Created for the purposes of the Erasmus+ project Per Aspera Ad Inferi - Unveiling the Roots of Drug Addiction among Youth, financed by the European Union through Dům zahraniční spolupráce. The project took place in Písečná-Jablunkov, in Moravian-Silesian region of the Czech Republic.

1. Art as a Tool of Fighting Addiction
By Polish Team

2. • Addiction is a global issue that
affects millions of people
worldwide, and Poland is no
exception.
• Addiction to drugs, alcohol, and
gambling is prevalent in the
country, and it has become a
significant concern for the
government and the public.
• However, there is a growing
awareness that art can be an
effective tool in the fight against
addiction.

3. • Problem of addiction can be
attributed to various factors like
including social and economic
conditions or peer pressure and
stress.
• The most common types of addiction
in Poland are alcoholism, drug
abuse, and gambling.
• These addictions very often lead to a
range of negative consequences,
including health problems, social
isolation, and financial difficulties

4. • Art therapy is a form of treatment
that uses the creative process of
making art to improve the mental
well-being of peoples
• It has been found to be effective
in helping people overcome
addiction by providing a creative
tool for self-expression and
helping them to develop new
coping mechanisms
• Art therapy can also help
individuals build self-esteem and
confidence – important for
maintaining recovery

5. • There are many different
forms of art therapy that have
been used to treat addiction in
Poland and around the world.
These include:
• Music therapy
• Dance therapy
• Visual arts therapy
• Drama therapy.

6. Music Therapy
• An effective treatment option for
individuals struggling with drug addiction
• People are able to express their
emotions, alleviate stress and anxiety,
and learn to regulate their moods in a
positive way
• Can also improve social connections and
communication skills, which can be
particularly beneficial for individuals who
have experienced isolation and
disconnection due to addiction
• In combination with other treatment
approaches, music therapy can be a
valuable tool in promoting recovery and
overall wellbeing.

7. Dance Therapy
• It is often used as a complementary
approach to traditional therapy
• Particularly for individuals who may
have difficulty expressing themselves
verbally.
• Through dance, people can explore
their emotions, improve their body
awareness, and gain a sense of
empowerment and control
• Can be used in individual or group
settings and is often integrated with
other treatment approaches

8. Visual Art
Therapy
• Studies have shown that art
therapy can be particularly
effective in treating substance use
disorders
• It has been found to reduce
cravings and withdrawal
symptoms, as well as improve
mood and overall quality of life
• Visual art therapy can take many
forms, including painting, drawing,
sculpture, and mixed media. The
specific medium used will depend
on the individual's preferences
and needs.

9. • In art therapy sessions, individuals
are encouraged to create without
any specific expectations or goals in
mind
• This allows for free expression and
can help individuals tap into their
subconscious thoughts and feelings
• In Poland is typically provided by a
licensed therapist who has
specialized training in the field.
• Variety of settings, such as hospitals,
clinics, or private practices

10. Drama Therapy
• By acting in drama therapy, peoples can learn to better
regulate their emotions, develop new coping skills, and
improve their communication and interpersonal skills
• Drama therapy can also be used as a complementary
therapy alongside other forms of addiction treatment,
such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and
medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for example
• Acting and living through different emotions allows to
get rid of accumulated stressful feelings of anxiety
• Drama and art therapy in general help to create a new
environments to the individuals don’t fall into addiction
and depression again by adopting the same previous
habits

11. Thanks for your attention!