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Can Music Therapy Help With Addiction Treatment?

Can Music Therapy Help With Addiction Treatment?

Those who have suffered through a substance abuse disorder or have had a loved one who experienced one know that it can be difficult to fully recover from any type of addiction. While there are many treatments out there that have proven successful, each individual’s journey to recovery is different and may require a unique type of solution in addition to traditional methods.

An emerging type of complementary and integrative treatment, one that is not considered a stand-alone solution for substance abuse or mental health, that has shown significant results is music therapy. This specialized therapy, when combined with other methods, has been known to help treat mental illness, physical disabilities, and addiction.

Group of senior people playing musical instruments indoors in band, having fun.

What Is Music Therapy?

It’s common knowledge that music can increase your energy and link to your emotions; for example, a specific song may make you happy or sad every time you listen to it. It was recognized to be therapeutic when paired with physical or occupational therapy and formal abuse treatment, which is how music therapy was born. According to the American Addiction Centers, music therapy is a “formal recognized type of therapy where music is used to assist an individual in their treatment.” It can be done in inpatient, outpatient, and group therapy & can involve singing, creating, moving to, or listening to music. Qualified therapists with a specialization in music therapy design individual programs for patients based on needs and music preferences. This type of therapy needs to be administered by a professional and can only be beneficial when created for and accepted by individuals.

How Music Therapy May Help

Therapists have several goals when administering music therapy. Some hopeful conclusions for the patient may include:

  • Emotional adjustment
  • Stress relief
  • Enhanced physical & mental well-being
  • Communication skills
  • Increased attention or memory
  • Social involvement
  • Motivation & self esteem
  • Development of coping strategies

With these goals in mind, professionals carefully select candidates for this trending and emerging type of therapy. Typically, many patients with critical mental or physical issues will qualify for and may benefit from music therapy. It can assist when combined with other treatments for:

  • Autism
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Crisis & trauma
  • Physical pain
  • Substance abuse

Types of Substance Abuse

Some types of addiction that require professional treatment and could see positive results from music therapy include alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medicine (opioids and other pain relievers), heroin, and cocaine. If you are trying to find signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one, be sure to keep an eye on if the individual has a lack of interest in their hobbies, is changing friends often, isn’t taking care of themselves, is spending more time alone, eats more or less than normal, is sleeping odd hours, switches emotions quickly, or is having problems with work or family. The most common kinds of traditional treatment, which can be enhanced with complementary interventions, are:

  • Rehabilitation at a recovery center
  • Counseling
  • Medicine designed to curb addiction

How Could Music Therapy Treat Addiction?

When combined with a formal treatment like rehabilitation, music therapy can be used in substance abuse treatment to help people relax, increase their focus, ease their stress, and help them adjust to recovery. Especially in the early stages of recovery, people may become overwhelmed by trying to achieve sobriety. Music therapy can help them cope with these emotional issues. It could also do the following things to aid those suffering from addiction:

  • Address triggers that spark relapse
  • Give individuals something to enjoy
  • Help lead to better decision-making
  • Promote self-expression
  • Lead to other healthy regimens
  • Help those with addictions accept and recognize their emotions

Overall, music therapy is a very beneficial tool when combined with traditional treatment methods for addiction and substance abuse. This type of treatment is not meant to be used on its own or administered at home, but can show significant improvements if completed by a therapeutic professional and designed for each individual case. If you are interested in learning more about music therapy in substance abuse treatment, please contact us at (866)-345-2147 today.

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