In addiction recovery, individuals must work constantly to implement healthier habits into their newfound, sober lives. While some valuable habits, such as exercising and healthy dieting, are more universally known, other valuable habits often go under-discussed. Creative expression, for example, can foster a plethora of health benefits for those in recovery. It offers opportunities for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions through various outlets rather than through words. By recognising the additional benefits of creative expression for well-being and recovery, those seeking healing can feel empowered to engage in creative outlets throughout their lifelong recovery journey.
We at Rehab Today by PCP – Perry Clayman Project are dedicated to helping individuals heal from the devastating impacts of substance use and other behavioural addictions. In our rehabilitation centres, we offer several treatment programme options that can be individualised to fit the unique needs and recovery goals of each and every client. Moreover, we value the use of creative expression during treatment and throughout long-term recovery because we recognise the benefits of creativity on health, well-being, and recovery outcomes.
Understanding Creative Expression
Creative expression is a broad term that encompasses all of how a person can express themselves outwardly. Also referred to as artistic expression, creative expression is the ability to create something that showcases what is happening inside an individual’s mind. Oftentimes, those who engage in creative expression have an intention for their creation. This can look like designing something that represents who they are or what they are thinking or feeling. Having an intention for a creative practice can make it more meaningful and engaging for the creator.
Because creative expression involves the use of imagination and human creativity, it is boundless. Thus, creative expression can take many forms. Some examples of outlets that may be used for creative expression are listed below.
Visual Art
This is categorized by the following:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpting or pottery
- Crafting
- Printmaking
- Videography
- Photography
Performing Art
Some forms of performing art include:
- Drama and theatre
- Dance
Auditory Art
Some examples include:
- Songwriting
- Playing an instrument
- Poetry
Why Is Creative Expression Important?
Creative expression is important because it fosters intentional time to relinquish genuine creativity. This correlated with a plethora of health benefits. According to an article in Personality and Individual Differences:
Differently from intelligence, which usually refers to analytical skills, creativity refers to generating ideas and behaviors in new or familiar situations. Creative potential is the latent ability of an individual to create something original when given the opportunity…
Unfortunately, humans tend to lose their imagination as they age. Simply put, with age comes greater awareness and more responsibility. Some specific factors that interfere with imagination and creativity during the ageing process include:
- Learning how the world works
- Prioritising adaptations to the environment as a means of survival
- Forgetting how to be imaginative
Additionally, according to an article in Neuropsychology, Development, and Cognition, “With ageing, there is a loss of brain connectivity and this loss may cause a degradation of convergent-associative processing.” Meanwhile, when creative expression is prioritised in daily life, it can work to slow the ageing process. Still, this only scratches the surface of the benefits that can result from creative expression.
The Role of Creative Expression in Fostering Emotional Wellness
Another notable benefit of creative expression is that it can foster emotional wellness. The aforementioned article in Personality and Individual Differences investigated the link between creativity and well-being, particularly during the peak of COVID-19. Participants were tasked with filling out a creative measure during the pandemic as well as rating their stress experience, satisfaction with life, and perception of COVID-19 in the last month.
According to the study, “More creative individuals were more satisfied with their lives after controlling for perceived stress and personality.” In other words, the results confirmed that outlets for creative thinking can improve quality of life and resilience to life adversities.
Despite the well-established link between creativity and well-being, those who do not engage in creative expression may still experience ambivalence. This is when considering the role of creativity in fostering emotional wellness. According to an article in Behavioral Sciences, creative art interventions can be outlets for emotional expression, which can “have a positive impact on perceived stress and stress management.” They can reduce anxiety levels and, in turn, improve an individual’s mood.
The article highlights that creative outlets not only offer opportunities for health enhancement and stress management but also for stress prevention. Those who incorporate the use of creative outlets in their daily lives may exhibit greater resilience, which can allow them to maintain their well-being even in the face of adversity.
How Does Addiction Interfere With Creativity?
It is necessary to highlight that those struggling with alcohol or drug addictions, behavioural addictions, and other mental health disorders often experience significant impairment in brain structure and functioning. These impairments can certainly interfere with creativity, inhibiting a person’s ability to develop new ideas and perspectives. In addition, the cognitive impairments caused by addiction and mental health disorders can make it increasingly challenging for individuals to participate in treatment effectively, let alone secure the motivation to seek professional guidance and support.
Many people may be under the impression that addiction treatment merely involves talking to a therapist about their problems. Truth be told, this is rarely the case. Treatment professionals understand that mental health challenges and traumatic experiences can interfere with a person’s capacity to discuss their thoughts and emotions verbally. That’s why therapists often utilise a wide range of therapeutic approaches 1-2-1 counselling as well as group counselling. Creative expression is just one of the many approaches that a therapist may use in treatment to help clients better express their thoughts and emotions.
The Benefits of Creative Expression for Addiction Recovery
In addition to providing an outlet for emotional expression, there are many additional benefits of creative expression in addiction recovery. For instance, engaging in creative outlets can allow for self-discovery and foster deeper meaning and purpose for sobriety. As those in early recovery must work to create a new, sober version of themselves, creative expression can help them proactively process their strengths and weaknesses.
Some additional benefits of creative expression in addiction recovery include safe and secure opportunities for:
- Processing and healing from past trauma
- Effectively dispelling problematic feelings of shame and guilt, common during early recovery
- Exploring alternative perspectives
- Improving cognitive functions that may be impaired by substance abuse or other destructive behaviours
- Strengthening social connections in creative outlet groups
- Alleviating uncertainty about the addiction recovery process
Creative Expression in Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment provides clients with the knowledge and tools that they need to not only survive but thrive in sobriety. To build a strong foundation for sobriety, treatment plans must be built using evidence-based practices (EBPs) that focus on treating the mental or behavioural health concerns of the client. EBPs are interventions rooted in scientific evidence. An example of an EBP is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps clients to better understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Following the implementation of EBPs, however, treatment facilities commonly incorporate holistic approaches, like creative expression, into client treatment plans. Holistic approaches aim to treat a whole person: the mind, body, and spirit in tandem. Contrary to traditional treatment approaches, holistic approaches are client-focused and can meet emotional, spiritual, and social needs in addition to clinical demands. In addition, they can foster opportunities for self-discovery and meaning-making in sobriety.
Some examples of modalities used to foster creative expression in addiction treatment include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Rhythm and sound therapy
- Various mindfulness practices, such as journaling
- Yoga
- Adventure therapy
- Psychodrama
- Body psychotherapy
Each of these modalities harnesses creativity in unique ways, offering immense value to the addiction treatment journey. For instance, an article by Cureus highlights that art therapy “can aid in controlling manifestations correlated with psychosocially challenging behaviours, slowing cognitive decline, and enhancing the quality of life.” Furthermore, an article by Frontiers in Psychology addresses the potential for psychodrama in treating trauma, emphasising “its tolerability, and capacity for establishing emotional safety, connection, and group cohesion.”
Recommended Outlets for Creative Expression In Recovery
While participating in creative expression during treatment is undoubtedly worthwhile, individuals must understand the value of engaging in creative expression outside of treatment. Thus, it can be helpful to pinpoint specific outlets for creativity as well as identify the specific benefits that each outlet can have for those in recovery. In addition, listing various outlets can help those seeking healing from mental health disorders, trauma, and addiction find the motivation to implement and prioritise daily engagement in creative expression outlets.
Painting, Drawing, and Colouring
Contrary to what some may believe, these forms of visual arts can offer incredible benefits for those in addiction recovery. Visual art can stimulate the creative side of an individual’s mind, whether they are actively engaging in the art forms themself or merely admiring the creations of others.
A unique benefit of painting, drawing, and/or colouring is that these art forms can enhance problem-solving skills. If the creator does not like something about their art, they can explore new strategies and perspectives for changing it. In addition, they can reference the art of others to discover a new direction for their own art piece. When engaging in visual art, a creator also has the opportunity to develop critical-thinking skills while strengthening their creative mind.
It is safe to say that some people may be uninterested in the thought of painting or colouring, thinking that they are too old or mature for such activity. However, this notion can certainly be challenged by recognising the value of youthfulness in healing and recovery. When we allow ourselves to embrace our inner child during adulthood, we are providing ourselves with the love and care that we may not have received as a child. In other words, painting, drawing, and colouring are indeed youthful, and exploring such youthfulness in addiction recovery can foster deeper healing.
Engaging in visual outlets can be as simple as drawing on a piece of paper. However, for those that seek to make creative expression more exciting, local art stores carry many types of canvas, brushes, paint colours, and other art tools that may be of help. In addition, many community centres and other local organisations may offer art classes and groups to foster opportunities for social connection while embracing creativity.
Photography and Videography
Other visual art outlets to consider during addiction recovery include photography and videography. These art forms are becoming increasingly important in today’s day and age as online media sources like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok become more popular. Both photography and videography are centred on capturing an audience’s attention, not only when the pictures are being taken, or videos are being filmed but also during the processes of editing and publishing.
For those in recovery, photography and videography can provide therapeutic healing as these visual art forms help bring to focus positive life experiences. In addition, they can enhance an individual’s self-worth and reduce stress. Individuals interested in these art forms do not have to buy a professional camera to reap these benefits; rather, a smartphone will work just fine. In addition, some may even consider using a disposable camera to obtain a more “aged” look in their photos.
Dance and Movement
Although dance and movement are less popular than visual art forms, they are certainly known for their effect on creative expression. The human body can be used as a vehicle for self-expression through various movements, including dance. Many professional dancers use a combination of music and body movements to tell a story, convey their feelings, and connect with the present moment. Those in addiction recovery can especially benefit from dance, as it also requires vulnerability.
Individuals who are interested in incorporating dance and movement into their recovery can begin by creating their own personal movement practice. They can gain inspiration from others by taking dance classes, watching online videos, or asking others to dance alongside them. Avoiding any judgment of oneself or of others during movement practices can promote greater humility and peace throughout addiction recovery.
Writing, Playing, and Singing Music
Lastly, the value of auditory arts deserves the spotlight for those in addiction recovery. According to an article in Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, the general benefits of music include but are not limited to improved:
- Heart rate
- Motor skills
- Brain stimulation
- Immune system enhancement
Additionally, individuals can also use music as a tool for stress management by creating sounds or lyrics that resonate with how they are feeling internally. Those interested in engaging in auditory arts can consider learning how to play a new instrument, taking vocal classes, or merely writing songs from the comfort of their own homes to truly reap the benefits of music in addiction recovery.
Using Creative Expression in Treatment at PCP
At PCP – Perry Clayman Project, we offer several treatment programmes across the UK to help individuals, as well as their families, heal from the lasting impacts of addiction. We understand that ceasing substance abuse is only half the battle; the other half entails developing a worthwhile and prosperous life in sobriety. To address the latter, we incorporate various outlets for creative expression into our clients’ treatment plans.
No matter where a person stands in their recovery journey, creative expression can take them a step further. We are passionate about implementing the use of creative outlets in every stage of treatment, from primary and secondary rehabilitation to third-stage supported housing, aftercare, and more. Still, we recommend that our clients begin with our 12-week (90-day) programme, as it gradually walks clients through each of the Twelve Steps. Moreover, this programme helps to build a strong and secure foundation for lasting sobriety.
Substance abuse and other behavioural addictions inhibit an individual’s ability to engage in creative outlets, directly impacting their well-being and quality of life. By participating in creative outlets both in treatment and throughout long-term recovery, individuals can reclaim their imagination and develop worthwhile lives in sobriety. We at PCP are dedicated to helping clients achieve lasting symptom management and recovery, and creative outlets help us to do this effectively.
When substance abuse and other behavioural addictions take hold, creativity is often compromised. Thus, when working to recover from addiction and other mental health challenges, prioritising engagement in creative outlets can be especially valuable. There are endless forms of creative expression, each of which fosters unique benefits for wellness and addiction recovery. From painting and photography to songwriting and theatre, all forms of creative expression have their place in healing. We at Rehab Today by PCP – Perry Clayman Project are dedicated to guiding and supporting you as you work to overcome addiction. We offer a number of rehabilitation centres across the UK, working to meet clients where they are in recovery. Learn more by calling 08000 380 480.
When substance abuse and other behavioural addictions take hold, creativity is often compromised. Thus, when working to recover from addiction and other mental health challenges, prioritising engagement in creative outlets can be especially valuable. There are endless forms of creative expression, each of which fosters unique benefits for wellness and addiction recovery. From painting and photography to songwriting and theatre, all forms of creative expression have their place in healing. We at Rehab Today by PCP – Perry Clayman Project are dedicated to guiding and supporting you as you work to overcome addiction. We offer a number of rehabilitation centres across the UK, working to meet clients where they are in recovery. Learn more by calling 08000 380 480.
