What is Music Therapy and How Can it Help with Addiction Recovery?

Music therapy is a complementary addiction treatment used alongside other therapies such as individual and group rehab. The easiest way to understand what is music therapy is by reviewing the details of how it’s used to benefit people in recovery.

What Is Music Therapy?

• Uses evidence-based music interventions
• Is held in a clinical setting
• Strives to reach personalized goals made with clients
• Held by professional music therapists

Music therapy intervention is designed to:

• Increase wellness
• Control stress
• Relieve pain
• Express feelings
• Improve memory
• Enhance communication
• Further physical rehabilitation progress

Nonverbal Expression

Music therapy is a means of nonverbal expression. Put more simply, it’s used as a method of expression where individuals don’t have to talk. Many addictions are rooted in trauma. When people in music therapy want to express themselves, but talking about trauma is overwhelming, music is a perfect means of safe expression.

Sense of Accomplishment

Creating and playing music also helps a person in treatment gain a sense of accomplishment. It’s gratifying to give pleasure and entertainment to an audience. Writing and singing songs, composing music, and practicing skills on musical instruments all contribute to an increased positivity in self-image and self-worth.

Collaboration

Collaboration with others also increases feelings of camaraderie and belonging to a group. When a group collaborates on songwriting, singing and musical creations, the cooperation and bonding that occurs fosters positive emotions for each group member.

Relaxation

Musical expression also enhances emotional and mental states by fostering relaxation. Patients experience lower blood pressure levels, relaxed muscles, and more regulated breathing in the middle of creative expression.

Do You Have to Be “Musical”?

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) reports music therapy is useful for addiction treatment no matter what a person’s musical background may be. Clinical music therapy uses the following to help engage feelings, promote motivations and break down barriers to recovery:

• Lyric analysis
• Relaxation training
• Songwriting
• Musical games
• Improvisation of music based on emotions or other treatment topics

Beaches Recovery Music Therapy Program

Beaches Recovery has a comprehensive music therapy program, as well as other complementary therapies, which help recovering people heal more effectively. Our music therapists use evidence-based methods and strategies helping you or a loved one get in touch with emotions, while having musical experiences that are fun and rewarding.

Call 866.605.0532 today to find out more about our traditional and alternative therapy programs at Beaches Recovery. Our admissions specialists are standing by to take your call 24/7.