Creating a safe space can be a great way to solve addiction and one such method is music therapy - we looked into how it works.
What is known as the universal language, music is a strong form of expression. Music has the power to bring people together in various ways, including music therapy.
Music has the capability of climbing over social boundaries and creating awareness and togetherness in an ever-evolving world.
Music has been a staple in many people’s lives for centuries. Music gives the cherry on top to an emotional sundae.
Music also creates a safe space or a shoulder to cry on. In the darkest of hours, music can guide us into a lighter place.
Due to music’s strong ability to aid and alter our emotions, this healing power is an important part of addiction and its recovery.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, addiction can be such a dynamic and complex condition that is a brain disease manifested by compulsive substances regarding its harmful outcomes. In regards to treatment, music may be incorporated in the recovery process through lyric analysis, musical games, meditation, and songwriting.
Through the recovery process, many outlets are considered for helping through the hard times. Such outlets are in the form of music therapy.
MusicTherapy.org defines music therapy as the clinical use of music interventions to accomplish individualised objectives within a therapeutic relationship by accredited professionals.
However, one does not have to obtain a musical background to understand the many benefits of music therapy. Here are some ways people can use music to help in the recovery process.
Releasing Emotions
Common for anyone who endures the daily stress of life, music can be an anti-anxiety relief system for when stress becomes too apparent.
Throughout my life, music has always been my medicine for relaxation of the mind, body, and soul.
Playing music or even listening to music, allows people recovering from addictions to focus and channel the energy spent on the stress of relapsing or finding a substance, to ease their worries.
Additionally, playing an instrument can manifest a sense of creativity and accomplishment for an individual.
For example, playing the drums have been strongly associated with relaxation from patients who have experienced various relapses.
The safe activity of playing and listening to music can make recovering individuals feel relaxed and calm.
So, if there is a need to push away negative substances, listening to one’s favorite tunes for even 2-3 minutes can snap one back into a more positive headspace.
Motivation Stimulation
There have been many times (especially through this crazy COVID-19 pandemic) that lack of motivation becomes an unavoidable poison that we all encounter in different aspects of our lives.
This does not become easier once addiction has been accepted and worked on. However, the music gives a boost of feel-good energy.
Feel-good energy is similar to a fun day at the beach with friends or having a nice cup of tea at sunset.
This energy can be created through the music one listens to and can encourage one to complete tasks, focus on their goals, and successfully maintain their expedition towards a completely sober lifestyle.
Awakening Self Awareness
Salt awareness can be defined as conscious knowledge of one’s feelings, motives, and desires.
This Oxford dictionary explanation can lend to the idea that music helps an individual learn more about themselves.
Through various beats, lyrics, and melodies music can allow people to dissect the positive and negative aspects of themselves which could gain to the recovery process significantly.
Increasing Memory
Holding on to the positive memories is crucial for living a fulfilling life! Memory and music go together effortlessly.
Through various studies, researchers have concluded that music such as classical music, can improve a person’s ability to focus, as well as recall events and facts.
The improvement of cognition and memory retention is important for the healing process of addiction.
Positive Social Skills
In some cases, social settings are where addiction is started and relied on to become social beings.
However, drugs and other substances don’t have to be the only thing that can connect people!
Music is a great social bonding implication that can inspire more meaningful connections for the future.
Music creates such a community of similar individuals that can truly help individuals with addiction feel stable and immersed in healthier environments.
Sobriety is seen as a long-term goal for many recovery patients of addiction and is truly a difficult process.
However, music can help a patient celebrate the good time and overcome the substance battle.
According to Addictioncenter.com, it is noted to avoid listening to music that may be Parallel with the past drinking it using drugs. This could lead to a higher chance of relapse.
A musical solution would be to explore new types of music genres. Music streaming sites such as Spotify, Apple Music, etc. can be a great source of finding new material.
Remember, if you may be a person who struggles with addiction or know someone who does, it’s important to have an outlet to face your worries and issues regarding substance abuse.
Look into local or online forums for support if ever needed.
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