One of the things Oldtimers tell Newcomers is to “remember your last drunk. Remember that last high. “ They caution you to never forget it. I think I know why. It’s like waking up to the good intentions of the previous night. And hearing that terrified voice in your head that says “Well, it wasn’t really that bad “ followed by the relief that you don’t need to quit today. Alcoholics and addicts have selective memories; we tend to romance the drink and forget the paranoia and self loathing that … [Read more...] about Life Inside a Pill Bottle
chemical dependency
The Beauty of Recovery
Lifeline beaded bracelet F. beaded this memory wire bracelet during an art therapy group. Memory wire is perfect for beginning jewelers and hard to mess up. The wire is spiraled and remembers that it is spiraled. No tricky clasps or toggles needed. It also is an apt metaphor for the idea of a life timeline, a visual story, a bead memory. Each single bead represents a year in the life of this artist. Some years a small single … [Read more...] about The Beauty of Recovery
Boundaries
Sometimes I feel moved to participate in the directive with an art therapy group, either with an example or by making my own art response. This is a rare but rewarding happenstance and I always learn something. On this particular day I made a masked, painted example about food and feelings. I didn’t know why. Turns out to be a huge lesson on boundaries and group dynamics. Here’s what happened when I finished and taped mine on the wall. F taped her painting up so it overlapped mine. It … [Read more...] about Boundaries
Art Therapy and Addiciton
Drinking Me/ Sober Me collage Getting clean and sober is more than detox and support. Patients learn new coping skills and address family of origin issues, among other things. Perhaps most importantly, patients are introduced to the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and work the first few steps. Completing all Twelve Steps is the work of a lifetime; treatment focuses on the first three. Most important for a solid foundation is the first step – … [Read more...] about Art Therapy and Addiciton