Another bottle of medication. Another set of pills to take in order to recover from the ones ingested before. Oftentimes, those affected by opioid usage view addiction medication as a counterintuitive, repetitive leg of their journey.
Luckily, there are other methods to overcoming opioid addiction.
Holistic techniques treat those struggling with addiction on all levels – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. They not only aid with the symptoms of addiction, but also delve into the problem to find the root.
The most popular holistic approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which are both types of talk therapy. However there are also lesser known approaches, such as art.
Art therapy can greatly help in addiction recovery. Along with being a form of expression, it also acts as an outlet for stress, and can even boost self esteem. Art therapy isn’t limited to artists; it’s a universal resource. It helps to refocus energy and overall improve mood for participants.
Besides the benefits art therapy carries, it also acts as an valuable alternative to talk therapy. When dealing with addiction, talking through issues can be embarrassing, frightening, and overall difficult. Art therapy is an amazing way to help those that are apprehensive about talking about their addiction, slowly become more comfortable with the process of recovery.
While the road of addiction recovery can be arduous, holistic approaches such as art can help the process slowly but surely.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
