Generally, people view art therapy as a therapeutic method to use with other forms of therapy. This is especially true for substance use disorders (SUDs), where ongoing recovery is so important. People often need time and space to process issues like trauma or abuse.2 When you’re struggling to express yourself but still crave emotional release, art therapy can help. Trauma, often stemming from distressing experiences like abuse, accidents, or witnessing traumatic events, can leave deep emotional scars.
- Art has been used as a means of communication, self-expression, group interaction, diagnosis, and conflict resolution throughout history.
- The goal of art therapy for addiction is to find an alternative form of communication that allows those in addiction recovery from substance abuse to express their experiences.
- Teenager’s brains are still developing, and this may mean they are more prone to the benefits of art therapy, such as stress relief or recovering from trauma.
- Art therapy honors the transformational capacity of creative expression and healing through artful connection.
- Some choose to categorize art therapists with other types of therapists, while others require licensing standards for art therapists.
Researchers in a 2014 study examined data from close to 300 substance use disorder treatment centers, taking an in-depth look at how professionals treat SUDs. The researchers found that 36.8% of such programs used art therapy, demonstrating that it is an important option in many current treatment programs. Numerous other clinical reports have supported the therapeutic benefits of art therapy. Chronically ill individuals have reported better health and well-being, and people with breast cancer have reported a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in positive emotions.
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Another organization, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), monitors art therapists to ensure that they provide quality, ethical care. Art therapy can help people regulate their mood and emotions and find creative ways to express themselves, tools that could help people who are in treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) avoid using drugs or alcohol again. Distinguishing between art therapy and expressive arts therapy may be somewhat difficult, as both approaches utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques to provide mental and emotional relief.
A 2017 study found that art displayed in hospital settings contributed to an environment where patients felt safe. It also played a role in improving socialization and maintaining an identity outside of the hospital. If you or someone you love is thinking about art therapy, there are some common misconceptions and facts you should know. Seeking treatment from experienced rehab and recovery professionals can increase your odds of kicking your old habits and preventing relapse in the future. This can encompass a wide range of activities, such as stress painting, incident drawings, sculpting, or creating an art journal. Art therapy has become an extremely popular treatment tool, thanks in part to its ever-growing list of benefits.
Drawing or Painting Emotions
Art therapy honors the transformational capacity of creative expression and healing through artful connection. It will allow for people to paint, draw, take pictures, sketch, sculpt, or doodle into improved emotional and spiritual states. Facilitators and art therapists are present in classes or centers to guide students to explore their emotions and improve mental health. For some people in art therapy for addiction ideas addiction recovery, music and art therapy are effective tools for working through personal troubles. But for someone who lacks experience with creative arts therapies, it may be difficult to understand how music and art aids in the treatment of mental health issues. If you’re curious how these therapies work and how to utilize them in substance abuse recovery, this information is for you.