Integrative therapies, such as art and music therapy, are therapeutic for healing in treatment for addiction. These therapies are incorporated into treatment programs as therapeutic tools for healing and as a means to make a client more comfortable when entering treatment. These types of therapy work well for clients who have difficulty talking about emotions, thoughts, or experiences.
Art therapy helps a person to open up socially, get involved with group meetings and activities, and participate in community work outside of treatment. An individual who goes through traumatic events or suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction can struggle to talk about their experiences.
Some people find it is easier to express feelings and experiences with their hands. The US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (2014), describes how art therapy breaks down barriers to communication. Art therapy includes, “Incident drawings (i.e., a drawing of an incident that occurred while using substances), drawing/painting emotions, stress painting (i.e., painting during times of anxiety and/or stress in order to relieve feelings of stress), creating an art journal, and creating sculptures.”
Music is comforting to the mind, body, and spirit. People turn to music because of its positive psychological, emotional, spiritual, and mental effects. Music soothes the soul and helps in holistic treatment. Writing music promotes critical thinking in a healthy, clear mind. It infuses creativity and psychological healing. An individual can express his or her experiences and feelings through writing music.
Playing music is therapeutic for a person with the ability to play or has an interest in musical instruments. For a person who is musically talented, playing music can relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression. Playing music is a healthy way to stay connected to yourself and expresses feelings while adjusting to a sober lifestyle. Creating lyrics for music lets a person write out his or her feelings and incorporate them into the form of a song. This is a great tool for a person who has difficulty talking about his or her trauma. An individual’s lyrics speak for him or her and act as a voice to share traumatic experiences.
If you or a loved one is battling addiction, you are not alone. Recovery from addiction does happen. Get help today and embrace the opportunity to enjoy living substance-free.
“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” – Zen proverb
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204