ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a few of the issues encountered in settings, while emphasizing the importance of a biopsychosocial treatment approach that aligns with the individual client. A foundational protocol for psychoeducational art therapy groups is provided; case vignettes exemplify individual art therapy within a substance abuse treatment program. The abbreviation mental illness–chemical addiction or the terms ‘co-occurring disorders’ or ‘dual diagnosis’ refer to the presence of one or more psychiatric diagnoses in addition to the Substance use disorders. Opioid addiction occurs with prescription pain killers as well as with illicit opioids such as heroin, and has reached epidemic status in the United States. Art therapy is a powerful way to address problematic substance use within a comprehensive medical treatment model. When incorporated in a typical psychoeducational curriculum, art therapy in groups can illuminate concepts clients are expected to learn and help them personalize their new understanding of addiction.
