The Will to Beauty as a Therapeutic Agent: Aesthetic Values in the Treatment of Addictive Disorders

Abstract

AbstractAddiction and its comorbid disorders lead not only to massive losses in lifestyle but also to a loss of values. On the other hand, therapy and thus healing always means a resumption of the value discussion. In the present case vignette, the change in values of an alcohol-dependent woman and her turn to the beautiful in the sense of a resource-oriented therapy are described. Enjoying beautiful things led the patient to increase the self-efficacy expectation; at the same time, it was the initial step to emerge from the victim role and to start a self-responsible life again. The Will to Beauty is an integral part of the Orpheus Programme, a resource-oriented therapy for treating substance use disorders and behavioural addictions.