Art therapy interventions for Substance Abusing population

Source: Handout prepared by Marian Lancaster, obtained during presentation in Ethics class

Self-perception
1. Self-using vs. Clean/Sober self
2. Inner-Outer self
3. How I see myself how others see me
4. Paper bag or box: inner-hidden, unshared, parts of self one wants to discard vs. outer-shared, false confident
5. Masks

Step work
1. First step: Powerlessness (collage helpful during detox)
2. Second step: Higher power, Spirituality
3. Third step: "Turning over" - Letting go
4. Fourth step: Inventory (cleaning out the refrigerator)

Bridge Drawing
From addiction to recovery: Where I've come from and Where I am going/Where I want to be (may add expected obstacles)

Road to recovery
Life/experience in treatment

Protection and Gates
Addressing defenses

Battle Drawing
Addiction vs. Recovery; Person vs. substance

Garbage Bag or God Bag
Get rid of inside garbage, or turn things over, "Let go, Let God."

Favorite Animal
Loner or pack animal, defenses, needs for survival, domesticated or wild, how does it relate to self, safe place for animal

Worst thing that ever happened when using
Look at guilt, shame, and forgiveness

Feelings
Mood states/mind states, collage, drawings, movement, body work

Boundaries/Trust
round robin drawing, trust walk, awareness of energy in fingers preferably 2 people move their hands close but not quite touching

Guided Relaxation, guided imagery, stress management techniques

Group
joint projects, survival on an island, quilts, murals, self-symbol in clay shared with other members

*My intention is to expand upon these ideas with a more formal post for each, or at least most, interventions. I was always digging out this hand-out, though, so I thought I should go ahead and post it for future convenient referencing.