Art Therapy for Addiction in New Jersey

Department of Human Services, over 82,000 people received treatment for addiction. The most popular drug in New Jersey is alcohol, followed by heroin, other opiates, and cocaine. Substance abuse is most prevalent in Essex, Camden, and Atlantic counties. Fortunately, various types of therapies have proven to be effective in substance abuse disorder treatment. Many recovering addicts are choosing creative treatment options, such as art therapy. While they still participate in traditional forms of treatment (i.e., CBT and group therapy), they have the opportunity to express their creativity and heal with art.

Evidence from Harvard shows that music can aid pain relief, promote relaxation, and ease anxiety, among other benefits. These benefits aren’t a huge surprise, given that art activates the brain’s reward center. Participating in art therapy is also enjoyable and relaxing, and not to mention, you’ll also gain lifelong skills! You face various decisions when creating a piece of art. For example, you might ask yourself, “what color should I paint the sky?” “Should I use oil or watercolor paint?” These questions all help to create a positive and encouraging experience. Creating art also provides real-life value, as you’ll have to make numerous decisions while taking on a life of sobriety.

Understanding Art Therapy

Art therapy for addiction involves the application of human creative skills blended with psychotherapeutic techniques. All art therapy sessions are different, and the instructors (therapists) continuously change the curriculum. One day you might create metal pieces, and the other day you could make acrylic paintings. However, some clients may choose to focus on their favorite types of art, such as ceramics or sculpting. Others may create new pieces of art each week to diversify their experience. Best of all, recovering addicts can take their artwork home with them. The art serves as a token of their hard work and a reminder that we do recover! 

When participating in a United Recovery Rehab art therapy for addiction program, individuals can choose to create the following:

• Paintings
• Tapestry
• Floral decorations
• Mosaics
• Sculptures
• Pottery
• Metalwork
• Sand art
• Graphic design

Substance abuse treatment programs generally offer group and individual art therapy sessions. Licensed therapists with a background in art lead the sessions. During art therapy sessions, you can listen to your favorite music and discuss your successes and challenges with your peers and instructor. Everyone is welcome to join an art therapy program, no matter their artistic capabilities. 

All clients in United Recovery Project’s addiction rehab meet individually with a licensed therapist at the beginning of the program. In this meeting, the therapist will ask various questions about an individual’s background (including their therapy preferences) to create a tailored treatment plan. For many recovering addicts, this treatment plan will include art therapy for addiction.

Art Therapy’s Benefits

When you suffer from substance abuse disorder, you often damage relationships and underperform in work or school. As a result, you might find that your confidence slowly starts to fade. Rebuilding confidence is a vital part of recovery. You must believe in yourself if you want to recover and maintain long-term sobriety. Fortunately, art therapy helps you accomplish this goal. Art therapy is an excellent way for individuals to rediscover their self-worth, cope with negative emotions, and keep triggers under control. In addition, art therapy allows you to gain lifelong skills that encourage sobriety and overall well-being. When stressed, you can turn to art instead of reusing drugs and alcohol. And there’s nothing like the feeling of pride after creating a masterpiece!

New Jersey art therapy for addiction has numerous benefits. Some of the most notable benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Gain a better understanding of your emotions: Some addicts may dwell on the past while recovering, leading to negative emotions. An art therapy program lets you explore your emotions and identify healthy ways to react to them.
• Boost your confidence: Art therapy is an excellent way to rebuild damaged trust. Creating art helps you find a “purpose” – a reason for belonging. 
• Express creativity: You can express your creativity in various ways when participating in art therapy for addiction programs. This often includes portraying your emotions on a canvas, piece of paper, or in a sculpture.  
• Treat anxiety: Many recovering addicts face anxiety, especially if they suffer from concurrent conditions. Creating art is calming. You’ll notice that your anxiety starts to fade slowly as you focus on building your masterpiece. You can also listen to your favorite music and converse openly with your therapist!

Art Therapy’s Role In Fighting Addiction

Some individuals shrug off art because they don’t think they have artistic abilities. Needless to say, you don’t have to be Picasso to participate in an art therapy program! The instructor leading the session will teach you the best practices to create a particular type of artwork (i.e., abstract paintings). Your motivation will gradually build as you continue to progress and gain newfound skills. You’ll also get the independence that you deserve to portray your emotions and unleash your creative side. After completing an art therapy for addiction program, you’ll undoubtedly have a stronger appreciation for the arts. You may even pick up art as a hobby after leaving substance abuse treatment!