Some are offered purely remotely, some are hybrid courses that combine a residential component with online learning, and some are campus based. There is also one training institute in Europe and one in Hong Kong, with new trainings emerging https://ecosoberhouse.com/ all the time. Filmmaking is another powerful expressive art form that is now available to most of us, given we can all make videos with our smartphones and edit them with various low-cost or free video-editing apps online.

Therapeutic Activities To Do in Recovery

For example, athletes after injury or anyone who had undergone surgery were prescribed opioids to relieve pain. We now know that opioid addiction can occur in as little as five days of use. No matter how a person develops a substance use disorder, there are similar results embedded in the process affecting each victim of the disease. For those who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, often times their initial use started as a form of self medication. As a non-profit we rely on donations, and without a major grant or big donor, our cause is solely supported by our Board of Directors. We realized with time that supporting local sober housing and providing scholarships would required a lot more financial donations.

• The distraction keeps you away from harmful substances while furthering your recovery journey with artistic expression.
• Being active helps your body and can be a healthy and productive form of self-care.
• The Meaning Machine Series is an art therapy directive that allows clients to explore their frame on a particular issue, as well as what meaning they are assigning to things related to that issue.
• Whether you like to paint, write music, or doodle in your journal, art may be the tool you need to bolster your recovery journey.
• Great Oaks Recovery offers caring, professional treatment on an inpatient basis, working with clients to develop the creativity, self-expression, and communication skills necessary for lasting sobriety.

The University of Hong Kong, Centre of Behavioral Health, Hong Kong

Art and music therapy can benefit individuals of all ages who are in addiction recovery, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. It can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with verbal expression or who may have experienced past trauma. Art therapy has been shown to art therapy for addiction be effective for a wide range of issues from mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, to physical health conditions like chronic pain or cancer. The reasons behind its success lie in its ability to allow people to confront their emotional struggles in a non-threatening way.

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Negative, judgmental thoughts can cloud the mind, creating a harsh environment in an individual’s head and hindering recovery. Creating a collage of “words to live by” helps these individuals identify who they are and understand the core values they want to live by. A “words to live by” collage can be created individually or in a group setting. This activity can be conducted with individuals or in a group and was devised by music therapist Paula Higgins.

Mental health clinicians use a client’s play for assessment purposes and to help them diagnose and understand problematic behaviors. Thirdly, music therapy has the potential to improve social skills and promote positive interactions with others. Group-based music activities provide individuals with opportunities to develop communication skills, practice active listening, and work collaboratively towards shared goals. In this section, we will explore the world of music therapy and how it can aid in addiction recovery. Then, we will examine the specific benefits of music therapy in addiction recovery. Music therapy has become increasingly popular, and its efficacy has been supported by numerous studies and research conducted by institutions such as the American Music Therapy Association.

Art has existed for millennia, both as an essential form of communication and as a means of creative expression. People with SUD who have previously felt defeated and isolated from the world can reconnect with it once again through art. All art forms have the ability to not only help you express how you feel but help you free yourself from any emotions or experiences tying you down. Art therapy is more than an emotional outlet; it’s a manifestation of a person’s inner being.

• Through our work together, we determined that Jane’s drug use was a way for her to ‘sound the alarm bells’ about the overwhelm she felt as a single mom of 3 young children.
• Art therapy, or creative expression therapy, plays a crucial role in supporting recovery by offering a unique and impactful approach to healing.
• People under the influence of a chemical on a consistent basis will enact inappropriate responses to their environment and social situations.
• For this activity, each participant will need access to a digital camera of some sort.

Now, that you’re sober recovery might mean going to work, tending to your family, following the 12-step program, and essentially following the straight and narrow path. Yet, without activities that are fun, creative, rewarding, and enjoyable something in the heart can begin to feel sad and depressed. If you or a loved one continues to struggle with substance use after a formal treatment process, you’re not alone.

Engaging Adults in Art Therapy

For people with mental health issues and SUD, art can be a critical component of a recovery toolkit. It can also help your mental health professional better understand you and help you navigate toward a brighter future. Whether you want to draw a comic depicting the situation or simply create an art piece that represents your feelings at the time, you are staying focused on the moment and how you feel in the present. Rather than feel conflicted when wanting to turn to a substance, you can instead turn to your preferred art form and express yourself.

• This therapeutic activity is designed to encourage indirect reflection about the origins and effects of a whole host of behavioral health concerns.
• By breaking down larger goals into manageable steps according to participants’ capabilities, the group gains a sense of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem.
• For this activity, clients are asked to think about a difficult life transition.
• If you or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse disorder, call The Recovery Village today to explore the various treatment options available to you.

Aging Populations and the Rise of Addiction