Is There Music Therapy for Drug Addiction?

Music has been around since the dawn of humanity and continues to bring joy and positive energy to billions of people worldwide.

Not only that, but music has been utilized in a wide variety of ways, proving to be a versatile tool in our day-to-day lives. It can help people heal, it can help them forget, it can help them pass the time, it can bring people together, it can make people smile, and it can even help relieve stress. 

Today, music plays an important role in treating many different conditions – including addiction – through music therapy. It’s a type of therapy that many people might overlook or not know about, but we’re going to teach you everything you need to know. 

What Does Music Therapy and Addiction Entail?

Music therapy is either done in an individual or group setting, depending on each patient’s personal needs. Two fundamental methods are often used in music therapy sessions – the receptive method (listening-based) and the active method (experiential-based). 

Let’s take a look at some of the many techniques used by music therapists:

• Listening to music (live or pre-recorded)
• Learning different relaxation techniques using music
• Playing or learning how to play musical instruments
• Singing along to music (live or pre-recorded)
• Dancing or moving to music, or writing choreography
• Improvising songs (by yourself or with others)
• Drawing or painting while listening to music
• Writing song lyrics or sheet music

Patients might be asked to listen to music, create music, or move (dance) to music, depending on the treatment. Since these unique and effective techniques stimulate different areas of the brain, they can be used to treat a number of conditions, injuries, diseases, or disorders. 

What are the Benefits of Music Therapy and Substance Abuse?

While music therapy isn’t considered a traditional treatment, it is considered an alternative or complementary treatment – meaning it’s often used in conjunction with traditional treatments. In this way, it can help enhance and improve the treatment of a wide range of different conditions.

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of music therapy:

• Reduces muscle tension and promotes muscle relaxation
• Improves self-esteem and self-reflection
• Reduces stress, anxiety, agitation, worry, and irritation
• Improved ability to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions
• Improves relationships, teamwork, communication, and group cohesiveness
• Enhances self-awareness and increases motivation or inspiration
• Greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities
• Develop healthier coping mechanisms for daily use
• Encourages patients to be more optimistic, patient, and in control of their life
• Improves sleeping patterns and overall energy levels
• Improves memory and other cognitive abilities

Music therapists have the ability to work with a variety of patients, including veterans, military service members, people with autism, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, mental health disorders, those that are physically ill, and even people in correctional facilities – everyone can benefit from music!

Is There Music Therapy for Drug Addiction?

One of the most promising uses for music therapy is with those suffering from drug addiction or the abuse of other harmful substances. It’s an effective complementary treatment to traditional detoxification, medication, therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. 

Music therapists have to be careful not to play the music that triggers the patient’s past – whether it be trauma-related or drug-related. If therapists aren’t careful, music therapy can adversely affect the individual’s recovery journey. When done right, it can be life-changing. 

With that said, music therapy and substance abuse are often a great match, especially when teamed up with a quality and proven therapist. When they take a tailored, personalized, and human-based approach, music and addiction recovery can bring out the best in any patient. 

How to Find Florida Music Therapy for Drug Addiction

Are you looking for a piece of quality music and addiction recovery program designed to help you or a loved one overcome their traumatic past? Do you want to learn more about how music therapy and addiction recovery can help turn an individual’s life around? If so, then we’re here to help!

At Prevail Recovery Center, we ensure our patients have the tools and resources needed to make a smooth transition through each level of care. We determine a unique and personalized treatment plan for each of our patients, considering their lifestyle and background. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our addiction recovery services – including detoxification, outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, 12-step programs, and dual diagnosis treatment in Florida. We can’t wait to help you overcome addiction!