How Does Music Therapy Help Addiction Recovery?

When individuals hear the term addiction treatment, it is common to think of traditional methods such as talk therapy, rehab, and even medication-assisted therapy (MAT). Some individuals choose not to accept addiction treatment, as the more formal options may seem a bit intimidating. One may ask, “How does music therapy help addiction recovery?”

Music therapy can be a beneficial alternative for those who are seeking a more holistic approach to care. Different types of music therapy at Restoration Recovery can help one maintain long-term recovery. Depending on the severity of one’s condition, music therapy, in combination with other basic treatment options, can increase the effectiveness of one’s ability to achieve long-term sobriety. Overall, choosing to move forward with addiction treatment has been proven to significantly improve one’s quality of life.

What Is Music Therapy?

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), based on a large order of research, making or listening to music can positively affect an individual’s nervous system. Music has been proven to improve an individual’s state of health. It can help one manage symptoms related to various mental and physical health conditions. Therefore, music therapy works by enhancing one’s well-being. 

The term “music therapy” can be defined as a therapeutic method performed by professionals to address an individual’s emotional, physical, social, and cognitive needs. Not every specialist delivers the same music therapy approach. Every professional’s approach comes from their specific background based on their credentials, training, and education. Different methods may consist of purely listening to music, learning through music, or performing music. For example, a music therapist may work in an outpatient clinic, senior center, rehabilitation facility, school, or nursing home, etc. Music therapy may consist of various activities to motivate further treatment options and make for an enjoyable experience.

What Different Types of Music Therapy Help Addiction?

Music therapy has been used for centuries when it comes to aiding one’s mental and physical health complications. Participating in music-based interventions can be especially helpful in treating substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is a severe form of substance abuse. It has been found that SUD commonly co-occurs with various mental health conditions. Evidence-based music methods have been proven to reduce the severity of one’s addiction. Different types of music therapy that are most effective in treating addiction include: 

• Individual or group music sessions
• Songwriting
• Discussion of song lyrics
• Vocal or instrumental improvisation
• Music performance
• Music-assisted relaxation

How Can Music Therapy Help Addiction?

Based on a study by Cochrane Library, music therapy has been proven to provide a wide range of positive effects for individuals who are facing challenges with SUD. The effects range from neurobiological to cultural and social benefits. For instance, neurobiological impacts target an individual’s behavior and emotions. Social and interpersonal positives when engaging in music assist individuals with communal experiences that may provide expression and new connections. Special consideration may be needed for those with SUD when engaging in music for therapeutic purposes. This is due to the fact that music immediately impacts an individual’s neurons. Engaging in music therapy may open opportunities to explore other substance abuse treatment options. Additional benefits include: 

• Alleviated depression and anxiety
• Reduced SUD symptoms
• New coping skills
• Reduced resistance 
• Ability to maintain sobriety

How Can Restoration Recovery’s Music Therapy Help Addiction?

Some individuals are hesitant to move forward with treatment. Becoming aware of what to expect before surrendering to addiction or mental health treatment can make for a more comfortable experience. When an individual feels content in a safe environment, it is common to develop a higher probability of having an increased success rate. 

Everyone deserves to heal from the stages of addiction. Choosing to move forward with Restoration Recovery’s music therapy can be a great start to addiction treatment. It can be beneficial for one to take time to speak to one of their specialists and discuss an individualized treatment plan. Their team can kindly tailor their holistic treatment services specifically to the client’s needs for a more positive outcome.

Incorporating Different Treatment Modalities With Music Therapy

Restoration Recovery’s holistic rehab program consists of several other forms of care suited for those facing issues with addiction and their mental health. Music therapy can help complement these other types of treatment. For example, an individual may connect music therapy with their dance/movement therapy. Additionally, different tones and styles of music could be incorporated into meditation and mindfulness practices for added benefit. 

Music therapy at Restoration Recovery in combination with more standard treatment options such as individual therapy, medication-assisted therapy (MAT), or dual diagnosis treatment can boost an individual’s likelihood of achieving long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. A few forms of holistic care that can be incorporated into an individual’s treatment with the guidance of peer and professional support include: 

• Art therapy
• Tai chi
• Acupuncture
• Nutrition lessons
• Spiritual growth and development

Many individuals often wonder how music therapy helps with addiction recovery. At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness, but wholeness. Many drug and alcohol addiction rehab programs are turning toward a “whole body” (holistic) approach to recovery. Rather than just treating the disease, our holistic treatment looks at each person as a whole and introduces healing to other aspects of a person. You can expect to have your mind, body, and spirit integrated within music therapy. Holistic services can help people in addiction rehab develop a stronger sense of self-identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence. If you or a loved one is seeking professional care, call us at (888) 290-0925 to learn more.