Creative Therapy - Guest Article by Jason Lewis

Creative Therapy: How Art and Music Can

Help Individuals in Recovery

Guest submission by Jason Lewis

Creative therapy has been used for decades to help individuals who are suffering from

depression, PTSD, and learning disabilities, but you may not realize that it can also help those

who are in recovery after a period of substance abuse. Immersing yourself in art and music has

multiple benefits, from allowing you to vent negative feelings and learn to cope with them to

giving you an expressive outlet and reducing stress. When you’re in recovery, the ability to

communicate effectively and handle negative emotions is imperative in helping you heal.

Being creative can also help you find gentle ways to be social, which is another key during the

recovery process. Taking an art or music class will allow you to connect with other like-minded

individuals and possibly even find a new hobby or group of friends, which, in turn, can help you

feel supported and strong as you start down a new, sober path.

The Cedar City Arts Council invites you to keep reading for some great tips on how creative

therapy can help during recovery.

Relax

Creative therapy is so popular in part because it’s an effective way to relax. For those who are

feeling stressed or anxious, finding activities that push those feelings away is important for the

sake of both their mental and physical health. Stress -- particularly work-related stress due to in-

office politics, confrontations or conflicts with the boss and/or coworkers, or the potential for

layoffs -- is often a major factor in substance abuse, so figuring out a healthy way to cope with

and eliminate it can help tremendously when it comes to staying strong in your resolve not to use

substances.

For instance, painting is one of the most relaxing forms of creative expression, and you can learn

by taking classes or watching free tutorials online. But the important thing is to find something

that helps you relax and stick with it for the long term.

Get Social

One of the best things about creative therapy is that it can be done alone or with others, meaning

you can do it from the comfort of your own home or with a friend. Loneliness is one of the

hardest parts of recovery; many people feel that they are misunderstood or that they can’t rely on

old friendships because so much has happened. Meeting new people can be extremely helpful in

boosting your self-esteem, which can help you on the path to sobriety.

Treat Issues Aside from Substance Abuse

Many people who have battled addiction began abusing substances in order to cope with

something else. For some, it’s extreme stress or anxiety; for others, it’s a past trauma or

emotional wound that hasn’t healed yet. Art and music therapy can be of great help when it

comes to these issues, especially when combined with traditional therapy or counseling. Talk to

your doctor about a recommendation for a therapist if you feel you need to talk to someone, and

ask about art therapy as a way to start the healing process.

Your Creative Outlet Could Transform Your Career

Finding a creative outlet that allows you the opportunity to express yourself can also pay off

when it comes to your work. Should you embrace an art form that you’re good at and that you

have a passion for, say photography, painting or sculpture, you may decide to leave the regular

rat race to start your own business. This gives you the freedom of flexibility, and it can eliminate

many of the stressors found in regular work life. This won’t be an easy feat, however, and it will

require dedication, patience and the ability to adapt. It also requires specific paperwork if you

decide to establish a business. However, a Utah state LLC registration, for instance, can be easily

formed through an online service that’s fast and affordable.

Creative therapy can be an amazing boost for your mental health, and, by extension, your

physical health. Finding ways to express yourself healthily, without turning to substances, is a

huge step in the right direction when it comes to taking care of yourself and staying sober. Be

sure to talk to your doctor about the right choices.