The Use of Art Therapy as a Predictor of Relapse in Chemical Dependency Treatment

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the hypothesis that relapse in patients treated for chemical dependency could be predicted by evaluating artwork completed during the active treatment phase. A retrospective study, based on 5 years' observation, was carried out at a large county hospital. A rating manual was developed identifying 11 items as potential indicators of relapse. Two independent art therapists rated 50 sets of four assigned drawings. Three of the 11 items were found more likely to be present in the drawings of patients who relapsed within 3 months after treatment. These included; (1) the presence in a drawing of psychoactive substances or drug paraphernalia; (2) the lack of either a figure representing the self or any articulated or detailed figure in a drawing; and (3) the use of an abstract or geometric drawing style on at least 66% of the picture.