Mar252021AddictionDrug & Alcohol RehabHolistic TreatmentRehab BlogTherapies There are numerous therapeutic approaches to helping individuals who struggle with substance use disorder (addiction to drugs or alcohol) heal and recover from the disease of addiction. Music therapy for drug and alcohol addiction is a powerful and impactful means of helping addicts deal with their emotions and feelings, while empowering them to break free of their addiction. Music therapy is the evidence-based and clinical employment of music as part of a therapeutic engagement. This creative form of therapy helps addicts express themselves and deal with the intense physical, cognitive and emotional struggles of recovery. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL, our programs use music therapy as part of a well-rounded approach to addiction recovery. How Does Addiction Treatment Use Music Therapy? Music therapy for drug and alcohol addiction involves using music in various forms guided by a qualified therapist. This individualized approach to the treatment of addicts starts with the establishment of treatment goals. Treatment plans for music therapy may include creating music or just listening to the art form. For some individuals, learning to play an instrument is the best form of music therapy. For others, it may be learning how to write, record, or produce music. But even just listening to music, perhaps singing along or creating lyrics, can be enough. What matters the most during music therapy is that the individual engages with the content to work towards their treatment goals. What are the benefits of using music therapy for drug and alcohol addiction? Music therapy has long been used for the treatment of various health and psychological conditions. Documented benefits include: Reduction of stress through the encouragement of the relaxation response Lowering of blood pressure Lessening of depression symptoms Improvement of communication abilities Better coping with anxiety Creation of a meditative state in the listener Improvement of concentration Enhancement of optimism Boost of the immune system Reduction of muscle tension Better coping with pain Reduction of loneliness Reduces boredom Increase in spirituality Release of emotions Aid in overcoming addictions While music therapy is not enough to fully treat addiction by itself, individuals struggling with substance use disorder still benefit from music therapy. Some of these benefits include: The creation of music helps purge negative emotions Music reduces stress, in turn helping to prevent relapse Boredom relief toward reduction of that trigger for drug use Alleviation of loneliness inherent in recovery Music can introduce addicts to meditation as a coping tool Listening to music helps improve concentration, a casualty of drug addiction that must be regained Music alleviates depression associated with the recovery Gaining Interest in Recovery Through Music Many addicts struggle with even having an interest in gaining treatment for their drug and alcohol addiction. They feel disconnected from the world and unable to find their way back to a desire to return to a lifestyle without addiction. After an individual completes treatment and has returned to their everyday life, having a hobby or a creative outlet can make staying sober much easier. It gives individuals an occupation and something to focus upon. Simultaneously, creating, listening to, and sharing music is an excellent way to meet others and build a sober community. Discover How Beaches Recovery Can Help If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, music may be the form of expression needed to encourage recovery. However, many other addiction therapies may help as well. Fortunately, at Beaches Recovery, we offer numerous therapeutic approaches across all our addiction treatment programs. Contact Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532, or contact us online to learn more about how music can help you gain freedom from addiction. Categories: Addiction, Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Holistic Treatment, Rehab Blog, TherapiesMarch 25, 2021Tags: Music therapymusic therapy as addiction treatmentmusic therapy for drug and alcohol addictionPost navigationPreviousPrevious post:Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?NextNext post:Comparing Inpatient Treatment to Outpatient TreatmentRelated postsCan You Survive a Ketamine High?April 29, 2022What Does a Percocet High Feel Like?April 27, 2022What is Heroin?April 22, 2022Art Therapy For Drug AddictionApril 22, 2022What is Cocaine?April 21, 2022How to Help a Heroin AddictApril 20, 2022