Men and Substance
Abuse Disorder - An Art
Therapy Proposal
Men and Substance Abuse Disorder - An Art Therapy
Proposal

INTRODUCTION
GOOD AFTER NOON EVERYONE my name is peri Nolan-Trott

Begin with a story – My research Proposal is geared to men with
substance use disorders and Men and addiction and the need for a
community based RT THERAPY Program. What I observed at MTC
Also, I done a small research project on Art therapy ON Art therapy in
Bermuda

I found that there were about 3 licensed art therapist on island and one
lived between Bermuda and the UK.

Why did I tell you this story? Because it can give you some idea about
the number of art therapist in Bermuda.

Purpose Statement
• The purpose of this
research is to develop a
framework for the
development of a government
funded community non-profit
art therapy programme that
will provide increased
options for recovery to
support men with Substance
Use Disorders (SUD) in
Bermuda.

Justification

According to the World Drug Report (2021),
it is

million people have used drugs, up by 22 per

individuals with SUD can develop
mental and physical health issues
and may be at risk of suicide or
suicidal ideation. They are also
likely to become unemployed,
experience homelessness, and
become involved in criminal
activities. While there are several
treatment programs, there are gaps
in community base services.

estimated that globally “around 275

cent from 2010. By 2030, demographic factor

project the number of people using drugs to rise

s

by 11 per cent around the world….” The rise
in

Substance Use Disorders is also on the increa
se in Bermuda. Report from Bermuda Assessm

ent

and Referral Centre (BARC) have seen an inc
rease of new person who access services in 202
1
creased by 33% over the previous year. (BerD
IN (20

22, p.33).

Terms Important to Know
A RT

THERAPY

• Art therapy is a theopathic approach that
promotes behavioral changes and healing through
image making and can include, painting, drawing,
sculpturing, music, narrative.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
(SUDS)

Continuous use of drug despite health challenges and
disruption to everyday functioning

These programs are based on peer support and a can be an
effective resource for individual with Substance Use

• Twelve-step programs/ peer group support Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) and Narcotic

Disorder. The model is that people can help people to
achieve and maintain sobriety by attending peer group
meetings as often as possible. The belief in a Higher Power is

•

central theme.

Literature Review
Therapeutic modalities used with the treatment of substance abuse disorder (SUD) are
presented. Research studies that inform this research are then explored.
Cognitive Behavior therapy
The aim of Cognitive Behaviour therapies is the reduction of Symptoms. CBT has been effective in the treatment
of various mental health disorders including Substance Use Disorders. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a shortterm therapeutic approach that deals with the ‘here and now.’ It attends to the problem at hand and does not
necessarily focus on pass issues. CBT helps people to recognize negative thinking patterns, develop new skillsets,
and better coping skills. It has proven to be beneficial for a wide population range

Literature
Review Cont..
•

Trauma Theory

•
Trauma refers to any major threatening or life-threatening event. This includes a
“one-time, multiple, or long-lasting repetitive events, and affects everyone differently.”
Some individuals may clearly display criteria associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), that can affect an individual, a community, or a nation.

•

Trauma Treatment and Art therapy

•
Hu et al. (2021), after reviewing 413 literatures concluded that art therapy was
appropriate to support individuals suffering from trauma. These findings suggest that art
therapy is useful as therapeutic method to assist individuals to lead better lives. Schouten
et al. (2019) also noted that “experiential character of art therapy appears to be an
appropriate approach to the often wordless and visual nature of traumatic memories”,
especially with individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Program proposal
The development of a community-based art therapy project. This would provide a safe space for
men, aged eighteen and over, who are in the process of recovery due to substance use disorder
(SUD). The programme would be administered by a master’s level art therapist who has additional
training in working with individuals dealing with SUD. It is hoped that this programme could be an
additional resource in Bermuda.
In Bermuda treatment for men with SUD is facilitated through services which include Bermuda
Assessment and Referral Services, Turning Point (for detoxification and mental health support), and
Men’s Treatment Centre, which are government funded. Other providers include the Salvation Army
and Harbor Light drug programme, which are private agencies. In addition, many individuals with
SUD’s also experience mental health issues. Stigmatization often stops individuals from obtaining
treatment.

Art Therapy and Substance Use Disordders
Art therapy is an important treatment approach in working with addiction and has been extensively
researched. Aletraris et al (2014), looked at Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM)
practices. In their studies of thirty-six treatment programs, art therapy and music therapy were
integrated in their treatment programs. Their conclusions suggest that art therapy was beneficial for
individuals with Substance Use Disorder. Art therapy helped in decreasing denial, supported to
alcoholism treatment, and provided a means for communication.

Program model
• This model incorporates art therapy as a
means of enhancing recovery in the
community for men with SUD. The
Recovery/Support Model is a peer-to-peer
approach which helps people in gaining an
understanding about their addiction. The
Recovery/Support model is a less authoritative
approach to recovery. This approach
promotes self-efficacy to improve behaviors

• It can further help individuals to understand the
impact that their addiction may have on their
families, friends, and their communities.
Furthermore, it can assist with understanding how
their situation can be addressed. Peer-led
intervention can also reduce self-stigma and stigma
pressure; it might improve an individuals’ chances
for recovery

Data on Information
In Bermuda there appears to be limited data regarding
resources for men with substance use disorders. Much
of the information on substance use is highlighted in the
BerDin Report. Data on information is compiled from
provided from organization that support individuals
with SUD’s.

Limitation and funding
There is limited research regarding the needs of men
and addiction in Bermuda. There is relatively little
information regarding art therapy as a community
resource and the benefits of this supporting recovery.
The yearly BerDin reports however, attempts to collect
statistical data on addiction through organization that
services individuals with addiction.

Funding is obtained via the Bermuda Government and
through private organizations. In looking at the
research, there appears to be a need for funding for
community art therapy intervention that support mental
health and substance use disorders. It is likely that more
activism and advocacy is required by individuals with
substance used disorders that will promote their needs
for community resources.

What works and
what doesn’t Work
• In Bermuda I found it vey difficult to
obtain statistics on individuals with
substance use disorders. I visited
several government departments and was
referred to other departments. Most of
the statistics for Bermuda was obtained
through the BerDIN publication which
collects data annually from stakeholders

Future Research
Further research can address the need of preventative care
that encourages empowerment, the reduction of
stigmatization of mental health and substance use disorders
through community base art therapy programs.