Music Therapy Programs for Addiction Recovery

Music Therapy for Mental Health & Substance Abuse

As a holistic treatment center in Lake Worth, we understand that recovery from a behavioral health problem takes time, and there are many different pathways to success. For people struggling with mental health disorders or in recovery from addiction, music therapy programs can increase their chances of finding long-term success. People with mental illness or substance abuse problems often struggle with a multitude of secondary problems connected to their disorder, including everything from relationship problems to insomnia. If these issues are not addressed and managed in treatment, many people’s recovery efforts will fail. Because of its many proven benefits, music therapy can help people work through some of these problems.

Music therapy techniques and activities for people with addiction and/or mental illness might include:

• Playing a variety of instruments
• Playing instruments in a group
• Singing
• Writing song lyrics
• Song production
• Music selection
• Music bingo
• Music improvisation
• Music-guided meditation
• Vibro-acoustic therapy
• Listening to peaceful or cheerful music
• Listening to music with visual aids
• Talking about emotions in relation to certain songs or music

Over time, these music therapy techniques can help people learn to better recognize, express, and regulate their emotions. All of these processes are important for lasting recovery and success for both substance abuse and mental health.

Our Favorite Examples of Therapeutic Music

The type of music that a person resonates with is deeply personal and unique to their lived experience and tastes. That being said, there are certain forms of music and songs that are known to have a positive impact on stress levels, spiritual uplifting, and the promotion of healing.

Some examples of healing therapy music include:

• Classical music: Classical music, especially compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, has long been recognized as having therapeutic benefits. Complex rhythms, harmonies, and melodies found in classical music have been shown to enhance focus and concentration while lowering blood pressure and decreasing anxiety.
• Ambient and new age music: The New Age and ambient music genres are renowned for their atmospheric tranquility. These genres combine calming tones, delicate melodies, and aspects of nature like wind, water, and bird singing. Compositions by musicians like Brian Eno, Enya, and Kitaro have been written particularly to encourage relaxation and stress alleviation. Ambient and New Age music are great for yoga, meditation, and sleep therapy because of how ethereal and relaxing they are.
• Binaural beats: These beats produce a rhythmic pulsation that influences brainwave activity by playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear. Binaural beats can promote relaxation, increase focus, and aid in the practice of meditation since they focus on particular brainwave states like alpha, theta, or delta waves. For further therapeutic value, these beats can be coupled with soothing music or background noise.
• World music: There is vast therapeutic potential in the tapestry of world music. Traditional musical styles, beats, and melodies from other cultures can foster a sense of community, provoke strong feelings, and stimulate the mind. World music has the ability to transport listeners and foster a sense of oneness and well-being, whether it be the pulsating drumming of Africa, the contemplative chants of Tibetan monks, or the calming tones of a Japanese koto.