Anonymous drama therapy could help people struggling with addiction

The programme allows people to combine fiction and their own experiences

The therapy is completely anonymous to help people overcome trauma
Author: Molly TulettPublished 1st Jan 2024
Last updated 1st Jan 2024

Drama therapy could help people struggling with addiction on their road to recovery, according to a study by the University of Glasgow.

The programme was pioneered by charity Creative Change Collective (CCC) as part of a move to reduce the number of drug and alcohol related deaths in Scotland.

It allows participants to blend their own lived experiences with fiction, to allow them to process trauma in a less emotionally charged and triggering setting.

Project director Mark MacNicol was inspired by his brother Jason, who passed away after a heroin addiction.

"Everything we do is designed to have a positive impact"

He wants to help other families in similar situations, and said: "Jason's death was a big factor. I tried everything to get him on the right path and the reality is I was unsuccessful.

"If there is one person helped as a result, then there is a family out there who doesn't have to go through what mine did."

Attendees use their first names only in the therapy, and the anonymity of the sessions can allow participants to look into personal issues they may be reluctant to share in regular therapy.

Mr MacNicol continued: “Everything we do is designed to have a positive impact on alcohol and drug deaths and offending rates, I'm not naive, I know it's not a silver bullet.

"I know it's not a silver bullet"

"From our internal and external evaluations like this, it's having a positive impact. This study clearly shows it really works. Theatre and arts programmes have been used with great success for many years but none of them have applied anonymity to the degree we have.”

The study by the Glasgow University found taking part has a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem, confidence and helping access education and employment in some cases.

It was found to help with bonding with others, and providing routine and purpose, as well as demonstrating progress in recovery or rehabilitation to an audience of people close to them.

It concluded: "Overall, it was clear throughout the interviews with participants that CCC's unique anonymous drama model has positive impacts on participants' recovery and/or desistance journeys."

"Really special to me"

One participant said he felt being able to take part showed he was trusted with responsibility, and he added it was "really special" to perform for family and friends at Glasgow's Oran Mor venue.

Colin said: "I knew parents and friends were watching, but that's really special to me, to have them proud of me for something.

"Knowing that my family knows I'm not just doing meetings all the time, and actually doing things I enjoy and love to do.

"I was asked to write scripts for this Oran Mor performance. To be given that responsibility is very nice because it lets me, it lets someone, know 'I trust you, and you're talented enough to be able to do this', that's beautiful.

"I never think about using when I'm in here, it also gives purpose, direction, something to do. When you're in recovery, you massively need schedule and some form of purpose or routine."

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