Benefits of Music Therapy and Addiction
Music therapy is a non-invasive, clinically tested and evidence-based way of treating physical, emotional, cognitive and social conditions. It often works in tandem with other forms of treatments like counseling or psychotherapy.
Addiction is a complex illness that requires an individualized treatment plan. Music therapy can be an invaluable asset to this process, providing benefits such as reduced pain, increased movement and self-motivation, enhanced communication abilities, and more.
Music therapy can offer many advantages for addiction recovery, such as emotional expression. This is especially helpful during the early stages when one may feel overwhelmed with emotions they don’t know how to process or manage.
Music therapy provides a safe and relaxing outlet to express fears, anger, frustration and resentment. Furthermore, it may serve as an opening for discussing more serious matters with a counselor in recovery.
Recovery can also assist those in recovery to recognize and understand their feelings, leading to healthier coping strategies and an overall improved quality of life.
One example is using songwriting to help clients explore feelings related to addiction and their recovery process (Freed, 1987). Lyric analysis may also be employed, in which individuals may be encouraged to rewrite songs they’ve previously created or chosen.
This can teach them new coping mechanisms, recognize their feelings, and validate those by identifying the words used to describe themselves in the song. Furthermore, it could motivate them to share their songs with others and join group activities.
Many in recovery find the process of grieving to be extremely cathartic and an effective way to release emotions they might otherwise struggle with expressing. It also serves as a great opportunity for them to bond with other recovering individuals, creating friendships that will last far beyond treatment.
Music can help reduce the detrimental effects of stress on the brain, particularly for those suffering from depression or anxiety. It may also lessen feelings of isolation that are common during recovery from addiction.
Self-esteem and confidence can be enhanced, motivating clients to continue with recovery. This is an integral aspect of recovery as it prevents individuals from becoming depressed or giving up on sobriety altogether.
Research has demonstrated that music has the power to alter brain chemical activity in the reward center, potentially altering addictive behavior. It also promotes relaxation, enhances sleep quality and lowers blood pressure.
Music therapy programs can be tailored to each individual’s individual needs. Activities may include singing, listening to music, playing instruments and/or creating songs.
The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to reach individual goals within a therapeutic relationship between a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy training program. It can be an effective tool for promoting wellness, increasing self-esteem, motivating for improvement, relieving stress, developing motor skills and social interaction, as well as providing emotional support.