According to new research, music technically fits the definition of a drug once shared primarily as a description of substances like heroin, weed, and crystal meth. So if you've ever wondered why you can't escape from those little earworms burrowing into your brain, apparently it's because you, in a way, have been addicted to music—and we all have been for most of our lives! Here are four ways music affects us and why they make music therapy so effective in addiction therapy.
According to new research, music technically fits the definition of a drug once shared primarily as a description of substances like heroin, weed, and crystal meth. So if you've ever wondered why you can't escape from those little earworms burrowing into your brain, apparently it's because you, in a way, have been addicted to music—and we all have been for most of our lives! Here are four ways music affects us and why they make music therapy so effective in addiction therapy.
You can use music to help you deal with your troubles.
Using songs on your phone is like taking a moment away from reality and meditating on hidden messages buried within. Music helps us express feelings we may not have been aware of! Music activates areas of the brain associated with processing rewards.
Memories are evoked by music.
The world of music can be such a turbulent place! There are sad songs, hilarious songs, celebratory songs—it's a churning sea of emotions. For someone in recovery, songs, like people and certain places, can be triggers that can lead to unpleasant memories. Recovery is not about running from your past; it’s about owning it and accepting your growth.
Music has a powerful effect on the development of new ideas.
Even non-artists, such as technologists, can benefit from music's calming benefits. Music therapy enables people to communicate on a deeper level than they can with words alone in cases where words fall short of appropriately expressing how they feel or experience emotions.
Music can decrease pain.
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal have recently found that playing your favorite music can positively affect the brain. Patients had a 9% increase in dopamine levels when hearing their favorite songs. Participants also experienced a decrease in pain while listening.
How Music Therapy for Addiction Recovery Works
Music therapy can help those struggling with addiction mental and emotional health issues. Music has so many more advantages not listed here. The mood-altering power of having the right vocals, instruments, or drumming is undeniable.
Of course, you can't just subscribe to a music streaming service and set aside 45 minutes of “Do Not Disturb” time every week as music therapy. But anytime you can disconnect from emails and social media to spend time doing something enjoyable is therapeutic all on its own.
Still, with music therapy, therapists use music theory, instrument playing, and listening as clinical art to treat patients. Organizations like the American Music Therapy Organization and the World Federation of Music Therapy prepare and certify these musicians (WFMT). A master's degree and certification or accreditation by a significant music therapy association are required for licensure.
Music therapy helps patients heal through music. It improves physical and mental health, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep and relaxation, and manages behavioral issues. Music therapy can help people with substance use disorder express themselves. Private music therapy sessions provide personalized care. A music therapist will then lead the patient in singing, playing instruments, clapping, drumming, and dancing. A better understanding of oneself and emotions can help patients overcome obstacles to recovery.
Music therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as counseling and groups for some people. Music therapy for addiction recovery uses a scientifically proven clinical protocol and music therapy techniques. For addiction recovery, music therapy is used often used at luxury rehabs to address the underlying emotional issues that often hinder recovery.
The therapy works well for most people because music has a powerful emotional impact on the body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, music has a more substantial emotional impact on many people, more than drugs or alcohol, in some cases. Music therapy for addiction recovery is often used as part of a holistic approach to recovery like you find at substance abuse treatment centers like Wish Recovery.
February 18, 2022