Art therapy for addiction recovery is an effective therapeutic tool that can help addicts explore their feelings and express themselves in a non-confrontational way. Substance use disorders are often rooted in deep emotions caused by trauma, mental illness, grief, or other difficult situations. Learning to process these overwhelming emotions and express themselves rather than shut out their feelings is an important step for addicts seeking long-term sobriety. First developed by Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer in the 1940s, the creative process teaches participants to face and express their feelings as well as turn away from the habit of going to drugs and alcohol for comfort.
What Are Some Benefits of Art Therapy?
Over the decades, art therapy has been used mainly by mental health professionals for clients ranging in age and condition, from small children to the elderly, veterans, prisoners, and people with mental health disorders. By the 20th century, this practice was adapted to treat people outside of these groups, including individuals with substance use disorders.
As this practice has been utilized in various settings, the benefits of art therapy activities for addiction recovery have become more apparent. Common benefits of art therapy for substance abuse treatment include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved emotional control
- Improved communication skills
- Reduced depression
- Visual communication
- Personal breakthroughs
- Self-reflection and discovery
- Emotional healing
- Relapse prevention
The goal of utilizing art therapy ideas for substance abuse groups is to promote healthy emotional functioning and help clients express themselves properly. Unexpressed emotion and buried trauma are often the sources of addiction, and art-related activities help draw out clients’ feelings. These activities also provide clients with a sense of control, which they may feel they lack during our addiction treatment in Pennsylvania.
How Our Pennsylvania Art Therapy Works
Art therapy is designed to complement other therapy programs like talk therapy, psychotherapy, medication management, and support groups like AA’s 12 steps. This treatment is overseen by a trained art therapist who helps clients interpret their emotions and thoughts in a healthy and controlled manner.
At our Pennsylvania drug rehab, therapists work with clients as they engage in various tasks. Some common art therapy activities for addiction recovery utilized at our facility include:
- Painting
- Drawing/sketching
- Coloring
- Sculpting
- Scrapbooking
- Creating collages
- Photography
- Digital Art
Art therapy can be abstract and free-flowing, or clients may be given specific assignments. With specific projects, patients are usually asked to answer a question about their work. On the other hand, abstract art is used more for self-discovery, emotional exploration, and expression.
Our art therapy for addiction recovery is applied with these goals in mind:
- Help patients cope with their feelings in a non-destructive way
- Help both parties understand the patient’s feelings and repressed emotions
- Help patients understand the source/reasons behind their addiction
- Make patients feel empowered and motivated in their recovery
- Help patients solve problems without turning to drugs or alcohol
Many people have a tough time communicating, but art therapy provides a method through which difficult emotions and thoughts can be expressed. At the end of the day, we want our patients to understand themselves better and increase their chances of long-term success.
If you or a loved one is interested in our art therapy program or any of our other forms of Pennsylvania addiction treatment, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today to speak to a team member.
Not all programs are available at all locations. Please contact the location for availability.
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