“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
– Pablo Picasso
Vincent van Gogh. Andy Warhol. Jackson Pollock. What do these three men have in common? They were all visual artists with potential substance use disorders. In 2022, there were 2.67 million artists in the United States. Florida has approximately 6.6% of the US population. Considering this, an estimated 176,000 people in the state are artists. If 11.5% have a substance use disorder, that equals more than 20,000 Floridian artists.
At Tranquil Shores, we want you to know that artists can find recovery from substance use disorders. Today, we are going to discuss addiction recovery for visual artists.
Addiction and Artists: What Is the Connection?
The “tortured artist” is a popular trope that has existed for centuries. It is a belief that one must experience suffering and pain to create successful art. The media often associates this idea of a “tortured artist” with someone partaking in substances. But how does this compare to artists outside of the media portrayal?
A recent study showed that art students were more likely to try substances than those who were not in an art major. One potential risk factor for developing a substance use disorder is if you begin taking them at a younger age. This could explain why, in a different study, artists had higher rates of having signs of cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, hallucinogen, and alcohol use disorders than non-artists.
There are several reasons why artists might turn to substances. Some of these ways may include trying to:
● Disconnect from themselves to experience altered states of mind
● Understand the world from a different viewpoint
● Think in a unique way
● Hold onto a child’s imagination
● Create a world that is artistic and unique
● Overcome creative barriers
● Reach the deeper levels of their consciousness
● Cope with personal trauma or experiences
However, substance use disorders can make life challenging for artists – and anyone, for that matter. An artist is still a human being with a personal life. They have a family, friends, bills to pay, possibly other jobs, etc. A substance use disorder can complicate that. For example, an artist who has a substance use disorder may find it challenging to fulfill their daily responsibilities, or they may lose interest in activities, such as art. They may push away loved ones to spend more time with substances.
The good news is that the “tortured artist” is a myth. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible, even for artists. By receiving treatment, you can learn how to maintain your artistic talent while creating a healthier, more fulfilling life outside of substances.
3 Common Obstacles for Artists in Recovery and How to
Overcome Them
There are many obstacles that anyone in recovery can experience. Cravings, isolation, stress, and developing self-care habits are challenges experienced by anyone in recovery. The truth is recovery is difficult, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Treatment can make it easier and less overwhelming.
When it comes to artists, some obstacles are more commonly encountered. Attending a treatment program tailored specifically for artists can help you learn how to overcome them. Below, we discuss 3 of the most common.
Lack of inspiration — Many artists use substances to overcome creative barriers and find inspiration. When they enter recovery, they might find it challenging to be inspired to create art again. But there are many ways that you can find inspiration without taking a substance. Things like taking inspiration from other artists, being in nature, music, and reading are all helpful. Also, creating something can lead you down the right path. It doesn’t have to be this extraordinary masterpiece. But it may be the piece that sparks inspiration.
Lack of purpose — If you have been using substances while creating art for a long time and have stopped, you might find yourself lacking a sense of purpose. For some artists, substances helped them find a new perspective or reality that gave their art meaning. Once removed, they might have difficulty creating a new purpose for their artwork. Like finding inspiration again, you can find your purpose. Your treatment can help you rediscover your passions and perspectives. These can give you a new purpose and direction when creating your art.
Lack of self-esteem – This obstacle is often associated with believing that good artwork can only be created through substances. This isn’t true. An artist will still have the talent they had before. Therapy sessions and making art every day can help rebuild that confidence. Sharing your art with a small group of trusted individuals may also be helpful.
How Art Therapy Can Help With Recovery
Art therapy is an experiential therapy that falls under the category of expressive therapy. It helps people express themselves in a nonverbal, imaginative, and creative way as they work through painful experiences or emotions. This therapy can improve self-confidence and develop interpersonal skills. During art therapy, people create freely in a safe and supportive environment free of judgment. These benefits help people heal from substance use disorders.
Art therapy can be a beneficial way for artists to rediscover their passion and allow them to learn how to continue making art without substances. It can boost their creativity and dopamine while they are in treatment. It may even redirect their art career in a new direction
Recovery Techniques Visual Artists Can Find Helpful
There are several techniques that visual artists can find helpful when it comes to their recovery from a substance use disorder. One of these includes finding healthy coping mechanisms. A healthy coping mechanism might be using art to express challenging emotions and thoughts.
It can also involve utilizing mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help people become present in the current moment, which can reduce feelings of cravings.
Treatment teaches self-care techniques. Practicing self-care can keep your creativity going. Creating art involves staying relaxed and not overwhelmed; burnout can block the creative process. Learning that it is okay to step away and take breaks can be a valuable tool for many visual artists in substance use disorder recovery.
Resources for Visual Artists with Substance Use Disorders
One of the most important things you can do while recovering from a substance use disorder is to continue your treatment through aftercare. This includes participating in alumni meetings. These are excellent places to meet and interact with other artists with similar stories. The people you meet there are the ones you can lean on during challenging moments. They will also keep you accountable throughout your recovery journey.
Support groups are also available in most places, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. Like alumni meetings, these support groups provide people who understand what it is like to go through recovery.
An artist’s career can be very high-pressure. This guide on supporting mental health in high-pressure careers provides helpful tips and resources for maintaining stress while recovering.
Substance Use Disorder Help for Artists in Madeira Beach, FL
Recovery from substance use disorders comes with many questions, especially when it comes to artists. You might have fears that you won’t be able to create art without substances, but this is not true. Addiction rehab for artists will help you rediscover your artistic passions and abilities. Our 3:1 client-counselor ratio ensures that we are dedicated to helping you understand how your recovery and artistic career can co-exist successfully.
At Tranquil Shores, we are located on the beach, providing a detail-oriented environment perfect for exercising your creativity. For more information, call us today at 727-391-7001 for the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
