Reconnecting with music is a vital component of addiction recovery. There are different types of therapies with proven results in helping people during drug and alcohol rehabilitation. With various options from which to choose, music therapy facts seem baffling. Studies show that this form of treatment provides many positive results. A person can experience significant emotional, physical, and mental healing during substance use treatment.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is not the same as listening to music for entertainment. Instead, it is an evidence-based therapeutic method that uses music to accomplish treatment goals. Like other treatments, each person receives an individualized plan that is specific to their preferences and needs. In addition to music therapy, the following integrative programs can also be effective:
- Art therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
People benefit from integrative therapy by experiencing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical improvements. When you’re in a music therapy program, a qualified therapist assesses your strengths and needs. Furthermore, they use this information to outline a course of treatment that includes listening and moving to music. A person may also benefit from creating music and singing. Involving musical disciplines in therapy sessions, a person learns how to strengthen abilities that can transfer to other areas of their life.
Music Therapy Facts for Addiction Treatment
Music continues to withstand the test of time because of its positive influence on people’s lives. Whether someone performs or listens to music, it establishes new connections in the brain.
People struggling with drug and alcohol dependence often use these substances to cope. Music therapy offers a soothing outlet for them to express their emotions. It becomes effective during addiction treatment to help with a person’s overall physical rehabilitation. Also, the therapeutic nature of music may increase their motivation to become more engaged in getting better.
Benefits of Music Therapy Facts
There are many benefits to a music therapy program. These include:
- Brain stimulation
- Improved self-esteem
- Promotion of self-awareness
- Reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure
- Mood booster
Music therapy also helps a person find healthy ways to acknowledge and process negative emotions. It helps to reduce their stress and anxiety, often connected to their addiction. Additionally, increasing natural endorphins through music therapy can alleviate symptoms of different conditions like depression.
The Healing Power of Music
Music has the power to stir souls, conjure memories, and release sadness. It is no wonder that this same power can aid the recovery of a person struggling with substance use issues. The right connection can help to reinforce their commitment to sobriety. Music therapy has now found its place in many drug and alcohol treatment centers across the country. There are holistic centers that include this creative outlet in their regular program offerings. It can reduce a person’s anxiety while helping them find better ways of communicating.
Find Your Freedom from Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from drug or alcohol addiction, Crestview Recovery is here to help. We use holistic treatments like music therapy to help clients with the following components of healing:
- Uncovering emotional deficits
- Learning relapse prevention methods
- Developing healthy ways to resist cravings
- Boosting self-confidence
- Discouraging the appeal of substances
- Helping people connect with a sober network
No matter how hopeless you may feel, we promise you are worth saving. Our Portland rehab welcomes people of all races, genders, and backgrounds.
Join Us in Addiction Recovery
Dual diagnosis programs for clients who have co-occurring disorders involving substance use and mental health symptoms to more effectively and permanently achieve recovery. Contact us at 866.262.0531 if you are ready to free yourself from addiction. We can help jumpstart your recovery today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
