Integrating Two Models for the Treatment of Addictions: Souldrama and 12-Step Recovery in Action

Abstract

Building off previous theoretical research studies conducted on addictions, relapse cycles, and theories regarding group action methods and psychodrama in general, this article proposes to introduce a new action method technique into the 12-step program guidelines that were originally set up for recovery from alcoholism. This new technique will help individuals to reestablish their creative nature, connect them with others on a spiritual level, and through their higher awareness, help them to heal on a much deeper level, as well as to help them discover their greater purpose in life. The new method of Souldrama combines elements of the rational, emotional, and the spiritual mind, and also uses creativity, spontaneity, and imagination, so that the ego and the soul become aligned. Souldrama assists in helping relapses from occurring by putting spirituality into action and then linking together its seven doors of transformation with the guidelines of the 12 steps, which individuals will need to walk through to grow both personally and spiritually. By doing this, individuals will hopefully be able to prevent the relapse cycle from continuing, and thereby, remaining in their recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• relapse
• recovery
• addictions
• spirituality
• Souldrama

Acknowledgments

Souldrama is an intentionally registered trademark USA 903317.

Notes

1. Action methods: a synonym for psychodramatic techniques; experiential exercises; a general category of techniques that might include physical action, imagination, theatre games or creative drama techniques, nonverbal communications, using music, poetry, sculpture, song, dance, and movement, and so forth.

2. Psychodrama: a method of exploring life situations by enacting them rather than talking about them. Psychodrama was originated by Dr. J. L. Moreno around 1924. Its methods have wide application beyond the realm of therapy. Psychodrama addresses its attention to the “truth” of each person's life—that unique complex and dynamism of interacting roles that makes up the individual in his or her relations with others and the world.

3. Protagonist: the individual who enacts his or her life situation.

4. Coprotaganists: people participating in a shared drama or a structured encounter.

5. Auxiliary: The auxiliary is like a “supporting actor” except that an auxiliary can play a wider variety of roles: an inanimate figure in a dream, the unspoken or subconscious thoughts or feelings of the protagonist or one of the other characters in the enactment, and, as noted above, even the role of the person of the protagonist (while the protagonist watches from the sidelines). Auxiliaries can change roles, also. In short, the auxiliary is a term used in psychodrama to refer to any person who helps the enactment by playing an active role.

6. Sociometry: a group of methods for measuring some aspects of the interpersonal dynamics in groups. More specifically, it notes the aggregate of preferences in terms of responses to a question such as, “Who would you prefer to work with on this project?” The answers are charted and shared with the group so as to respond to their needs to organize themselves more realistically. It can also be modified in many ways, using written questionnaires, diagrams, or action techniques. A group of concepts are also associated with the term, such as the general desirability of helping people to be with those with whom they feel the most rapport, noting that different relations are constellated when different criteria are used, etc. On a deeper level, sociometry is a way to more clearly identify preferences and to check out how one is perceived by others.

7. Spectrogram: The group demonstrates how they feel about an issue in the group by placing themselves on an invisible line in the room. It helps in objectifying and clarifying the problems.

8. Locogram: The group demonstrates how they feel about an issue in the group by placing themselves on various spots in the room marked by scarves or other objects. It helps in objectifying and clarifying the problems.

9. Psychodrama addresses its attention to the “truth” of each person's life. There is a unique complex and dynamism of interacting roles, which make up the individual in his or her relations with others and the world. This person would also help the group to reflect the central issue among the group members so that not only would the protagonist experience a catharsis, but the group members would experience a vicarious catharsis through the work of the protagonist.