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Art Therapy for Addiction Treatment

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes

More about art therapy for substance abuse at Rolling Hills Recovery Center.

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African american fine arts student paints in an outdoor classroom

Art Therapy

If you struggle with addiction, you may find it very hard to express yourself. It may be hard to communicate with others your emotions, dreams, life desires, and the things troubling you.

Likewise, you may be burdened by anxious thoughts and depression. Art therapy for addiction treatment is designed to help struggling addicts find their voice and express themselves. The struggling addict can tell their story through art therapy and sort through their own emotions through imagery and creativity. Art is therapy, and people struggling with addiction can significantly improve their lives by creating and learning about art.

Table of Contents

Art canvas at Rolling Hills.
Levels of Care
Popular Therapies
Families & Addiction

How Art therapy Can Help You Recover

What Do We Know About Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy used in mental health and substance abuse recovery to promote self-expression.

Art therapy is used to treat a variety of modern to chronic illnesses.

  • Art therapy can help the addict express troubling emotions that may be hard to describe.

  • Art therapy can help the addict sort through their thoughts and feelings.

  • Art therapy can create a sense of confidence in the individual struggling with addiction. 

  • Anyone can benefit from Art therapy.

  • Art therapy can be just as effective as other treatment options.

  • When combined with other treatments, art therapy can be highly effective at helping the addict recover. 

  • Art therapy is considered an official therapy technique. 

  • Art therapy resolves internal issues without the need for verbal communication.

  • Art therapy resolves behavioral issues.

Man and woman painting on canvas

Access to Treatment

How is Art Therapy Implemented in Addiction Treatment?

Art therapy can be combined with other treatments at Rolling Hills Recovery Center during psychotherapy treatment at our partial care or outpatient treatment program.

Specialists, Psychologists, or substance abuse counselors can incorporate art therapy time within a class or group therapy session.

How art therapy is given depends on the treatment program type and the specific care level. There are instances where the client is told to paint, draw, or color freely based on their feelings. The specialist may play soft music in the background or keep the room quiet.

Other therapy sessions may be more interactive, where groups will work together on a project. The person in charge may want everyone to work separately but allow talking, interacting, or collaboration on a project.

Art doesn’t have to be just painting, drawing, or coloring; it can be any project intended to encourage creativity and self-expression.

This includes:

  • Building birdhouses, shelves, tables, chairs, and other furniture

  • Making signs

  • Photography

  • Face painting

  • Poetry

  • Graffiti (in designated places, of course)

  • Sewing/knitting

  • Beading

  • Theater

  • Dancing

  • Music

  • Makeup/hairstyling

  • Modeling/modeling shows

  • Sculpting

  • Glassblowing

  • Clay molding

  • Outlining designs

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Offers Art Therapy?

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Mindfulness and Art Therapy

Art therapy, if implemented correctly, will be very relaxing. When someone is in a state of creativity, their mind won’t have time to focus on fear, stressors, and the things going wrong in their lives.

When you are focusing on the present moment, you are practicing mindfulness.

Art therapy is an active form of meditation because the individual is focused on the present moment. Much scientific evidence proves how meditation and mindfulness reprogram the brain to be more peaceful and at ease.

You can focus better and make wiser choices when you are at ease. You also clearly understand yourself, others, and the world around you when your mind is at ease.

Art Therapy and Creativity

Creativity has many positive effects on the mind.

You can release all the built-up mental and physical attention you may not have known you had when you have a creative outlet.

Creative outlets allow you to express your deepest thoughts to the world and yourself. When you can evaluate and express yourself on this level, you will be more self-aware, confident, and balanced. The American Association of Art Therapy states, ” Art therapy cultivates emotional reliance and promotes insight.”

Art therapy goes beyond addiction; it has a profound healing effect on the mind, body, and spirit. With art therapy, you can acquire the tools you need to truly overcome your addiction and live the life you can be proud of.

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Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

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During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

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In Conclusion

How Can I Sign up For Art Therapy Today?

Upon entering Rolling Hills Recovery Center, please speak with your primary counselor or therapist about our Art therapy program. Art therapy has helped so many people regain clarity over their lives. Only you know if Art therapy is right for you.

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Written By:

Angel Alexander

Angel alexander pic edited
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Angel Alexander is certified in mental health studies and mental health coaching. Angel has over nine years of freelance writing experience and seven years in mental health and substance abuse writing. Angel is currently in her 2nd year of studies at Wallace Community College for the study of psychology.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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