Taking a multifaceted approach is one of the best ways to ensure successful addiction treatment. It must involve more than detox and medication. Therapy is an integral part of the healing process, as it helps patients to deal with the underlying cause of their addiction. This is critical in avoiding relapse after the successful completion of a rehabilitation program. In recent years, therapists have been using creative therapy as part of the treatment process. This type of treatment typically involves the use of art to articulate one’s emotions and ideas. It is particularly useful when conventional conversation therapy proves unproductive.
This is because art can be expressed in many forms, such as dance, drawing, coloring, and music. With conventional therapy, the only medium of communication is words, and this can be somewhat limiting at times. Some feelings transcend words, and when this happens, allowing a patient to express themselves through art can provide a breakthrough.
Although creative therapy has many benefits, it is not the best therapy option for all patients. You may find that it does not work for you even after trying different options. This is fine as it only means that you have to look for a method that helps you work through your problems. The fact that you are trying hard to find a type of creative therapy that you like shows your willingness to recover fully from addiction, and this is truly a good sign. If you do not like creative therapy, there are many other therapy options that you can try. Some that have proven effective in treating addiction include:
Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy, or AT, refers to the use of physical activity for therapeutic purposes. Typically, therapy sessions take place outdoors. Some common activities used for adventure therapy include camping, hiking, and rock climbing. These activities are physically demanding, which makes this kind of treatment best suited to individuals who like to be physically active.
AT is a valuable therapy technique because it helps patients create a parallel to their lives. It also enables them to understand the role that drugs play in their lives. Moreover, it can help them to know what triggers their desire to use drugs. For instance, some people turn to drugs when they encounter problems they cannot solve. During AT, the therapist can help them identify their unproductive coping skills, and how they can improve their decision-making abilities. AT also helps to foster a sense of accomplishment among patients. This can restore your faith in yourself, which is essential in the path to recovery from addiction.
Biofeedback/ Neurofeedback
If creative therapy is not working well for you, you might want to consider getting biofeedback therapy. This treatment option involves monitoring your physiological processes, such as muscle tension and heart rate. The goal of this exercise is to help you learn how to regulate your impulses. If you can learn how to control your urges and compulsions, you will be better able to manage cravings for drugs.
A close alternative to biofeedback therapy is neurofeedback therapy. With this option, electrodes are hooked to your head to enable you to monitor your brain action. The results are displayed on a screen so you can see how different triggers affect your brain. This can help you learn how to control your impulses and, ultimately, your cravings too.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is a treatment option that involves riding and caring for horses. You don’t have to know how to ride horses to benefit from this therapy option. You can spend the time caring for them under the guidance of your therapist and an equine specialist. This therapy works well for recovering patients, as it fosters a sense of achievement and self-competence.
Getting lost in the details of caring for a horse can also help you to get in touch with themselves. The experience can also help you explore emotions that are hidden deep beneath the surface. Additionally, you may develop a relationship with your horse that mirrors some of your real-life relationships. This can help you examine and understand your relationships with others.
Conclusion
If you do not like creative therapy, there is no need to worry. There are numerous other therapy options that you can try out. Remember, treatment is about your healing and recovery. If you cannot get that from creative therapy, you only need to look for something that works for you. You may consider trying some of the options discussed in this article for a start. Ready to start looking for a new therapy option? Be sure to call us today at 772-266-5320.
