Abstract
This qualitive research study investigated the effectiveness of art therapy to increase hopefulness
in sustained recovery, overcoming stigma associated with substance use history, effectiveness of
group art therapy, and establishment of self-worth among adults with substance use disorders
(SUD). A qualitative study is traditionally utilized to gain understanding of underlying reasons,
opinions and motivations. This study allowed participants to experience and gain understanding
of self-worth through art-making, instead of traditional verbal communication. Participants were
members of an out-patient treatment group, included both men and women and ranged in age
from 18 to 65 years old. Participants completed pre- and post-assessments and engaged in four
art therapy directives specifically determined to elicit thoughts, feelings, and emotions related to
perceptions of hopefulness and self-worth. Themes were determined from analysis of the data
and utilized to determine results of the study. An analysis of the data indicated themes of
increased relaxation, hopefulness, and confidence. These results could help validate utilization
of art therapy with adults in substance use treatment as an effective and valuable method for
treatment.
