Arts & Crafts Effective Tool in Addiction Recovery

WINCHESTER, Calif., June 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Most Americans know someone with an addiction, and whether that addiction is to a substance, shopping, gambling or anything else, those who suffer are prone to a variety of triggers to use. One common trigger is simply having too much spare time and not enough—or any, healthy activities.  So it's no surprise that for individuals in recovery programs, keeping their free time occupied with productive activities to counter those triggers is often key to success.

"For veterans in recovery programs here, one activity that's been shown to provide something that's both fun and therapeutic is arts & crafts," said Marcie Consic-O'Connor.

O'Connor is a Craft Care Specialist (CCS) employed by national nonprofit organization Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), and is stationed at the VA medical center in Leeds, Massachusetts.

"We have some pretty difficult patients at times, so it's incredible to watch them transform into happier, more productive individuals.  One way in which they're able to overcome some of the difficult challenges they face is through the HHV craft kits," O'Connor said.  "New patients are often dealing with very powerful feelings, so we utilize arts & crafts as a way to get them to both occupy their idle time while providing an opportunity to develop new leisure skills," she added.

O'Connor said that it's their free time which veterans struggle with. "Creating something with their own two hands gives veterans the idea that learning how to use their free time in a healthy manner will ultimately help with their ability to overcome triggers. The kits also help keep patients in better spirits and as such, they are less prone to becoming agitated with unoccupied spare time," added O'Connor.

HHV craft kits also encourage creative expression, as there are hundreds of different kits from several categories provided, giving veteran patients a wide variety to choose from.  Items range from leather wallets, belts and moccasins, wood clocks, birdhouses, paint-by-number sets, plastic and die-cast metal car, truck and military model kits and more.

"The VA's substance abuse programs do a great job supporting our veterans during their recoveries, and HHV proudly supports VA's efforts by ensuring that these brave men and women have access to therapeutic arts & craft kits," said HHV President and CEO Mike Lynch.

Since 1971 HHV has donated over 27 million kits to VA and military hospitals worldwide, and co-sponsors several of VA's annual national rehabilitative events.  For more information on HHV products, sponsorships or to make a donation, visit www.hhv.org or call 888-567-VETS.