotion regulation as a transdiagnostic mechanism of change underlying efficacious and effective treatments for a number of different mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and AUD. Finally, an outline of ERT, its session structure, and who should administer ERT is provided and the use of the companion ERT client workbook is discussed.
