Playing music in music therapy for addiction recovery

What Are the Benefits of Music Therapy for Addiction Recovery?

Music is a way to connect with other people and enjoy the emotions that it brings you. And while that is already amazing, there are signs that music therapy can be a great help to many problems people may be struggling with.

One way that music therapy is helping people is through addiction treatment. Here is a brief guide on what happens in music therapy and its benefits.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy has two main things happening. The first is that the participants will listen to or make music somehow. The second part is the therapeutic process is led by a music therapist.

Some activities that are done during the sessions can include:

  • Listening to music
  • Singing
  • Talking about lyrics and what they mean
  • Move or dance to music
  • Playing instruments
  • Writing music or lyrics to a tune
  • Having a group discussion about how the participants feel when listening, singing, or playing

Typical sessions can also include group conversations that the therapist leads. You may talk about the kinds of music you like and your goals so you can get a customized music therapy plan.

What Are Benefits of Music Therapy for Addiction?

Music therapy can be healing and helpful for many people during addiction recovery. Many people say that music can help ease their anxiety and agitation. This can help them during the challenging phases of drug recovery.

Some benefits of music therapy for recovering addicts can include:

  • Reduced pain
  • Improved memory
  • Boosts of motivation
  • Strong group cohesion
  • Releases emotions little by little

Incorporating an individual music therapy plan into your recovery can help you as you try to navigate the tricky field of sobriety. The techniques you learn in your treatment center can also help you once you’re home and back in an environment where temptations of relapse can run high.

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