Creativity 'helps those in drug rehab'

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by Change | 17 Dec 2008

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Patients attending a substance addiction clinic are being given lessons in writing and performance.

Students at the University of Portsmouth are helping those attending substance misuse rehab centres to tackle their dependencies.

Chris Lawrence and Sandra Phillip, who attend its School of Creative Arts, Film and Media, are teaching writing and performance to groups with drug and alcohol addictions.

It is hoped these lessons will allow attendees at substance rehab centre Alpha House to engage with creativity and improve their lives in the long term.

Ms Phillip describes the effect of appearing onstage as being able to "eclipse any high they ever got from drugs".

"Addicts are always seen as outsiders. Giving them permission to express themselves means they begin to feel they have something positive to offer, that they are worth something," she claims.

She adds the people with drug addictions she has been working with have transformed during the process, becoming excited and positive about taking part.

Mr Lawrence states that people gain a buzz when they use their imaginations and are given the opportunity of being creative.

Last month, it was reported Tabankulu Recovery Centre, a rehab clinic, is offering attendees the opportunity to learn to surf in order to help them regain a passion for life.

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