Dance/Movement Therapy: A Unique Response to the Opioid Crisis

Abstract

It is imperative that dance/movement therapists on inpatient psychiatric units recognize the gravity of our nation’s opioid epidemic and take vital steps toward filling the treatment gap. Dance/movement therapists can enhance treatment linkage by keeping the issue on the radar, openly identifying substance use issues during DMT groups, proactively dialoguing in the role of liaison, and mobilizing treatment response before the patient’s discharge. These steps may increase likelihood of treatment referrals upon discharge or release, and contribute to the healing of the nation’s opioid crisis.