Individuals suffering with the disease of addiction and alcoholism often suffer from a unique dilemma. Difficulties with parents, home life and peers are often fresh and more pronounced. These individuals often have a greater degree of difficulty identifying directly with 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Many times these individuals feel powerless and unable to be "heard" and have become accustomed to seeking negative rather than positive attention and validation of their existence. Due to their age, most have never held meaningful careers or developed families and would benefit greatly from an extra incentive to fuel their desire for recovery as opposed to teetering on the edge of apathy.

The Alternative Therapy's Program is designed to harness the natural creative tendencies and optimism of this group. "Alternative", yet still life-affirming, reading and written assignments will be given to individuals with the goal of feeding and challenging their fertile minds. These individuals will be encouraged to present creative projects to one another in the form of drawings, paintings, poetry, song lyrics, playing of musical instruments, drum circles, sculpting, etc.. The positive attention, feedback and encouragement, coupled with traditional dual-diagnosis treatment programs will go a long way to empower these individuals for further continued recovery.

It is to a great advantage that Beachway Therapy Center is located just minutes from art galleries, drum circles, centers for the performing arts, outdoor events such as art shows, festivals and performances by live bands. The founders of Beachway Therapy Center are themselves actors and musicians making for this type of program a given. They have many connections in the community and screen writers, poets, musicians, artists and others are committed to giving trainings on each artistic venue at the center on a weekly basis to assist these individuals with education by some of the most prolific artists in the area.

Beachway Therapy Center provides each admission with an assessment that includes a section on each individuals talents already in place in their lives or an interest that they've always had but due to drugs and alcohol were never able to accomplish it. Make the decision to come to Beachway Therapy Center now and join this new and exciting adventure with us.

What is Art Therapy? Art Therapy: Definition of the Profession (AATA, 2002)

Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.