Theater-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment: Clinical Observations and Implications
- 1Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center, Ankara Training and Research Hospital
Abstract
In this paper, clinical observations and implementation experiences regarding theatre-based psychosocial interventions in addiction treatment are presented. The high rates of relapse in the early period following detoxification highlight the need for structured rehabilitation approaches in alcohol and substance use disorders. In this context, theatre activities conducted in our unit aimed to support patients’ self-expression, emotion regulation, and social interaction skills. During the first performance, titled “Metamorphosis,” clinical and operational problems were observed, including safety issues, alcohol use, and related injury among patients who had been discharged on the day of the performance during the final rehearsal. Nevertheless, the performance was successfully completed through alternative solutions developed in response to the crisis. Following the intervention, an increased risk of relapse was observed particularly among patients discharged on the day of the performance, and group dynamics appeared to reinforce risky behaviors. Based on these findings, discharge timing and post-discharge clinical follow-up processes were revised in subsequent applications. In addition, increased interaction between patients and staff was found to potentially challenge the maintenance of professional boundaries. In conclusion, theatre-based interventions may provide therapeutic benefits in addiction treatment, while also posing clinical risks under certain conditions. Therefore, such interventions should be carefully planned and supported with structured programs.
Related
- Nutritional Interventions for Patients with Intermittent Claudication: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and the Case for Exercise-Adjunct Strategies: A Narrative Review
- Preliminary Clinical Observations Following Multiwavelength Diode Laser Treatment for Facial Rejuvenation: A Three‐Patient Case Series
- Nursing interventions for pediatric functional constipation: a systematic review of evidence and clinical implications
- Interventions for Cognitive Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Umbrella Review of Pharmacological and Lifestyle Strategies, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
- Effects of exercise interventions on gait, motor function, and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis with clinical implications
BibTeX
@article{danısman2026theaterbased,
title = {{Theater-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment: Clinical Observations and Implications}},
author = {Mustafa Danışman},
journal = {Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.18863/pgy.1925596},
url = {https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1925596},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Theater-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment: Clinical Observations and Implications
AU - Mustafa Danışman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/25
JO - Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar
DO - 10.18863/pgy.1925596
UR - https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1925596
AB - In this paper, clinical observations and implementation experiences regarding theatre-based psychosocial interventions in addiction treatment are presented. The high rates of relapse in the early period following detoxification highlight the need for structured rehabilitation approaches in alcohol and substance use disorders. In this context, theatre activities conducted in our unit aimed to support patients’ self-expression, emotion regulation, and social interaction skills. During the first performance, titled “Metamorphosis,” clinical and operational problems were observed, including safety issues, alcohol use, and related injury among patients who had been discharged on the day of the performance during the final rehearsal. Nevertheless, the performance was successfully completed through alternative solutions developed in response to the crisis. Following the intervention, an increased risk of relapse was observed particularly among patients discharged on the day of the performance, and group dynamics appeared to reinforce risky behaviors. Based on these findings, discharge timing and post-discharge clinical follow-up processes were revised in subsequent applications. In addition, increased interaction between patients and staff was found to potentially challenge the maintenance of professional boundaries. In conclusion, theatre-based interventions may provide therapeutic benefits in addiction treatment, while also posing clinical risks under certain conditions. Therefore, such interventions should be carefully planned and supported with structured programs.
SN - 1309-0674
SN - 1309-0658
ER -