Music therapy is often used in addiction therapy programs. It facilitates creative expression and brings about a host of positive changes in the client. A music therapist, who holds a master’s degree in the field, leads a music therapy program. Not surprisingly, there are many wonderful benefits to introducing music as a therapy in treating addiction. At United Recovery Project, we believe in using holistic therapies to help individuals heal.
The Many Healing Benefits of Music Therapy for Addiction
Most of us have a favorite song. We learned many of them from hours of contemplative time spent listening to the radio in our youth. Similarly, we have memorized them as we traveled back and forth on our daily commutes. We sang songs in school until they became familiar old friends. And some spent happy hours in the church choir, using music as worship.
Regardless of how troubled and difficult our lives may have been, most of us associate music with good times, good friends, or happy memories of precious moments in time. If you associate music with memories such as these, music therapy offers many benefits. They include:
- Boosting your mood
- Helping you to relax
- Reminding you of good times in the past
- Reducing feelings of anxiety, fear, or panic
- Giving you a healthy outlet for expression
In a music therapy program, clients in recovery may discuss or listen to music, work on song lyrics, play instruments, sing, or even dance. This form of therapy is often used to improve motor skills and movement in those with challenged mobility. Additionally, it can help to alleviate feelings of depression or isolation. Last, it may prompt pleasant associations that clients can use as a grounding technique when they feel stressed or in crisis.
How a Music Therapy Program Works
If your substance abuse treatment plan incorporates music therapy, you’ll meet regularly with a licensed music therapist. You may meet one-on-one or as part of a group. Your music therapist will use various techniques to promote unique outcomes according to client needs. For example, your music therapist may use music to help you:
- Explore your feelings and emotions
- Help you feel a sense of control over your life
- Encourage you to express yourself in verbal and nonverbal ways
- Interact socially with peers
- Resolve inner conflicts
It sounds easy, but there’s a whole science behind the concept of music as therapy. In most instances, proven results and years of research make this a more-than-viable treatment option for recovery from substance use disorder.
Discover Our Music Therapy for Addiction Program
Not all drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers offer music therapy as treatment, but many do. One such option is United Recovery Project. Located in Hollywood, United Recovery Project serves clients from all the US, providing a luxury level of addiction treatment. As part of our integrative approach to healing, we regularly incorporate creative therapies using music, art, or horses to speed recovery.
Alongside our creative methods, we combine a full range of other services. For example, these include behavioral counseling services, holistic care, and experiential methods to help clients develop healthier coping skills that don’t involve self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
Contact United Recovery Project Today
If you or a loved one is ready to begin the journey to recovery from substance use disorder, call United Recovery Project today at 888-960-5121. Or visit us online to tour our spacious campuses and learn more about the many services we offer. At United Recovery Project, we focus on each client as an individual with specific needs. As a result, we customize our treatment to promote healing.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for admission information. We can work with you to verify your insurance benefits and answer any questions regarding addiction recovery.
