Music Therapy In Addiction Recovery

The therapeutic use of music is well-known for its ability to assist in treating a broad spectrum of issues, from dementia to depression. 

Less well-known but still present in a large number of programs across the nation is the use of music therapy in addiction rehab. Applying the emotional and mental effects of music to the healing of individuals who struggle with substance use disorder can serve as a way to enhance their recovery. 

By tapping into the individual’s emotions, music therapy uses the power of music to create a more balanced and healthy way of managing addiction and daily life. 

What is music therapy? 

Music therapy is the therapeutic use of music to achieve specific goals. While listening to music on one’s own can deliver its own benefits (e.g. A boost in mood), music therapy requires the involvement of a licensed music therapist. This professional guides the client through specific musical exercises. An individualized approach to therapy, this type of treatment takes into account an individual’s musical preferences and circumstances in order to deliver a program that addresses their unique needs. 

In music therapy, clients use a wide array of musical approaches to address their individual issues.

The use of music can be both active and receptive, and can consist of any of the following: 

• Creating art with music
• Creating one’s own songs
• Dancing to music (Which can also be part of dance movement therapy)
• Playing musical instruments
• Discussing the thoughts and feelings that music generates
• Singing
• Listening to music
• Learning relaxation techniques associated with music

In addition, any musical instrument can be used in a music therapy session, and many different types of music may be utilized. Often, the client’s musical preferences are taken into account when selecting the type of music used during therapy. The result is a customized and participatory approach to therapy. 

How is music therapy used in addiction recovery? 

Music therapy appears across recovery programs. Detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab can also implement this type of treatment in order to support the recovery of program participants. 

When used in addiction recovery, music is used primarily for its ability to generate an emotional and mental shift in the participant.

These are some of the most important ways in which music therapy is leveraged to support an addict’s journey toward sobriety: 

Relieve stress – Thereby enabling the participant to better focus on recovery and manage cravings

Improve attention or memory  – Thereby helping to counteract some of the negative effects of long-term drug and/or alcohol abuse. 

Create social connections – Thereby improving the participant’s social network, emotional support, and ability to interact with others

Alleviate depression and anxiety – Thereby alleviating some of the drivers of addiction

Allow for self-expression – Thereby enabling the participant to address thoughts, feelings, and issues that may otherwise remain buried 

Provide a means of self-soothing – Thereby assisting the individual in managing cravings, negative emotions, and the challenges of recovery and daily life

Counteract the negative emotions that often accompany addiction – Thereby equipping the individual to manage anger, guilt, hopelessness, despair, and more

Building self-esteem – Thereby giving individuals more confidence and a stronger foundation upon which to build their recovery

This combination of potential benefits is thought to help motivate individuals to pursue and stick with their treatment programs. As a result, music therapy is sometimes designed to help clients continue with their recovery even when that recovery becomes difficult. 

What research supports the use of music therapy in addiction recovery? 

While research into music therapy remains slim, there are some studies that indicate that music therapy may be helpful in supporting clients’ recoveries. In particular, these studies indicate an improvement in individuals’ willingness to receive treatment, improvements in mood, greater relaxation, and a decrease in negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. 

Music therapy may provide a way for individuals to receive benefits that support their recovery from addiction. By improving mood and motivation, delivering greater social connections, and offering tools for managing cravings, music can support a successful sobriety journey. 

However, music therapy is not enough on its own to generate lasting recovery. This approach works best when it is integrated into evidence-based practices. As a result, music therapy is known as a complementary therapy that is present in many rehab programs throughout the nation. 

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This page does not provide medical advice
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