Benefits of Art Therapy During Addiction Treatment
There are several barriers that can stand in the way of getting professional addiction treatment, such as the misconceived notion that all treatment programs are the same. In reality, though, treatment programs are highly individualized with the patient in mind in order to meet their physical, psychological, and spiritual recovery needs.
For example, while all patients in an addiction treatment program may participate in some baseline therapies, such as individual and group therapies, they may also engage in less common yet more specific therapies to address those unique needs. One of these therapies is art therapy, which as part of addiction treatment, uses creative expression to explore emotions, enhance self-awareness, and teach new life skills to effectively deal with substance use triggers.
What is Art Therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines art therapy as the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development.
In inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, art therapy is often integrated into a patient’s overall treatment plan to address the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction. In both inpatient addiction treatment and outpatient addiction treatment programs, patients may participate in scheduled art therapy sessions as part of their regular activities and work with art therapists through various creative exercises designed to promote self-expression and reflection.
Benefits of Art Therapy During Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Over the years, through creative mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or writing, art therapy in drug and alcohol rehab has been proven to have several benefits. Here’s a look at seven benefits creativity offers both during and after rehab.
#1: Learning Visual Communication Through Art
The first days of rehab can be a challenge. Let’s face it; communicating with a staff of professionals, all of whom are strangers, about very personal details can prove difficult. Using art therapy in addiction treatment gives individuals struggling with addiction, in a way, another voice. Exploring an alternate means of communication gives those having trouble communicating another way to work through those tough emotions.
#2: Personal Breakthroughs & Art Therapy
Embracing visual communication in art therapy in drug and alcohol rehab helps people to work through difficult experiences. Someone who shows progress in art therapy will generally begin to rediscover self-worth and build trust with therapists. Both are personal breakthroughs, or milestones, that are crucial to ongoing addiction recovery.
#3: Self Reflection Through Art
Addiction tends to cause a distorted reality not only a person’s environment or circumstances, but also about themselves. In art therapy, doll building is a self-reflecting exercise that is done throughout rehabilitation. As one progresses through the program, an improved sense of self will begin to appear in the doll.
#4: Building Self-Confidence Through Art
Lack of self-esteem is a common cause of addiction. How we view ourselves dictates how we conduct ourselves and live our lives. Creative projects in art therapy will, at the end of each completed assignment, provide a sense of accomplishment and progression.
#5: Emotional Healing & Art
One exercise that is commonly used in art therapy during addiction treatment is making affirmation cards. Blank pieces of paper or index cards are turned into daily positive reinforcement that furthers emotional healing. Simple statements like, “I am healthy,” “I am loved,” or “I believe in myself,” have been used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT, through consistent exercise, positively adjusts a person’s negative emotions to positive ones.
#6: Self-Discovery Through Art
A positive life-changing experience can dramatically alter a person’s life path. Art therapy has the potential to unlock untapped talents for potential future art therapists, sobriety support, or addiction education advocates. When one experiences an event that changes their life for the better, they often want to share that experience with others.
#7: Art & Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention is a vital component of rehab. Once out of treatment, any number of triggers in social situations will appear in day-to-day scenarios. Working through these temptations via creative expression is a skill that can benefit those in recovery for the rest of their lives. The art therapy exercises that once empowered us to overcome our addictions can ultimately be used as part of a robust aftercare program to help us maintain our sobriety.
Find Addiction Treatment Facilities That Offer Art Therapy
Finding an addiction treatment program that is right for you can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. One place to start is right at your doctor’s office. Talk with your doctor about what you are experiencing and see if they have local recommendations or referrals to members in the community who can help.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) has several facilities across the country, offering services such as medical detox and various levels of care. Our admissions navigators are available to help you find care to suit your needs. Contact AAC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at to learn more about art therapy and other treatment options.
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