Assessing the Impact of Expressive Arts Therapy on Enhancing Self-Compassion in Individuals With Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a growing concern in India due to its physical and emotional ramifications. For a patient in recovery from SUD, reversal is possible but involves psychological challenges during the withdrawal phase. This study primarily aims to assess the impact of Expressive Arts Therapy on residential patients with Substance Use Disorder in a de-addiction center. A total of 14 patients were sampled and the change in the level of Self Compassion was measured by pre test-post test method using the Self Compassion Scale Short Form. The group of patients were provided with interventions based in Expressive Arts Therapy over a span of 16 sessions spread across 5 weeks. The results of this study indicated that the pre-test mean for overall self-compassion for the group is 2.08 indicating low self-compassion whereas the mean for post-test is 3.77 indicating a rise in overall self-compassion following interventions based in Expressive Arts Therapy. However, the study duration and sample size were limited. The findings from the thesis can be used to identify the limitations in resources provided to patients with Substance Use Disorder and create effective creative body-based interventions within the framework of Expressive Arts Therapy.