Art Therapy and Addiction
Art therapy is utilised at some of the leading drug and alcohol rehabs, including Siam Rehab. As a complementary therapy for addiction, it can assist in improving communication, building self esteem, reducing conflicts, reducing anxiety, and increasing self awareness. Art therapy is most effective when combined with counselling and psychotherapy.
A Brief Background and History
In 1958, the United States National Institutes of Health began research on the benefits of art therapy. The leading researcher found the session helped participants to explore their family dynamics, express their thoughts,and open up about concerns. Over the next two decades, the NIH continued to research art therapy, and this led to other therapists throughout the country and world to gain an interest in the innovative approach.
In the 70s’, many of the key researchers passed away or retired. This resulted in a decrease in ongoing research, as well as, funding; thus, leaving art therapy to diminish. In the 1990s, it was rediscovered by researchers across several specialities, including addiction treatment. Since this time, art therapy has become an accepted approach to treating drug and alcohol addictions.
Art Therapy During Rehab
Art therapy can be used for short and long term treatment approaches. Patients who explored art therapy in Thailand, for example, may continue to participate in it on a long term basis once they return home from rehab.
The Process of Art Therapy for Addiction
Each art therapist will utilise their own specific tools and methods; however, many incorporate a series of 5 different stages which is also known as The First Step Series (it may be called other names, depending on the therapist). This process will encourage each patient to complete at least 5 different pieces of art which are centred around the following:
- Crisis Directive – This piece of art should focus on the current situation of the patient or the incident which might have led them to rehab.
- Recovery Bridge – The patient will be asked to draw a picture that describes where they’ve been and where they want to be.
- Cost-Benefits – Often this is a collage in which the patient will create a piece of art that suggests the benefits of sobriety.
- Future – During this stage in art therapy, patients at rehab will be asked to depict themselves in the future they want to see as a sober person. They will also be asked to depict the future they might be as someone who stays addicted.
- Barriers – The patient may be encouraged to depict issues, hindrances, and stressors that they see as a possible obstacle to maintaining sobriety.
If this series is not utilised, or a patient doesn’t want to participate in it, there may be other art therapy exercises that are similar to the above. If a patient is staying at the rehab for a long period of time, their art projects may differ from newer patients.
What Art Therapy is Not
Whether you are participating in art therapy at rehab, or elsewhere, it is important to understand that a person’s artistic efforts or “talents” are not judged. Art therapy is not about who can create the best drawing, rather it is about the process of the art. You don’t have to be an artist to participate in art therapy, nor do you need any experience. Rather, you should just be open to the idea of art therapy for addiction, and it’s benefits.
Is Art Therapy for Addiction Effective?
Art therapy has been around for over half a century, and is widely practiced; however, there have not been any large-scale studies. This is partly due to the difficulty in assigning scientific values to the creative process of art therapy. That being said, there are countless reports from trained and certified art therapists who have found the method to be effective in the treatment of addiction. Some of the benefits of art therapy for addiction that have been noted by therapists, include:
- Enhances social skills
- Improves cognitive functioning
- Increases self esteem
- Enhances self awareness
- Encourages healthy change
- Assists patients in coping with emotions
- Encourages the exploration of emotions and thoughts
- Identifies opportunities for growth
Some researchers of art therapy believe this method can be effective in treating addictions because creating art increases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure. It is common for patients at an addiction rehab to suffer from depression and anxiety; thus, indicating their dopamine levels are low. Art therapy can assist them in feeling better; thereby, maintaining their sobriety.
Art Therapy in Thailand
Art therapists encourage patients to express themselves in a free, non-judgemental manner; thereby, encouraging them to tap into various emotions that may not be communicable through words.
At Siam Rehab, we have a first hand understanding of the benefits of art therapy as many patients find the sessions to be an effective recovery aid. Our art therapy for addiction is guided by a trained therapist who will provide the utmost support to each and every patient. If you would like to know more about our drug and alcohol rehab programmes, or art therapy for addiction, call us today.
