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:

Eric A. Kreuter, Ph.D., CASAC is a Counselor at Cornerstone Treatment Facilities working in their Rhinebeck, NY program. Dr. Kreuter retired from CBIZ, Inc as a Managing Director and was a partner with Marks Paneth LLP, a NYC-based regional accounting and business consulting firm prior to its merger with CBIZ. He specialized in litigation support and forensic investigations. Dr. Kreuter testified as an expert witness in civil damage cases and has testified at a grand jury hearing in a criminal case, leading to the conviction of an embezzler. He also served as a Weekend Substance Use Dependency Counselor at St. Christopher’s Inn in Garrison, NY where he facilitated therapeutic groups and workshops on use of creative writing. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College, a Master of Arts degree in Industrial Psychology from Long Island University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University, where he also served as a Trustee of the Board. He completed a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership at Dubuque University Theological Seminary. Dr. Kreuter served as a Research Fellow with the Cambridge Institute for Psychology and Religion and was Editor of the International Journal for Psychology Research, published by Nova Science Publishers. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds certifications in the fields of management accounting, forensic investigations, and human resource management. Dr. Kreuter has numerous publications in the fields of psychology, business, poetry, and human resource management. He has taught graduate level course at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY and Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Dr. Kreuter is Treasurer of The National Association for Poetry, Inc., serves as a Board Member of One Earth Conservation and is a former Board member and President of Hermandad, Inc. He is a Ruling Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown and served on the Board of Temple Beth Am in Yorktown Heights, NY. Dr. Kreuter is a Novice with the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans and will profess final vows June 2025.