Addiction recovery is a multifaceted journey where you need to take different therapies. One such option is creative expression in the form of art, writing, music, and more. Many individuals in recovery have noticed it as a powerful tool.
So, if you want to implement your creativity in your sobriety journey, let’s know more here!
The Link Between Creativity and Addiction Healing
Mainstream media often portrays artists consuming substances to create masterpieces. However, it can never boost creativity. Rather, your creativity comes from deep within, as well as your experiences, discipline, and values since birth.
Instead, creativity has served people well in their addiction healing and growth journey. It offers a way to explore and express themselves and serves as a safe outlet to let all sorts of pain, anger, and other difficult emotions flow out.
In fact, research found that creativity is a therapeutic tool. Thus, it can help relieve mental health concerns, which are deep-seated root causes behind addiction.
Creative expression reduces relapse chances and ensures a swift addiction recovery journey in the following ways.
- It’s a safe and unique way to process and release emotions.
- It lowers cortisol levels and stress.
- You discover a new passion and a layer to your identity.
- You feel more confident and worthy of giving yourself another chance at life.
How to Use Creative Expression for Addiction Recovery
●Visual Art Therapy
Visual art is the most common creative therapy choice and an effective way to express your emotions that you usually can’t use words.
If you enrol in a renowned luxury Malibu recovery center, they will include several visual art therapy classes, such as drawing, sketching, painting, sculpting, and collage-making. Each of them lets you process past trauma and ease feelings of anxiety, offering better-coping mechanisms than addiction.
How to Practice It?
At home, start simple with a blank sheet and pencils. Move on to crayons or watercolours after finishing the drawing. Think about what colour or shape symbolizes your healing journey to channel your emotions.
You can also experiment with different forms of intricate craft, such as woodwork, knitting, collage, pottery, and sculpting if simple drawing and sketching appear monotonous. Join art therapy groups in an addiction recovery center where you feel a sense of belonging and support.
●Writing and Journaling
Another therapeutic tool in the addiction healing journey is writing and journaling. It’s best for those who can express their emotions and thoughts verbally. It also helps you understand your genuine feelings and the challenging experiences in a different light. You understand how much you have progressed.
You can also set intentions for the near future. Journaling will consistently motivate you to overcome addiction and remind you that you deserve a better life.
How to Practice It?
This can be in the form of a letter to your past self full of compassion to help heal your inner child. You can also write to your future self, stating how you’re working hard every day to make life better for them.
You may also include things that you’re grateful for in your daily life. This will help you cope better in the present whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Most people keep their writing private due to the fear of judgment. However, consider posting your thoughts on blogs and support groups. You’ll find supportive, like-minded people with similar experiences and feel inspired.
●Music and Sound Therapy
If you love music, then this therapy can heal you the best. Music has always had a great impact on our mental health. It reminds you of different memories and emotions. It can be singing, listening to music, or playing music.
How to Practice It?
Build a playlist of relevant songs for your low moments. Pick different ones that improve your mood, soothe you when you need comfort, and motivate you to work on yourself or focus on any task at hand.
Or take lessons on any musical instrument. It will improve your focus and teach discipline, helping you stay committed to healing.
You can also compose original songs and poems about your healing journey and express your specific challenges. You can also partake in music therapy sessions in luxury rehabs.
● Dance and Movement Therapy
For those who prefer physical activity more than anything, dance and movement therapy can help. It helps you connect with your body and its flow.
This therapy helps you let go of bottled-up stress and trauma. You learn to express yourself while accepting your flaws and striving toward self-improvement. Moreover, it’s also a great form of physical and mindfulness exercise, improving your physical and emotional health.
How to Practice It?
You can turn on your favourite music or song at home and let your body groove to it. There’s no need to follow the exact steps shown in music videos. Don’t care what people think of you or whether some moves will be judged.
Dance when you’re happy, sad, or celebrating. If you feel too shy to do this at home, connect with a rehab with dance/movement therapy and practice with other people in recovery.
You can also practice yoga, tai chi, and other mindfulness-infused movements if you want more discipline.
● Theatre and Drama Therapy
Unknown to many, acting is another magnificent therapy choice for alcoholism. During rehearsals, you don’t just learn the lines but also you channel different emotions and understand how you feel about each scene and character. It helps you know yourself in a different light.
You step into a character’s shoes, which helps you learn different behaviours and mannerisms, as well as unique perspectives on life.
How to Practice It?
The simplest way to practice theatre and drama therapy is to join a drama therapy group. You can ask your chosen luxury rehab if they offer such therapy groups or if therapists offer one-on-one role-playing sessions.
If you can’t access such facilities, share how you would like to practice it with a trusted loved one. Write your own lines or find some relevant pieces online and practice together. You can even incorporate lines from your healing journey into it.
Conclusion
Remember, knowing different creative expression forms isn’t enough. Take the initiative to practice them regularly and eagerly. If you’re uncertain, seek expert guidance at a reputed rehab. Don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate every small progress because you deserve it!
