The path to recovery is different for everybody. If other treatment methods aren’t ideal for your unique needs, your therapist may recommend art therapy for addiction treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what art therapy for addiction is, how it works, and why it’s so effective for so many.
What is Art Therapy?
In a nutshell, art therapy1 is a unique therapeutic tool leveraged to help patients:
- Express themselves – this is particularly helpful if the patient finds it difficult to express their emotions with words
- Interpret their inner desires
- Resolve conflicting emotions and thoughts
In art therapy, a patient may work with a therapist to understand the conflicts and feelings they experience internally by painting, drawing, playing music, sculpting, and more. Art therapy began in the 1940s but is now widespread in many effective addiction treatment clinics.
The Benefits of Art Therapy for Addiction Recovery
Art therapy can provide many big benefits for addiction recovery. According to the National Institutes of Health2, art therapy is beneficial when leveraged in conjunction with other medical and therapeutic practices. Some of the benefits of art therapy include:
- A greater understanding of oneself and one’s inner emotions.
- Higher self-awareness and self-expression abilities. This can be beneficial in the long term by teaching individuals how to express themselves safely and accurately.
- Providing an emotional release to patients who are experiencing difficult times.
- Reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that are commonly associated with addiction.
Because of these benefits, art therapy is sometimes used as a secondary or ancillary form of addiction treatment, often in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and more.
Art Therapy and Self-Discovery
Art therapy is particularly adept at helping individuals with self-discovery. Through art therapy, addiction recovery patients can learn to explore their past experiences and emotions in a safe, supportive way, growing as people and tapping into their subconscious.
In some cases, art therapy for addiction can help recovery patients discover the roots of their addictive struggles and learn why they turned to addictive substances in the first place. This is very beneficial, as it may prevent relapses in the future.
Art as a Coping Mechanism
Furthermore, art therapy can be used as a coping mechanism in some circumstances. For example, a therapist may use art therapy to teach an individual certain healthy coping skills.
Rather than turning to a destructive outlet after a stressful day at work, for instance, a recovery clinic patient may instead use their lessons to paint what they feel or take out their stress using another artistic outlet. Art therapy offers alternative and healthy ways to manage emotional turmoil without resorting to substance abuse.
On top of that, art therapy can distract people from the triggers that may cause cravings or the desire for addictive substances. All in all, art therapy is a comprehensive and well-rounded tool for substance abuse recovery patients.
How Art is Used in Addiction Treatment
Many clinics and art therapists incorporate art therapy into well-rounded addiction treatment programs.
For example, a patient may enter a recovery clinic needing assistance with the withdrawal process. For a certain amount of time, the clinic will oversee the patient and ensure they are not in medical danger while they progress through the withdrawal process for a substance.
Afterward, the patient enters an inpatient addiction rehab program. During this program, the patient participates in talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy with a licensed therapist. In addition, the patient participates in art therapy classes and programs with other patients at the same recovery clinic.
The art therapy program acts as a complementary form of assistance. Patients learn more about themselves, enjoy a creative outlet so they don’t go stir-crazy, and feel more energized and willing to participate in counseling and support groups (both inside and outside the clinic).
Art therapy can also be highly valuable in addiction treatment for patients who look down on traditional forms of therapy. If previous therapeutic approaches have not worked, they may wish for an alternative means to achieve better mental health.
Pop Culture and Art Therapy
Art therapy is sometimes used in pop culture media, like movies and television programs. Depending on the program or media in question, art therapy can be displayed positively or negatively.
For example, art therapy might be used in a TV program about therapy approaches, showcasing its benefits and highlights. Alternatively, a character in a TV program may denounce art therapy as ineffective.
This can color your perceptions about how art therapy works and whether it will be effective. You should speak to licensed therapists and clinical recovery specialists for the best results. They can tell you more about art therapy and whether it’s ideal for your unique case.
Art therapy doesn’t work for everyone, but if it’s an effective tool that may work for you, you owe it to yourself to try it.
Using Art Therapy for Addiction
All in all, it’s possible to unlock your creativity and gain additional tools for addiction recovery with art therapy. At Clear Life Recovery, art therapy is just one of the techniques we can recommend to help set you on a path to long-term wellness and overall health. Art therapy could help you understand yourself or give you the skills you need to thrive outside the clinical environment. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.psychology.org/resources/what-is-art-therapy/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4268880/
