Art allows people to express their internal landscape through various mediums, providing a sense of catharsis and making it easier to process certain emotions or trauma. Creative therapies, including art, music, and dance, give people who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) a new way to voice their struggles and successes. Oftentimes, alumni benefit from engaging in creative outlets for healing during their ongoing recovery. To assist alumni, The Guest House provides referrals to community-based and private recovery support services that use creative activities to promote sobriety and positive mental health.
What Are Some Common Creative Outlets for Healing?
People heal in different ways. Some people may recover more quickly through social engagement or activities, while others find spending meditative time alone more helpful. Art is a versatile tool for managing stress and difficult emotions. People can engage in artistic outlets alone or with like-minded individuals, making it ideal for improving mental health and social skills.
Some of the most common creative outlets for healing from SUD and mental health issues include:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpting
- Photography
- Journaling
- Creative writing
- Dancing
- Music
- Acting
- Stand-up comedy
- Arts and crafts
Art is healing and an excellent source of motivation. Those who are in ongoing recovery can benefit from using a creative medium to express their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Many alumni find it therapeutic to use individual and group creative therapies to address various aspects of recovery from SUD. For example, a music therapy group may help an individual who is struggling with motivation feel more empowered and inspired to continue building a healthier future.
Who Benefits Most From Creative Outlets?
Anyone who finds creative pursuits calming or engaging may benefit from participating in these therapies or activities during ongoing recovery. Most alumni have additional free time after transitioning out of rehabilitation programs. Post-rehabilitation, a lack of structure may leave a void and cause boredom. Filling free time is essential to ensuring that alumni reduce the risk of relapse and maintain positive progress in recovery.
Some individuals who benefit most from creative therapies and hobbies include the following:
- People in early recovery
- Those with one or more co-occurring mental health disorders
- People who struggle to communicate
- Individuals with low self-esteem or self-confidence
- People who feel isolated and disconnected from others
Creative activities are healthy distractions that can significantly reduce stress.
Do Creative Outlets for Healing Improve Mental and Physical Wellness?
Integrating creative activities into therapy and self-care significantly benefits the health of those who consider themselves to be creative. Yet, even people who have never attempted artistic activities before can benefit from creative tasks or looking at art made by others. According to Cureus, “Art therapy can help people express themselves more freely, improve their mental health, and improve interpersonal relationships.”
Individuals with SUD are more likely to experience trauma and other complex mental health issues. Creative therapies are often integrated into trauma treatment during continuing care to help alumni safely express their thoughts and feelings. One reason that these therapies can be effective is that art affects the brain and how it processes information. At The Guest House, alumni are encouraged to take advantage of artistic activities to improve positivity and build healthier coping skills.
Art and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain profoundly affects a person’s quality of life. Addressing chronic pain using art therapy and other types of alternative medicine can help people feel more positive about their circumstances. According to the journal Pain and Therapy, “Passive art therapy (when participants do not make art actively) can also especially improve emotional suffering connected with pain.” Both passive and active art forms benefit people’s overall health and wellness, reducing the symptoms related to chronic health conditions.
The Guest House Encourages Alumni to Use Creative Outlets for Healing
Mental Health experts at The Guest House assist current clients and alumni in exploring new forms of healing and growth. Creative outlets provide an excellent way to analyze events, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs from a new perspective. This change in perspective can provide significant emotional relief and build resilience.
Both residential and outpatient programs offer clients access to art therapy and other forms of holistic support. The clinical team provides current clients and alumni with the resources to utilize creative therapies during and after rehabilitation.
Maintaining Emotional Stability and Healing Through Artistic Expression
One of the many benefits of artistic expression for alumni is that they can learn to effectively maintain emotional stability. Emotional stability and self-awareness are critical for relapse prevention. Those who can control their emotional responses experience less stress overall and often find it easier to navigate challenges in long-term recovery. Observing and actively participating in creating art also improves general health.
Art facilitates social engagement and peer interactions. Spending time with others makes it easier for alumni to build a support network outside of the structure of treatment programs. Peer support is essential for achieving ongoing recovery and maximizing personal growth. Alumni can join sober art communities in person or online to socialize with others who share similar life experiences and recovery goals.
Creative outlets allow people to explore novel forms of self-expression and process events from a new perspective. Art therapy and other creative therapeutic tools strengthen the mind-body connection and encourage mindful self-reflection. Exploring various creative outlets promotes skill development that complements traditional talk therapy and other forms of treatment. Most art is made to be shared, which makes it a social activity. Social engagement and support facilitate long-term sobriety and positive mental health. The Guest House uses art therapy and other tools to help current clients heal from substance abuse and mental health disorders. Clinicians provide alumni with referrals to community-based or private creative therapy programs and services. To learn more about our programs and holistic approach, call (855) 483-7800.