Treating addiction is a complex process that necessitates the use of creative approaches. The departure from standard treatment programs is especially important when the patients are children and adolescents struggling with substance abuse. Unlike adults, this population is extremely vulnerable to inappropriate choice of interventions. Two activities represent examples of creative psychotherapy when working with underage addicts – songwriting in music therapy and clown roleplaying in drama therapy.
The most effective type of structured activity for the music therapy program is songwriting. The survey by Johnson and Heiderscheit (2018) has ascertained that songwriting is an intervention frequently used by music therapists when working with adolescents. Johnson and Heiderscheit (2018) explain that engaging in the communication and socialization skills needed to create a song this activity releases negative feelings. As a result, adolescents channel their energy into creativity instead of suppressing their addiction issues.
The most effective type of structured activity for the drama therapy program is clown roleplaying. The study by Gordon et al. (2018) has established that clown roleplaying is an effective intervention applied to manage mental health issues of children and adolescents, including addiction issues. Gordon et al. (2018) argue that clown roleplaying works by normalizing paradox for mental health patients, which contributes to rehabilitation. In essence, addicts recover by learning to manage ambivalence in structured clown play sessions.
In conclusion, both clown roleplaying and songwriting are appropriate activities for adolescents and children struggling with substance abuse because they channel their energy into creativity. Drama and music therapy provide creative ways for addicts to express themselves, which is a substantial part of healing from mental health issues. Not only does incorporating such activities contribute to the rehabilitation and recovery of underage patients, but it may also help adult addicts as well.
References
Gordon, J., Shenar, Y., & Pendzik, S. (2018). Clown therapy: A drama therapy approach to addiction and beyond. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 57, 88-94.
Johnson, K., & Heiderscheit, A. (2018). A survey of music therapy methods on adolescent inpatient mental health units. Journal of Music Therapy, 55(4), 463-488.