Kentucky currently ranks 5^th in the nation in overdose deaths. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is often referred to as a “family disease” because the consequences of disordered substance use also affect friends, family and loved ones. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension is uniquely poised due to the breadth of its reach in Kentucky counties, to deploy research-based SUD support to communities.

Through a partnership with Arts Extension, CEDIK and FCS, funded by a federal grant program (SAMHSA), Mind.Art.Recovery.Ky (MARK) was created to be an expressive arts intervention targeting individuals and families affected by SUD. Over the past year, CEDIK staff researched existing arts engagement methods and arts-in-health best practices to develop a new pilot curriculum of six arts-in-health lessons integrating arts into existing SUD recovery and prevention efforts. 

51 individuals in three Kentucky counties thus far have received instruction in the MARK pilot program. Through journal making, creative writing, painting, printmaking and mixed media, participants learn new art skills and mindfulness techniques to enhance thoughtfulness, resiliency and emotive expression in a constructive way. 

In Greenup County, CEDIK staff partnered with Art and FCS agents to engage 8 participants from Pathways’ Journey House, a women’s residential treatment addiction center. Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive, with several residents saying that they looked forward to continue using the art methods presented, both for themselves as a coping mechanism, and to help them reconnect with their children and families. 

In Pike County, CEDIK staff partnered with the Arts agent and WestCare’s Lookout, a women’s residential Department of Corrections drug rehabilitation program. 10 participants attended to learn the inherent benefits of expressing themselves through art and art’s potential use as a constructive way to manage stress. Nearly all participants expressed the sentiment that the MARK program surpassed their expectations, giving many a newly acquired confidence to express themselves through art. 

In Lawrence County, CEDIK staff partnered with the Lawrence County FCS agent and neighboring Johnson County’s FCS agent to deliver MARK programming to 31 residents from Addiction Recovery Care’s May Hill (men’s) and Karen’s Place (women’s) facilities. One resident stated “I was having a really bad day today, feeling very anxious, and this class helped calm me down. I always feel better after leaving these classes.”  

Preliminary survey data shows that as a result of the program, 93% of participants believe they acquired skills in visual and literary art and 57% reported increased confidence in expressing themselves through art. Additionally, 86% of pilot participants reported that their participation in MARK has improved their overall health and well-being. Partnering extension agents reported interactions with new clientele and groups not previously engaged, confidence in delivering new artistic programming and an increase in understanding how wellness can contribute to a holistic approach for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. These early results indicate that, for many, an expressive arts-in-health curriculum can provide substantial benefit to those in recovery. 

The next phase of this program will train Extension Agents, recovery center staff and community health coalitions across Kentucky to implement this program in their own communities.