Using Music Therapy for Addiction Recovery
Drug and alcohol addictions can affect people of all ages and when it comes to treating these conditions, there are a range of options available to those in need. Most rehab clinics offer regular treatments including recovery programs, alcohol detoxing and counselling, but one type of therapy in particular has seen a recent increase in popularity and it is commonly referred to as music therapy.
Using Music Therapy for Addiction
For centuries, music has been used as a way for people to empower themselves and engage in a higher level of self-awareness; whether it has more to do with the beats and rhythms involved, or an individual’s tendency to explore their innermost thoughts through musical notes remains to be seen. In any event, modern alcohol recovery clinics often offer these features to their patients.
The treatment itself will rely on the individual’s capabilities when it comes to creating music, but with features that are often suitable for those with little to no experience, the therapy can be suitable for all types of addictions. Most rehabilitation centers will develop unique programs that incorporate the use of a music studio in a way that will allow patients to explore all that music has to offer.
From creating basic tracks using just a few percussion instruments, right through to developing extensive musical songs that can incorporate as many features as possible – with the right tools and the most enjoyable facilities, a patient will be able to turn their passion for alcohol into a compulsion to create exciting and exhilarating music instead.
How Can the Music Help?
As mentioned above, music can be used to stimulate the mind whilst empowering the listening – and when creating a track from scratch (a task that is typically very involved), it will be likely that the ‘musician’ will be able to turn their fullest attention to the creative process. Music itself can aid in recovery and this has been proven over time.
Studies have been undertaken to explore the effects of music on the human mind and in some cases, musical programs can help an alcoholic to overcome their addiction by focusing on a new hobby, as opposed to spending the day wondering when and how they will get their next drink. Good rehabs will make a point of offering their patients complete creative license as well.
This means that if an individual wants to put all of their energy, passion and even anger into their music, they should have the facilities right there to take advantage of. Likewise, if the patient finds that they have a skill pertaining to musical creation, these types of programs can offer a stepping stone to help them to start creating appealing tracks that can be listened to by others in their position.