Art is a powerful tool that allows people to creatively express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. For those recovering from substance abuse, art can be a therapeutic activity that allows them to express themselves in ways they can’t otherwise communicate. At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we leverage art therapy alongside our traditional, evidence-based treatments to help you work through trauma, stress, and other feelings that have influenced your addiction.
Art therapy is one of many alternative therapy options we offer at our addiction treatment center. Our team of experts will work with you to determine if art therapy is the right fit for your needs. If so, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in art activities that are designed to help you explore your emotions, process trauma, and develop coping skills. To learn about the treatment options available, please contact our team today at 727-954-3908 or use our convenient online form.
How We Use Art Therapy in Your Addiction Recovery
Art therapy is more than just a mindless activity where you color an image within the lines. Taking part in artistic activities during addiction treatment helps to stimulate your mind, which puts your focus on the art instead of the stresses you might be feeling. You’ll participate in art therapy once a week during treatment, at which time you’ll have opportunities to try new and creative art activities. Each activity aims to help you express your feelings, increase your self-awareness, and improve your hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Art Therapy Helps with Trauma Recovery
Childhood trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and physical or emotional trauma can either lead to or reinforce a person’s addiction. In many cases, the trauma may be too difficult to talk about in traditional therapy sessions. If you’re suffering from trauma or PTSD, you don’t have to be afraid to talk about what you’ve gone through. Art therapy can serve as another avenue to help you safely express your pain until you’re ready to work through it in a more open setting.
How Does Art Therapy Support Addiction Recovery?
If you’re wondering about how art therapy can help with addiction, know that it’s a process that takes time. It might not be the first thing you think of when you imagine going to treatment, but art therapy can serve as an essential tool in your recovery. Here are some of the ways we use art therapy through the recovery process:
- Art therapy allows you to express your emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
- It provides an effective strategy for stress management.
- You can develop positive coping mechanisms you can use outside of treatment.
- Art therapy can help improve your self-esteem.
- It allows you to enhance your self-awareness.
- You will have greater insight into your emotions and thoughts.
- Art therapy will enable you to cope with complicated feelings and emotions in a healthier way.
Can Art Therapy Support Mental Health Recovery?
When mental health disorders are left untreated, they can worsen and lead to addiction. If you’re struggling with a mental health disorder and addiction, know that you don’t have to suffer. In addition to addiction recovery, art therapy can also be used to address mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Art therapy can provide an outlet for self-expression when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions. This can be highly effective when you’re battling an addiction and a mental health concern.
If you’re interested in learning more about how art therapy can help you on your journey to recovery, please contact our team today. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on the path to wellness.
Heal from Addiction at Footprints Beachside Recovery
Art therapy provides an imaginative outlet for you to express your emotions and fears without having to do so in conventional ways. Through experiential therapy methods, you can more easily address anxiety and trauma, improve concentration and grow your confidence in sobriety. Begin your journey to recovery today by contacting us at 727-954-3908 or using our secure online form.