Do creative arts therapies reduce substance misuse? A systematic review

The complexities of substance misuse treatment indicate a need to consider the efficacy of creative arts therapies for those who find it difficult to verbalise their emotions and feelings. The focus of this systematic review is to identify and critically evaluate studies on the effectiveness of creative arts therapy interventions for reducing substance misuse, aiming at reaching some conclusions on the subject. Research studies employing randomised control trials (RCT’s) and controlled clinical trials were identified across eight academic databases. A total of 3204 records were found out of which 381 were duplicates and a further 2818 were excluded as not meeting the inclusion criteria. Five RCT’s met the inclusion criteria and related to music. The effect size (Cohen’s d) of reported outcomes showed a strong positive effect for music therapy to enhance contemplation (0.9), treatment readiness (0.76), motivation (0.54) and reduction of cravings (−0.54). The results of this review should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of studies found and the difference in the treatments employed. However music therapy may be valuable in treatment plans for substance misuse. Further research is warranted to examine the long-term effectiveness of music therapy

Using art-based techniques in engaging children and young people in health care consultations and/or research

This paper outlines how art-based techniques and activities can applied for use in consultation work and/or research projects with children and young people. First, the concept of what constitutes an art-based activity and how it might be used in consultation and/or research is explored. Following this, three art-based activities of using photographs, drawings/posters or collages and mapping techniques are considered in terms of application to field work. Literature and work undertaken by the author is drawn upon. Critical discussion of using art-based techniques includes pragmatic discussion relating to entering the field, time, resources, collecting the data, settings and feedback. © 2007 Sage Publications