Art therapy is a leading alternative therapy for addiction, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Today, many people lack the opportunity to express themselves creatively or lack the self-confidence to express their emotions through art. Art therapy programs provide judgment-free expression and healing for many people struggling with disordered eating, substance abuse, prolonged stress, unprocessed trauma, or process addictions.
If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of art therapy for substance abuse treatment, men call San Antonio Recovery Center today at 866.957.7885. Our holistic programs help men and women recover with inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery plans.
What Is Art Therapy for Addiction?
Art therapy is a therapeutic modality. Clients meet with a certified art therapist for 60 to 90 minutes per session. Many art therapists are practicing artists who combine their own artistic experience with therapeutic techniques. The therapist provides a client with materials and prompts to guide self-expression during sessions. Clients express their emotions, moods, memories, and sensations through color, texture, and various artistic mediums. For many people, expressing their feelings through art can relieve the pressure of knowing what to say in talk therapy.
Art therapy helps clients tell new narratives about their pasts, overwhelming situations, and relationships. They learn to express themselves through creative outlets like drawing, painting, clay, and collage. Benefits of art therapy include:
- Reducing addiction and triggers
- Relieving stress and raising stress tolerance
- Holistic trauma processing
- Lower anxiety levels
- Higher self-esteem and confidence
- Ability to cope with physical pain or illness
- Become more resilient to change
- Better ability to regulate emotions
Today, many people avoid artistic expression because they are afraid of failure. Societal pressures for perfection can make it hard for people to express themselves. Art therapy programs incorporate therapeutic healing with coping mechanisms in safe, non-judgmental spaces. Therapists also included talk therapy in art therapy sessions, providing clients with tools to practice at home. Art therapy can be an individual or group session. Some people see their art therapist weekly, while others meet with them a few times a month.
Art Therapy For Substance Abuse Treatment
There are many kinds of art therapy techniques for addiction. Therapists will try different techniques and mediums with clients to assess what works best for them. Common art therapy techniques include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Coloring
- Scrapbooking
- Sculpting
- Photography
- Collages
- Digital Art
These types of artistic expressions can be relatively easy for clients to begin and continue throughout treatment and recovery. Clients can use most art therapy practices at home in between sessions without needing studio space or lots of supplies.
Typical art therapy prompts include:
- Expressing self-loathing thoughts through painting or drawing
- Expressing challenging memories through photography or digital art
- Expressing past trauma through sculpting or collage
Artistic expression can also increase dopamine levels, promote calm, and help reduce drug cravings. Many people develop an artistic practice through art therapy for lifelong creative expression. Group art therapy can help improve communication, empathy, and connection with others.
Begin Art Therapy for Addiction Recovery Today in San Antonio, TX
If you’re ready to learn more about what art therapy can do for you or a loved one, call San Antonio Recovery Center today. Our men’s and women’s programs provide inpatient and outpatient support for addiction recovery. With medically assisted detox programs, trauma-informed therapy, and comprehensive insurance programs, we’re ready to provide the long-term help people need. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we combine holistic and evidence-based treatments for comprehensive recovery.
Call San Antonio Recovery Center Now to Get Started
Our staff is ready to answer your questions about the benefits of art therapy. Reach us at 866.957.7885 to learn more about our art therapy addiction treatment and other programs.
