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Art Therapy - Addiction Recovery
Art Therapy - Addiction Recovery
Art therapy is known to be an effective technique in improving mental and emotional well-being, especially for those in addiction
recovery treatment.
For years, therapists have used art therapy to alleviate negative emotions and bene?t the addiction recovery process.
Expression through art can help individuals communicate their feelings and take the next steps to recover. It’s known to be
therapeutic and supportive in developing self-awareness and exploring emotions. A variety of art project ideas focus on the
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.
To create a collage of positive words and encouragement, collect the following items:
Old newspapers, magazines, used books, and paper (can even ?nd words or phrases online and print them)
Glue
Scissors
The participants will put together inspirational words or phrases that they feel de?ne their core values. Glue the phrases onto
the cardboard to create a collage of positive, self-healing words. This project can also promote mindfulness and introspection.
that promote healthy recovery. Besides, a self-care box reminds individuals of positive self-af?rmations and goals, keeping them
Participants can start by creating their jar out of clay, as the process of molding clay can be a relaxing experience. They can also
decorate or paint a wooden box that will hold the memorable items or self-care trinkets. The box can also be a simple cardboard
box or a box the individual has an attachment to, such as a small jewelry box.
anything from old letters, movies or bus tickets, photos, etc. As they ?ll the jar with these emotion-evoking items, they’ll
them a moment to reTect on what activities, people, or things help them feel good. These can be as simple as notes on scraps of
paper that mention goals the person wants to achieve or af?rmations that evoke positive emotions.
Glitter or sequins
Scissors
Glue
The box itself can also be decorated to demonstrate the individual’s idea of self-care. Encourage the artists to add af?rmations
they enjoy on the outside. The box will hold items the person can turn to for comfort during troubling or challenging times.
relieve stress and relax the mind, making it a great tool for addiction recovery. It helps the painter express feelings in a safe and
supportive way.
The colors one uses to paint their watercolor art can also depict certain moods or feelings. Many works using watercolor use
colors associated with the emotions the artist was having at the time of painting.
they are today. Creating thank you cards is a great way to show appreciation and support positive feelings and an optimistic
mind.
With thank you cards, participants can also paint, draw, or even craft their cards to put a more personal touch on them. It also
project is ideal for individuals who may feel lost, overwhelmed, and even isolated. The lighthouse activity is designed to give
The activity starts with a guided meditation, where participants close their eyes and clear their minds. The activity leader
explains the feeling of isolation or overwhelmingness and how light can be a guide back to feelings of hope.
Participants then imagine being on a boat on a beautiful day, but the weather worsens, and the sea becomes cold and choppy.
They are lost and don’t know how to get back, but then a lighthouse appears in the distance. The participants imagine heading
toward the light, and they then draw and color their lighthouse, adding words that represent guidance and hope to them.
worry stone, mindfulness beads can become a cornerstone for dealing with anxious and negative emotions. Creating them is also
There are several ways to make mindfulness beads. Before beginning, ensure you have these materials:
A variety of beads from an arts and crafts store or old jewelry you can take apart
Some string
As participants create their beads, they’ll be reminded of the meaning of mindfulness and how they can help them refocus their
The participants should use colors that represent positivity and those that they enjoy the most. These enjoyable colors will aid in
distracting from anxious minds. They can create a necklace, a keychain, a bracelet, or any string of beads that will bene?t them
the most.
Draw a Zentangle
The simple act of drawing is in itself a peaceful activity, and zentangles have risen in popularity as a therapeutic use for many
forms of mental challenges. Zentangles are drawn patterns inside tiles that help provide peaceful feelings that help the viewer
Any skill level of artistry easily allows the participant to accomplish Zentangle—to achieve something in a thoughtful and healing
format. All you need to create zentangles are some pens and/or pencils and some paper.
It’s important to remind participants that this activity is not about who can draw the best and that there’s no wrong way to draw
zentangles. The main goal of this project is to slow down, be present, and heal.
To begin, each participant will draw four dots—one in each corner of the paper—and then connect them to draw a square border.
Within that square, they can draw lines to create as many sections as they desire and begin drawing dashes, lines, strokes, or
They then can simply let their minds free and draw different designs inside each shape, being as creative as they wish. Shade in
their thoughts and feelings. Each of these art projects is a great part of a journey toward recovery and can be completed in a
residential treatment center. Contact Steps Recovery Centers for more information regarding drug and alcohol addiction.
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