Art therapy is a fun way to reduce stress and improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy for addiction. Incorporating art therapy in Tacoma, Washington, into your recovery plan can help you experience a better treatment outcome than behavioral therapy or medication alone.
At Bayview Recovery, we understand that the most effective form of treatment for mental health and addiction is one that is customized for your needs. Art therapy for addiction can enhance recovery by providing a creative outlet for stress and trauma. Contact us today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about the benefits of art therapy for mental health and substance use disorders.
How Art Therapy Benefits Mental Health and Addiction
Art therapy isn’t just about painting or drawing. It’s a way of reaching out to people having difficulties in their lives and finding ways to help them heal. Art therapy can be used with people having mental health issues, but it also works for those struggling with addiction.
Art therapy helps you express yourself through art, which can be beneficial both mentally and physically. When you struggle with mental health and addiction, you may feel bad about yourself, and art therapy can help you express that feeling through your artwork. This can help you feel less stressed and more confident in yourself because you will understand that there is nothing wrong with having these feelings. All you need is an outlet.
5 Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of treatment that uses art to cope with and heal from mental health conditions. Art therapists use various techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and collaging, to help you express what you are feeling in your mind and heart. You might not be able to put into words how you feel, but through art therapy, you will be able to explore what is happening inside of you.
Some of the primary benefits of art therapy include:
1. Helping you develop self-awareness
Art therapy helps you develop self-awareness, which is the ability to see yourself and your emotions more clearly. You can build self-awareness by making art and talking about it with a therapist or simply observing what happens when different materials are combined on paper or canvas. Your art therapist might ask questions about the colors chosen for your work and what feelings they might represent. They will guide the conversation so that it focuses on important issues related to building up self-awareness skills like empathy.
2. Reducing stress
Art therapy is one way to help yourself relax and deal with your emotions in a healthy way. The act of creating art can help you express yourself in ways that might otherwise be difficult. It can be much easier to talk about what you’re doing when you’re making something.
3. Improving cognitive function
Art therapy can help increase cognitive function, including memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-expression. It allows you to improve your creativity by providing a space where you can express yourself through art.
4. Increasing self-esteem
When you aren’t feeling confident or relaxed in your daily life, it can be hard to be productive or creative. Art therapy allows you to work through feelings of stress or anxiety by creating something for yourself. When you do something creative and permit yourself to enjoy the process, it helps you feel better about who you are.
5. Helping you express yourself creatively
Art therapy is a way to express yourself creatively. It allows you to show your emotions and thoughts through art rather than words. This opportunity will enable some people to finally open up about painful or shameful feelings and experiences.
Find Out How Art Therapy Benefits Your Recovery at Bayview Recovery
As you can see, there are many benefits of art therapy for addiction and mental health. If you would like to experience the benefits of art therapy for your recovery path, reach out to Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650.
Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.
