Using Experiential Activities to Prepare Counselors-in-Training to Understand the Power of Cravings When Addressing Clients With Addiction

Abstract

Providing skilled treatment options for clients experiencing addiction is imperative to positive client treatment outcomes. As a prerequisite to providing efficacious addiction treatment, counselors-in-training are charged with the responsibility of understanding the affect of cravings on addiction relapse. This article presents 3 experiential, in-class activities that counselor-educators can use to assist students in understanding the influence of biological and environmental triggers and the power of cravings. The experiential classroom activities include the use of a student reflective journal cravings exercise, dance, and lyrics/music.

Keywords:

• cravings
• addiction
• substance abuse
• journaling
• dance
• music