Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Curriculum Enhances Engagement and Treatment Outcomes for Dually Diagnosed Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders |
| |
| Authors: | Melissa Davis Stuebing Hjördis Lorenz Lauren M. Littlefield |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland, USAMelissa.Stuebing@yahoo.com;3. Department of Psychology, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland, USA;4. Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the efficacy of the Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy© curriculum in enhancing personal change and treatment outcomes for populations dually diagnosed with substance use and mental health disorders. It supplemented standard rehabilitation treatment for 47 individuals in a U.S. facility by incorporating 12 Step guidelines, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and expressive arts activities. Pre-session and post-session participant ratings revealed positive increases for commitment to recovery, attitude toward making lifestyle changes, and hopefulness. Compared to 101 inpatients at the same facility, curriculum participants evidenced less drop-out, higher treatment completion, and greater personal investment in recovery. |
| |
| Keywords: | 12 Steps expressive arts substance use disorder addiction dual diagnosis opiates alcohol bipolar post-traumatic stress disorder depression illiteracy |
|
|
