Use of expressive writing as an effective adjunct treatment for chemical addiction

Title : Use of expressive writing as an effective adjunct treatment for chemical addiction

Abstract:

Addiction to chemical substances in a significant problem not just in the United States, but globally. Drugs are becoming harsher, and fentanyl is attempting to be made resistant to Narcan. Individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction face long-term consequences to continued use, including the risk of death. Much more needs to be done. This presentation is on the author’s published theory on the efficacy of prompted creative writing found useful in the treatment of addition to chemical substances. The presentation will cover the amplified benefits of inclusion of this type of adjunct approach fitting for a structured program formerly relying mostly on group lectures and other forms of counselling. The effects that will be shown through anecdotal evidence demonstrate the longevity of this approach leading to many cases of longer-term sobriety than otherwise likely. The speaker has found that writers in several treatment facilities have benefitted from such creative writing and are able to maintain long-term sobriety through continued writing and participation in weekly creative writing group meetings. Treatment facilities are expanding their counselling choices to include creative writing as a treatment option, and it is not a worthy component of the treatment plan for some recovering addicts. Former participants in the creative writing program are starting to open up new pathways to other treatment programs encouraging inclusion of creative writing as a adjunctive treatment modality.

Audience Take Away Notes: 

• The audience will learn how to design and implement an effective writing program within individual or group counseling.
• A more effective overall treatment program will develop allowing the patient to express his or her views more prominently within the therapeutic setting.
• The theories and research will demonstrate ready adaptability to any treatment program or academic setting.
• Those interested in learning how to apply this treatment modality are easily trained.
• Addition of this approach is very cost-effective.

Biography:

Dr. Eric A. Kreuter is a Primary Counselor at Cornerstone treatment center in Rhinebeck, NY. He has four years of prior experience as weekend counselor at St. Christopher’s Inn, located in Garrison, NY. Dr. Kreuter holds master’s degrees in psychology and Christian Leadership, a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has recently retired form a long career as a Forensic Accountant/CPA with a national public accounting firm. Dr. Kreuter has published an academic book about this presentation (Nova Science Publishers), as well as a recent article published by the Journal of Creative Writing Studies (Rochester Institute of Technology).