Benefits of Art Recovery

By: Patrick Bailey

Art is often described by those who practice it as a form of therapy. Through expression, whether it be via painting, sculpting, writing, drawing, or something else, individuals can find inner peace and tap into their innermost "voices" and feelings. Art can serve as a means to draw out repressed feelings while also dealing with them by expressing those feelings in creative mediums. 

Benefits

Art Recovery has numerous benefits that may be used to help treat addiction and aid in the process of recovery. The following benefits are often experienced by patients:

Reduction in Stress 

Some studies indicate that art recovery may help reduce chronic stress. This occurs since the expression in of itself helps the individual process and express their thoughts. Art Recovery helps people become more self-confident, which also reduces stress. The process of art recovery also helps people take on more positive outlooks on the events they are struggling with. For instance, one struggling with addiction may paint a piece representing their experience. 

Another study found that the creation of art releases more dopamine in the brain. The presence of dopamine leads to an increased positive mood and further reduces stress. 

Increased Support and Understanding 

Oftentimes, art recovery includes a group of people who come together and discuss everyone's pieces. This means group support can help fight feelings of loneliness and also provide positive support. These group sessions help us to talk about difficult experiences and help process trauma and negative emotions. 

Creative and Non-Verbal Outlet 

Art recovery is also a means of allowing a person to act on creativity in a non-verbal format. This release of energy into something positive allows more difficult experiences to be processed.

 Studies also suggest art recovery is highly effective for those suffering from PTSD. Therefore, if your addiction could be a man of escape from traumatic events that lead to PTSD, then art recovery could be an effective means of processing those emotions. 

Improves Recovery and Reduces Pain

The American Cancer Society (ACS) says art recovery is a complementary and effective means of helping people recover. Illnesses resulting in stress, anxiety, and PTSD that may be treated by art recovery include recovery from cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, and behavioral problems like addiction and substance use disorder. Studies have also shown that art recovery provides a stronger sense of purpose and reduces stress, even in those suffering from life-threatening illnesses and diseases. 

So What is Art Recovery and How Can You Join Us? 

According to Psychology Today, art recovery is the "use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art." This allows us to use creative avenues of expressing feelings and thoughts in unique ways. 

Live Rite holds an Art Recovery class every Sunday at 6:30 pm. Each week, a new project is created by participants. We give everyone free reign to create what feels right to them and to let go of any stress or negative feelings. 

Our art recovery class is open to the public, so bring your friends and join us starting up again on Sunday, September 20 at 6:30 at Live Rite’s Recovery Resource Center. 27700 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville MI 48066. You can reach us at (586) 217-5899. 

Hope to see you there! www.liveritestructuredcorp.com