Traditional Story as a Tool in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

• Main Author: Ohlsson, Claiborne Beth
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2011
• Subjects: story; storytelling; substance abuse treatment; Arts and Humanities; Medicine and Health Sciences; Mental and Social Health; Reading and Language; Substance Abuse and Addiction
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1326; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2517&context=etd

This qualitative study examined the viability of traditional stories in substance abuse treatment. The subjects for this study were young women ages 18-30 who were in substance abuse treatment in a small, rural, health department. During the 4-week study, 4 traditional stories were used in group sessions that gave the women a common reference point and a common language to frame discussions. Using story in the IOP sessions helped to create a safe, supportive environment as well as creating an opening for discussions about trauma and abuse, and other significant issues. Principles of 12 Step Recovery were woven into the discussion to help the participants deal with and reframe their experiences.