Music Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Traditional treatment modalities are considered as the tried-and-trusted approach to treating addiction. In most cases, these methods are successful in not just treating the symptoms as they occur, but also in being a long-term solution to the problem, while educating the patient on how to avoid relapsing and succeed in the ongoing fight with substance abuse.
Still, in some unique cases, the patient does not respond well to the traditional techniques and requires a different approach, or better said, an alternative way of resolving some of the emotional and behavioral issues associated with drug and alcohol abuse. As Arizona’s leading addiction treatment facility, Fountain Hills Recovery center offers a plethora of alternative therapies, including Music Therapy for addiction, as a form of coping with the disorders caused by a long history of substance abuse.
Music as an Effective Tool in Addiction Recovery
How a music therapy for addiction session looks depends on the needs and preferences of the patient. This highly customizable therapy can include creating melodic patterns, writing lyrics, singing well-known songs, and dancing to popular hits. The goal, however, is always the same. Provide the patient with a way of venting undesirable emotions and inner frustrations.
For those who enjoy it, music can trigger and induce a dopamine release in the brain, similar to that caused by drugs and alcohol. By stimulating the brain to produce this key neurotransmitter naturally, music can relieve some of the side-effects of withdrawal and help the patient stay sober. Since it’s done in a natural way, the brain does not produce an excess amount of dopamine, making you feel better without the accompanying anxiety and feeling of restlessness. In layman’s terms, for some individuals, music can produce a “high” that’s safe and beneficial.
Similar to Art Therapy, recovering through music can also be a way of expressing yourself. When done in group sessions, music therapy has shown to remove some of the social barriers and improve interpersonal skills and communication. Those who participate in music therapy are more likely to open up about how they feel and, consequently, self-assess their situation. This makes developing specific goals for their recovery much more clear and easier.
Here at Fountain Hills Recovery, we used evidence-based methods to fight addiction, but we are also open to trying out new alternative ways that can improve our overall program. If you need help and want to participate in our treatment plans, call our helpline, and we can schedule a consultation at the earliest possible time.
