Exploring Art Therapy in Alcoholism Detoxification: A Survey on Materials and Therapeutic Directives

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the most commonly used materials, directives, and therapeutic approaches employed in art therapy for individuals undergoing detox for alcohol use disorder (AUD). To explore these practices, 32 art therapy clinicians with experience in the substance use population completed an online survey. The survey included questions related to demographics, types of materials and directives, levels of complexity and structure, and engagement across levels of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). While it was anticipated that kinesthetic and sensory art making modalities, along with structured directives would be most prevalent, the results revealed a wide range of contradictory responses, specifically concerning levels of the ETC and directive structure. These findings highlight the diversity of clinical approaches in this setting and may serve as a foundational reference for future research aimed at deepening our understanding of effective art therapy interventions in AUD detox contexts.