Benefits of Music Therapy for Addiction

Some people find solace in therapy. Others find strength in their relationships. Still, others find the most comfort with music. Although some of us may enjoy singing along to our favorite band in the car or blasting an upbeat song while cooking, music can be so much more than pleasing background noise. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we know that music can also heal, and we have seen it work wonders on some of our patients. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of music therapy for drug addiction and how it can help you.

From rock and roll to smooth jazz, music is an expansive world of sound that has something for everyone. Beyond being enjoyable, there are many benefits of music therapy for drug addiction, and our Banyan Lake Worth rehab is explaining why.

Lifts Your Mood

One of the greatest benefits of music therapy activities for substance abuse is that music acts as a mood booster. One study found that people who consistently listened to upbeat music were found to report greater feelings of happiness after just two weeks, and those who were actively thinking about trying to improve their moods while listening to music found even greater results.1 When you are feeling depressed from drug or alcohol withdrawal or cravings in recovery, music may help pull you out of this funk, especially if you are actively trying.

Pain Relief

Not only can music boost your mood, but also it can help with pain relief and reduce the intensity of perceived pain. One long-term study even found that consistent music therapy may reduce the consumption of pain relievers.2 A long alcohol detox can leave your body aching and feeling drained, but music may help ease this pain.

Build Personal Connections

Many recovering addicts, especially those who have experienced some form of trauma in their life, may struggle to open up to someone and talk about their feelings. Music therapy can help promote bonding and strengthen the relationships between the addict and the therapist as well as the addict and their peers also in recovery.3 When this bond is formed, the addict may feel more willing to talk about their problems and be able to make further progress in their recovery.

Promotes Self-Discovery

Many addicts find that they begin to lose themselves as the drug consumes their life. When they start to overcome their addiction, they may feel lost and need to recreate who they are. By creating music, composing music, or simply using music as a new hobby, the addict will be able to build a healthy new image of who they are and why they matter.

Improved Communication Skills

One thing that music therapy and addiction recovery have in common is the need for communication. Normally, substance abuse is marked by secretive behavior and lying to loved ones to avoid detection. For these reasons, it’s common for addicts to struggle with honesty and communication, two qualities that are exercised in our music therapy drug rehab program.

Music therapy not only de-stresses clients but can also be used as an outlet for emotional expression and communication. If the individual isn’t sure how they’re feeling, it might be easier for them to find a song they can relate to. In this way, clients can express themselves and receive the support they need.

Music Therapy and Addiction Treatment in Florida

Even if your voice is less than angelic or you struggle to hold a beat, there are so many music therapy activities for addiction out there that you are bound to find something you will like. When you start picking yourself back up, you want to do anything and everything that can help you get to the other side and enjoy long-term sobriety.

While our BHOPB detox focuses on the body, long-term success requires so much more. Our Lake Worth drug rehab also has access to an onsite music production studio because we believe in healing the mind, body, and soul during treatment.

For more information about the efficacy of music therapy for drug addiction or our options for addiction treatment in Lake Worth, call Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today at 561-220-3981.

Sources: