Music Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Some specialists believe music touches the soul while a baby is still in the womb. Many pregnant mothers dance, sing, and play music while awaiting a baby’s birth. It’s no wonder babies react positively to music and bounce to the rhythm before they can even sit on their own. Music reaches deep into the soul and lifts an individuals spirit. Most people struggling with addictions have also had to deal with emotional trials at some point, and one often feeds the other. Music therapy in addiction recovery becomes an instrumental tool to fill the place the addictive substance no longer holds and become a creative outlet for the emotions.
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The Benefits of Music Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Music Therapy In Addiction Recovery
The effectiveness of music therapy in addiction recovery can be phenomenal. A study conducted by Harvard shows that healing and music go hand in hand. A nurse-led study found that patients listening to music for at least 30 minutes benefited from “lower blood pressure, slower heart rates, and less distress than those who didn’t.” Many of the side effects of substance withdrawal have been found to be positively responsive to music, and it’s use during this phase of recovery is becoming increasingly popular. The calming effects of music therapy in addiction recovery help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Getting involved in the creative aspects of music is a positive step in the recovery process.
Music And Recovery
Music and recovery work together in a therapeutic capacity to relieve stress, soothe the body, and provide a healing creative entity for the soul. The act of playing in drum a circle, learning a new instrument, singing with a group, writing and composing a song, or just meditating and listening to music brings healing to the brain. Three distinctive studies were presented at the annual Neuroscience meeting in 2013, which showed how the reward system in the brain can be engaged when playing an instrument or listening to music, and they also demonstrated how working memory and selective attention are improved during the process. Therapy that groups music and recovery as a unit is realizing a good rate of success and is receiving praise.
Songs About Overcoming Drug Addiction
Songs about overcoming drug addiction have been written for years. Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded the still popular “Under the Bridge” about the impact drugs had on member Anthony Keidis. Under a bridge in Los Angeles is where Anthony went to buy his drugs. Other songs about overcoming drug addiction include:
- “Captain Jack” recorded by Billy Joel
- “One Day at a Time” sung by Joe Walsh of Eagle’s fame (alcohol addiction)
- “Cold Turkey” recorded by John Lennon
- “It’s Been Awhile” recorded by Staind (Aaron Lewis lead singer)
- “Going Through Change” recorded by Eminem
- “Sober” recorded by Pink
- “Save Me” recorded by Shinedown
- “Recover” recorded by Natasha Bedingfield
- “The Girl You Lost to Cocaine” recorded by Sia
- “Breathe (2 AM)” recorded by Anna Nalick
The depth of emotion in these songs about overcoming drug addiction is there because the artists experienced the pain, separation, and emptiness expressed in the words. Music is a revealer and a healer. Songs are poems put to music, and one of the amazing benefits of musical lyrics and composition is their ability to reach inside and sooth the soul of the listener or performer.
Creative expression in music allows the recovering addict to share the daily pain and loneliness he or she experiences and their desire to be whole again. Music therapy in addiction recovery is changing lives. Make a phone call today to help yourself or someone you love.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and/or maintaining sobriety, contact Better Addiction Care today. We’ll help you find the right treatment program for your needs. Call us at (800) 429-7690.
Resources
Longwood Seminar Music
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