Art Therapy and Substance Abuse

Book excerpt: Art therapy is an effective treatment for individuals with addictions. Working with this unique and often difficult clinical population, however, requires special therapist awareness and knowledge. This handbook provides an in-depth foundation of knowledge for art therapists working with clients with addictions. Drawing on many years' experience working with this population, Libby Schmanke provides valuable insight into this client group and explains how to ensure therapeutic interventions remain personalized and effective, while also meeting program needs. With case vignettes throughout, the book covers everything from common treatment models and how art therapy can be incorporated within them, to the bio-psycho-social aspects of addiction and how to handle a lack of cooperation or resistance to therapy.