It’s not easy to recover from substance abuse. Recovery is a long process and usually involves lots of therapy. Music therapy is one type of therapy.
Not a lot of people know about music therapy. Many people are skeptical when they first hear about it. That’s understandable.
However, music therapy can be extremely effective. Here is how music therapy works when treating substance abuse.
- Music Calms You
Music sets the mood.
Whether it’s a romantic evening, a night club, or a road trip, there’s a playlist for everything. Music can also relax you.
Lots of people say music relaxes them and helps them sleep at night.
It can also calm you during your daily routine.
Recovering from substance abuse is stressful. Your body is literally all over the place. The first stages of recovery are the hardest.
When you’re in withdrawal, your body doesn’t know what’s happening.
Music can help calm your body. It can also help calm your mind.
Everyone finds different types of music calming. Some people find electronic music soothing. Others find it unbearable.
The important thing is to find music that suits you and your recovery.
- It Helps You Process
Music is a form of art.
Art exists to help us process our reality.
Listening to music allows you to imagine yourself in different situations.
Music therapy is used by some of the leading treatment centers. Recovery centers like Hollywood Hills Recovery have long been advocating the benefits of music therapy.
Processing your problems is an important part of the journey.
It helps you talk about what’s going on. It can also help you understand why you’re struggling.
Many musicians have struggled with substance abuse issues.
There’s lots of songs out there to inspire you.
- Creative Outlet
Music therapy sometimes involves making music.
For some people, that means doing something as simple as singing in the shower. It doesn’t matter if you’re good or not. No one else is listening.
Having a creative outlet is important for the brain.
Creativity empowers you to recreate situations in a safe manner.
If music isn’t how you prefer to express yourself, another form of art therapy might be helpful. Try writing about your problems. Or drawing them.
Evaluate your artwork from a psychological perspective. Use it as a form of self-exploration. You’ll discover things about yourself you wouldn’t otherwise.
Exploring different types of music will activate your creative juices.
- It Creates Routine
Routine is very important during recovery.
Routines and rituals provide stability. This is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting back on track.
When things aren’t going your way, routines are something you can fall back on. Music is an easy thing to include in your routine.
Here are other things you can include in your routine from Every Day Power.
Listen to your favorite song in the morning or before you go to bed. Whenever you feel the temptation to drink or use drugs, listen to a song. Download it onto your phone.
Play your song on repeat if you need to.
Or set aside some time to listen to music every day.
You might seem silly just sitting around and not doing anything other than listening to music. But it’s actually extremely powerful. And if it helps you, it’s not doing nothing.
Add music to other elements of your routine.
Create a playlist for your jog or your trip to the office.
- Music is Magic
No one really knows why music works.
In fact, no one is really quite sure what music is.
Is music just a bunch of notes? Or is it melody and tone?
Everyone has a different definition of music. Music takes different forms in unique cultures. However, music plays an important role in every culture.
There’s a reason why music often finds its way into religious practices. It’s because music is an extremely powerful tool. It can literally become a spiritual experience.
You don’t need to be a religious person to appreciate music.
All you need to do for music therapy to work is enjoy it.
Conclusion
Music can be a powerful tool for recovery. Find a treatment center specializing in music therapy near you.