For an addict in search of a treatment plan and therapy, drawing and painting is known to be a reliable addiction therapy. Drawing and painting involves an expression of ideas and it is a way of communicating thoughts and information without the use of words.

It is a useful therapy tool particularly when the addicts find it difficult to express themselves their feelings and problems verbally to their therapist.

In a way, it helps them convey their burdens even better than words.

Drawing and painting helps the therapist to get a visual representation of the addict’s mental issues and better help them in their task of providing treatment. Over time, this form of therapy have been used along with other normal addiction treatment in the treatment of many mental disorders. It has also been found effective in the treatment of substance abuse disorder and addiction.
In the process of drawing and painting as a therapy, addicts may be asked to reproduce paintings of famous people their artwork and also graphically express their current state of emotion. Also, they may be asked to use drawing instrument and materials they are not normally used to draw and by doing so, it helps them give in to some of the behaviors that comes with addiction.
Another way this form of therapy is used is by asking addicts to use their non-dominant hand to draw and this helps them to change their view about life and not to stick to the one the act of addiction has brought their way.

Also, when addicts express their feelings through drawing and painting, they are able to overcome fear and the negative cravings that plagues them. They learn to channel this fears into something positive capable of facilitating their recovery from addiction.
An art therapist that is trained and experienced has the ability to interpret and analyze the withdrawn feelings and emotions that is shown through the addict’s artwork. This helps to direct the therapist on the right addiction treatment to give to the addict.
It is important to note that using drawing and painting as a therapy does not require addicts to be talented or gifted. Even if they do not have a knack for art, they are still able to benefit from the therapy.

They are not assessed on how excellent their artwork is, but the main aim is to apply the knowledge gotten from this form of art in their addiction treatment.