ART THERAPY WITH DRUG ADDICTS: THE SELF-IMAGE REPRESENTED BY USERS OF A SPECIALIZED SERVICE

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the experience of adult drug addicts through the Drawings of the Human Figure made by them at two different moments at the beginning of treatment and at the current moment. Method: This is a descriptive and exploratory research, of a qualitative nature, developed in a Psychosocial Care Center specialized in alcohol and other drugs in an administrative region of the Federal District. The study included 31 adult people who were dependent on drugs of various genders and users of the service. An interview was conducted with the participants about the sociodemographic, clinical and psychiatric data of the participants, in which the frequencies and percentages were presented in graphs; then the data were collected through a drawing-story from the projection of two human figures produced, the Self of entry into the CAPS-ad and the Self of the current moment and later, an interview was carried out through a questionnaire about the drawing. Results: From the answers given about the drawings, it was possible to identify three thematic categories, namely: the images revealing the positive effects of the treatment on self-esteem and self-image; the projection of positive mood in the current moment as opposed to the depressed mood at the beginning of treatment; and the visualization of positive repercussions on the quality of life in relation to the future that were presented in tables. Conclusion: Art Therapy explores in a creative and innovative way the subjectivity of its authors and facilitates therapeutic communication between therapist and user and can be used in the context of mental health.