ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines three elements of military substance abuse and co-occurring disorders treatment which are either uniquely engaged through the arts therapies or that are further enriched when they are addressed through non-verbal and creative interventions: building group cohesion and social support, developing independent self-regulating skills, and expressing and exploring resistance or ambivalence. Treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders at the inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization level is typically short term and time limited. Addressing patients' needs through a combination of directive and non-directive art therapy approaches is most effective in these settings. Treatment of substance use disorders tends to be heavily structured in favor of group-based interventions. The therapeutic goals of building group cohesion, connecting with emotions, and addressing resistance are all uniquely engaged through the arts therapies, because of the open-ended possibilities inherent in creating. Art therapy offers an opportunity for individual expression and uniform group identity to exist side by side rather than in opposition.
