Drumming: An innovative alternative for drug addicted individuals

Drug abuse has been a persistent problem within the United States. Among the nation, Kentucky ranks third in drug overdose and drug mortality rates, with numbers quadrupling from 1999 to 2010. Recent statistics indicate drug offenders account for a significant portion of individuals within the criminal justice system, directly affecting the economic vitality within the state. These statistics suggest current behavior modification treatments have limited effectiveness; creating community hardships both socially and economically This study examines an innovative alternative treatment for drug offenders that infuses social and emotional coping strategies using percussion as a context. During the innovative program, participants were able to express, recognize, articulate and evaluate themselves and their peers' emotional coping strate-gies while developing peer camaraderie.