Title: STOPPING THE REVOLVING DOOR OF SUBSTANCE

ADDICTIONS
Author: Stefanie Nelson-Guffey
Address: Northern Kentucky University
Source:
Page count:
Language: English
Keywords: substance abuse, addicts, artists, psychotherapy, behavioral
interventions, addiction treatment, art therapy, faith-base
treatment
Abstract: With todays increase in drug and alcohol additions in the Northern
Kentucky and Cincinnati area, there is a huge need for substance
abuse treatment programs. Despite the use of behavioral
interventions, there are still poor outcomes for overcoming these
additions. The report will describe my concept for treatment of
additions alongside a faith-base and art therapy to enhance the
break the cycle of substance abuse.
Subjects: Art Therapy, Faith-Base, Drug and Alcohol Addictions, Group
Psychotherapy, Long-term Treatments
Classification: Drug and Alcohol Faith-Base Rehabilitation
Population: Human
Female
Male
Location: United States
Age Group: Adulthood (18 years of age and older)
Methodology: Clinical Case Study
Format Covered: Electonic

http://archive.cincinnati.com/article/20130325/NEWS1006/303250003/SPECIAL-
REPORT-Northern-Kentucky-heroin-ground-zero

Integrative Studies
Stefanie Nelson-Guffey
April 28, 2014
Dr. Jennifer Webster

STOPPING THE REVOLVING DOOR OF SUBSTANCE

Northern Kentucky is the states central point of for heroin, straining legal and medical
systems and bringing deadly consequences that are starting to spill out to the rest of the
state. Almost 60 percent of Kentuckys heroin prosecutions just three years ago were
here in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. These three counties have just 8.4
percent of the Kentuckys total population. Their rate of heroin overdose deaths, not just
overdose, is more than twice that of Cincinnati or metro Louisville.
This is by all accounts an epidemic.
Sheriff Jeff Kidwell of Campbell County has stated that reports of possible
overdose of heroin calls of people in Newport alone have grown from 66 in
2009 to 94 in 2012. In Kenton County the overdose calls increased from 176 in 2009
to 247 in 2012.
The real picture of todays heroin addict is nothing like the ideal most people have. Most
when asked thinks of an addict as someone who hooker, a criminal low-life who is poor
and worthless, unemployed, and on welfare. However, the truth is we all know someone
who is a heroin addict. We just might not realize it. They could be volunteer at your
childs school, they could be your doctor, or even your co-worker who you think is the
hardest working person you have ever seen. The scary truth is there is no typical heroin
abuser.
(go to prezi)
So the question we are faced with is What do we do with this epidemic? Is there even
anything out there that will help these addicts in our area? Lets take a look at the
current system for drug and alcohol treatments.
There are both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse therapy in Northern Kentucky
and Cincinnati area. Most do offer the same type of treatment with the same outcome.
(go to video prezi)
These are the 12-Step groups, the outpatient like NorthKey, and inpatient groups like at
the St. Elizabeth Hospital all have a Band-Aid short term approach. Nothing can be
done in just 12 steps or in 30 days and last for a lifetime. After all, isnt that the purpose
of treatment?
(go to prezi)
Really? Thats the treatment that is going to safe our friends and loved ones? There must
be a better way! I propose that there is not only a better way but a way these addicts can
reclaim their lives forever.
I believe by using the interdisciplinary approach in researching this issue and think of a
solutions we can have an answer that will be more affective then the current system that
is in place today. Drug and alcohol addiction isnt merely a Psychology issue. Its a
medical, economical, financial, criminal justice, religious, cultural,
political, etc. Addictions could be studied in so many ways because they
affect so many areas in our lives. If only Psychology or criminal justice was
the way to treat addictions when the current system would work; but they
dont.
This is why I am studying art, photography, history, and psychology. I
believe through art one can take the brokenness they have had in their lives
and use it in a creative way that bring beauty has they work to overcome
their demons. (show my art)
There is also beauty in the smiles of others when they are engaged with
something they love. This could be story telling with friend or family
members, hanging out at the park, or whatever. When people are truly
happy they glow from the inside out and it always makes a beautiful picture.
Im studying history because without knowing and understanding the
history of our area and world around us in order to avoid repeating the
same mistakes. Psychology is another great way to find an understanding
as to why others behave as their do and how we can use their personality
traits to aid them in achieving to the best of their abilities.
In looking at this issue of drug and alcohol addictions and knowing that the
current system isnt working, I wanted to ask the question of, What if faith
is brought into the treatment plan? Would this make a difference? I am a
Christian and lean on God every day of my life. My relationship with my
Heavenly Father is very real and I do rely on His guidance in order for me
to be the best woman, student, mother, friend, employee, and daughter I
can be. Without Him I could not find my way in this crazy world. There are
just too many lies around us telling us false teachings that destroy our lives.
In our Interdisciplinary Studies book it talked about the instrumental
approach in which focal points for making connections between disciplines
and integrating my insights of what is my hearts desire for Art Therapy. I
had read about my strengths and ways they naturally fit into the person God
is calling me to be.
The Ted-Talks we have viewed have giving me a visual and understanding
that I dont have to be afraid to share with others my passion and believes of
the need for Integrative Studies by pushed as a way of receiving a college
degree. That there are more than one way to look at issues and they are all
correct in their own way.
Ken Robinson book The Element proves that we live in a new integrative
world and that not only our schools needs to change from the industrial
thinking but so does our thinking when it comes to complex issues such as
drug and alcohol additions. Robinson also stated when we collaborate we
can open new and good possibilities in solving complex issues.


References

Strengths Finder 2.0
Interdisciplinary Studies
Addicts to ArtistsL: the good enough mother in the substance abuse clinic
The Element
Substance Abuse Therapy: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Therapy