Using Art and Music to Get Sober

January 5th, 2015

Not all of the treatment at a drug program is centered on directly talking about drugs and addiction. Many of them also incorporate art and music therapy too. Depending on where you go and which program you are involved in, the offerings for these complementary therapies can be very broad. It is not uncommon to find programs in art, music, meditation and even tai chi. All of this is a part of what has come from decades of experience in providing people with the most effective drug treatment programs around.

Why these creative therapies help

Art and music, as well as meditation and movement programs, do more than just break up the monotony of the day within a treatment program, they are accessing vital parts of your brain and teaching you different ways to handle stress and process emotions. There are many things that we think and feel that are difficult to express in words.

Music and art can let you get them out and understand them without having to also define what is going on. Some things we experience are truly beyond words, but seeing and feeling them through these avenues helps you to deal with them better. Music is especially important as the tones and rhythms have been shown to relate to how we emotionally process events. You can use music to prolong an emotional mood or to change it.

Using therapy to create life skills

By using these complementary therapies you are increasing your ability to handle your emotions and thoughts. The act of creating or listening then becomes something you can carry forward with you as you leave the treatment center to begin building a drug-free life. Getting into the habit using art or motion to help manage your cravings and feelings can be the key to staying sober.