Many types of therapies can be used in combination with traditional methods to treat addiction. Music therapy is one increasingly popular form of therapy used in substance abuse treatment. Music therapy uses evidence-based musical intervention to reduce stress, open communication, improve well-being, and distract people from uncomfortable symptoms during detox and withdrawal. There are many benefits of music therapy for addiction.
At Northpoint Nebraska, we provide a music therapy program for our patients as they navigate treatment and recovery. Call 888.351.3834 for more information or to start treatment today.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is used extensively in behavioral health treatment programs. The benefits of music therapy are well-known, but what is music therapy? Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment that uses musical interventions to improve individuals’ physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. It can be used in combination with other traditional methods like counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Our music therapists work closely with clients to identify their specific needs and preferences, using music as a tool to facilitate healing and recovery.
Music Therapy and Addiction
Music therapy has been found to aid individuals struggling with addiction. It can:
- Help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, common co-occurring conditions in addiction.
- Promote open communication and self-expression.
- Allow individuals to explore their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
This is particularly helpful in substance abuse treatment as it encourages clients to address underlying issues that may have contributed to their addiction.
Additionally, music therapy can serve as a healthy distraction during the detox and withdrawal process. The soothing and rhythmic qualities of music can help individuals cope with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, reducing the risk of relapse. It can also promote feelings of relaxation and well-being, aiding recovery and long-term sobriety.
5 Benefits of Music Therapy for Addiction
1. Developing Coping Strategies
There are many different music therapy techniques that patients can use. These include:
- Creating music
- Dancing to music
- Discussing emotional reactions to music
- Playing or learning to play an instrument
- Writing song lyrics
- Learning music-assisted relaxation techniques
By using any of these techniques, patients can regulate negative emotions. Music therapy provides patients with coping strategies they can use both during and after addiction treatment. The treatment and recovery process is not easy, but music therapy can help those struggling with substance use disorder develop tools to relax and manage stress.
2. Increasing Self-Esteem
Learning a new instrument, writing a song, or creating music are challenging and time-consuming tasks. It takes dedication, which is why patients feel accomplished and satisfied when they complete a goal. This builds self-esteem and can help a person going through addiction treatment build confidence in other areas of their life. This can include building confidence in decision-making and managing stress. Increasing self-esteem is essential for maintaining lifelong sobriety, which is why it is a crucial benefit of music therapy.
3. Decreasing Depression and Anxiety
Addiction can have many mental and emotional effects on a person. Those living with addiction are more likely to experience poor self-image, worry, despair, and feelings of hopelessness. Therapies like music therapy work towards treating the mental impacts substance abuse takes on a person. Music provides a creative and emotional outlet for people. A significant benefit of music therapy is that it can be used as a relaxation exercise to treat depression and anxiety. This is especially useful during addiction treatment, which can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for people.
4. Improving Interpersonal Relationships
Those struggling with addiction often isolate themselves from friends and family. In addition, substance abuse negatively impacts relationships between those struggling and their loved ones. Establishing a healthy support system is an essential part of the recovery process. This is because having healthy relationships and people in your life that you trust can lower the risk of relapse. Music therapy can be done in group sessions where patients can enjoy a sense of community. This is important for fostering relationships and becoming comfortable opening up to people. Music therapy can benefit patients by providing a place to form new relationships. In addition, a music therapist can help patients build on the skills needed to repair old relationships with loved ones.
5. Enhancing Self-Expression
Playing or creating music is a very expressive activity. In addition, self-expression is a significant part of singing and dancing. Because of this, music therapy can help patients feel more comfortable, speaking freely and expressing themselves fully. It can be challenging for people in treatment and recovery to open up. Expressing negative or vulnerable emotions is uncomfortable, but music can give patients a healthy way to channel their thoughts and feelings. Through music therapy, patients can find new ways to express themselves and become more comfortable sharing their emotions or seeking help if needed.
Experience the Benefits of Music Therapy with Northpoint Nebraska
At Northpoint Nebraska, we take a holistic approach to treatment. We tailor our many programs, services, and therapies to each of our patients to best meet their unique needs during recovery. We provide a music therapy program, which has many benefits for our patients. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to us today at 888.351.3834 or contact us online to learn more about our treatment options.