Art therapy group curriculum for youth experiencing substance use disorder receiving treatment in a residential facility

This paper will explore how art therapy is effective at treating substance use disorder in youth ages 12-17 years old through a group curriculum delivered in a residential setting. The creative process offers youth an alternative to traditional talk therapy, allowing for expression and non-verbal communication that goes beyond what words could offer. Based on elements from Adlerian theory and the Socio-ecological Model of Substance Use Disorder, the curriculum treats substance use disorder in a holistic way, considering the many areas of life that influences drug use. This paper will provide evidence to support the effectiveness of art therapy with this population and propose a group curriculum that can transform the type of residential treatment offered for youth with substance use disorder.