Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Curriculum Enhances Engagement and Treatment Outcomes for Dually Diagnosed Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

Stuebing, Melissa Davis; Lorenz, Hjordis; Littlefield, Lauren M.

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy (c) curriculum in enhancing personal change and treatment outcomes for populations dually diagnosed with substance use and mental health disorders. It supplemented standard rehabilitation treatment for 47 individuals in a U.S. facility by incorporating 12 Step guidelines, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and expressive arts activities. Pre-session and post-session participant ratings revealed positive increases for commitment to recovery, attitude toward making lifestyle changes, and hopefulness. Compared to 101 inpatients at the same facility, curriculum participants evidenced less drop-out, higher treatment completion, and greater personal investment in recovery.