The Implementation of an Occupational Therapy Program in an Alcohol and Drug Dependency Treatment Center

Abstract

This project was designed to help establish occupational therapy a s an appropriate and viable part of an adult alcohol and drug dependency rehabilitation program. Secondarily, its purpose was to meet the need for increased validation of the use of arts and crafts as effective and useful activities in occupational therapy sessions within this setting. Arts and crafts activiy sessions were conducted twice a week with inpatients of an adult alcohol and drug dependency treatment center, and standard occupational therapy tools were used to measure the effecf of this program on the rehabilitation of participating patients. Results showed that patients significantly improved over time in the areas of general, interpersonal, and task behaviors. CareUnit palient and staff feedback strongly supported the integration of occupational therapy into the overall treatment program. Implications of the appropriateness of occupational therapy in alcohol and drug dependency treatment centers are discussed.