Finding an artistic outlet can help you immensely on your journey to recovery. Find clarity and release through an artistic practice like dance, music, martial arts, writing, or drama.
A few years ago, I was lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore, and I was so numb to emotions that I couldn’t even see how miserable my life was. Drugs worked their magic on my mind, and I convinced myself that I was happy. I was enjoying life, unlike so many people who lived like robots; they did the same thing every day, and I didn’t. Then, one of my addict friends sought out treatment, and I laughed at her. I looked her straight in the eyes and laughed. She thought she could quit? Ha! I assumed she would endure months of pain and tears, and then she would fail. Of course, that didn’t happen, and she proved me wrong.
While she had plenty of moments of pain, she grew into something amazing. She was excited about life and happily welcomed each week. She started taking piano lessons as a way to release emotions and find clarity in her darkest moments. Her recovery was not how I imagined it should be, and my eyes were opened to how beautiful it can be when you use an artistic practice as a way to thrive. Here are five common ways an addict can embrace recovery and find the experience enjoyable and worth it.
Dance
When people decide to quit their addiction, they are often faced with a stumbling block they weren’t expecting. This stumbling block is boredom, and it is dangerous. Using dance classes as a way to fill time is healthy and fun. There are many types of dance, and it is your time to find the one that inspires you the most. It will keep you busy while boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Music
Music has been known for years to have an effect on people’s emotions and growth. It has been proven that those who play an instrument while going to school, on average, do better overall in academic classes. It teaches responsibility, passion, and trying again despite mistakes. When thoughts of your addiction begin to overwhelm your mind, working on the artistic practice of music passionately can alleviate the cravings and motivate you to continue on your chosen path.
Martial Arts
When I picture martial arts, I automatically picture someone dressed in white kicking and punching their opponent. But while martial arts teach defense skills, they are not all about violence or fighting. Martial arts are about teaching yourself self-discipline. This is one skill every addict must achieve during the recovery process, and gaining it while learning martial arts is doubly beneficial.
Writing
I often mention writing on this blog as a way to release feelings and work through problems. Whenever I begin struggling, I take a pencil and a notebook and write. I write down every single feeling. I write down hatred, agony, love, happiness, defeat, and heartbreak. Once it is all out on paper, I breathe. The weight and stress pressing on my chest lifts, and I feel like I can move again. Then I rip up that sheet of paper and move on. Writing is one thing I spent hours doing in the first few months of recovery, and it helped me overcome moments of weakness.
Drama
Acting is an incredible way to vent out grief and pain from addiction. You have the chance to be someone else, and it can be one of the best ways to overcome cravings. Drama takes time, and in the recovery process, you want no empty hours. When you find boredom creeping in, grab your lines and practice them. An even better idea is to practice your lines with another cast member. You will grow friendships, skills, and confidence.
The recovery process doesn’t have to be miserable, but it can be a time in your life when you feel alive, happy, and like a part of something.
Artistic Practice at Morningside Recovery
At Morningside Recovery, we offer many alternative addiction therapy services to help clients find peace in new hobbies and learn new coping mechanisms. From experiential therapy to adventure therapy, we have many options to help our clients achieve recovery. Call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135 to find out how artistic practice and alternate therapy can put you on the track to sobriety.
