If you have ever been to rehab, you probably weaved a basket, created a therapeutic poster board or painted a ceramic puppy or two. Even though poetry relies on the use of language, it too is an art form and can be as direct or as abstract as you are lead. Similar to realism vs. abstract painting, poetry is subjective to the creator and interpreted by the audience. I have heard it said there is an artist in each of us. The artist in you may be dormant, hiding in fear or offended by the lack of outside appreciation, but none the less present. A simple pen and paper can awaken the sleeping giant. Poetry may lead to music, fine art or a collection of haiku, regardless of the end, the means will be revealing, comforting, and restorative. Just ask George W.
Trauma and mental health issues can render a person voiceless, literally and figuratively. Addicts sometimes abuse chemical substances in order to find a voice even if it is not their own. Communication connects us, humanizes us; so loud and belligerent often feels less painful than thoughtful and deliberate; sexually explicit seems more forgiving than openly sentimental. Anything is better than being mute. Writing can assist you in finding your own voice and be very edifying. You do not have to share your work in order to begin appreciating your unique view on life. Writing poetry will help you to build strength and confidence in your natural sober state.
Writing is liberation. Poetry can be written, spoken, even incorporated into fine art. It can be organic, revised, metered, rhythmic or rhyming. It is storytelling and song; smiling, laughing, anguish, death and resurrection. I do not know why I am an addict, but I do know at times the world lays heavy on my being; it is confining and dictatorial. I used drugs and alcohol to gain a sense of freedom, take flight, get high, no higher. Art frees me with no adverse side effects. The creation and appreciation of art gets me high, no higher.
Writing is liberation. Poetry can be written, spoken, even incorporated into fine art. It can be organic, revised, metered, rhythmic or rhyming. It is storytelling and song; smiling, laughing, anguish, death and resurrection. I do not know why I am an addict, but I do know at times the world lays heavy on my being; it is confining and dictatorial. I used drugs and alcohol to gain a sense of freedom, take flight, get high, no higher. Art frees me with no adverse side effects. The creation and appreciation of art gets me high, no higher.
Poetry can help your addiction recovery because a big part of the process is helping others, being your brother's keeper. Looking out for others can take our minds off of our own issues and put them into better perspective. I have written a number of poems specifically for my peers in one area or another. The Spoken Word videos that appear in this article were written with the intent of going out "To All My Addicts" who begrudgingly or wholeheartedly embrace recovery. "Cell Mate" is for anyone that has been inducted into the incarceration club and "To All My Writers" is written in poetic prose for us self proclaimed scribes who go through the inevitable writer's block, which is sometimes self-inflicted because we too at times want to give up.
Then there are lines that I write just for me, specifically to work through some area of my life where pain persists or the catalyst for celebration is worthy of recognition. I share it in the hopes that someone else can relate, and know they are not alone. And some poems I only share with God, and if I could, I would hide them from Him. Writing can tap the subconscious and the unwitting recipient of our efforts is often the artist inside, the hushed voice, the being longing for freedom, the anonymous reader. Recovery is a process that takes steps, breakthroughs, setbacks and creative expression. When you have written that first poem, or the 10th or the 100th and the endorphin start to rush, clear your voice and affirm your sobriety. Write it down and make it plain. Habakkuk 2:2
