We have exciting news for musicians, music lovers, and anyone in recovery who wants to make music a deeper part of their lives. Our Iowa-based recovery center staff is here to tell our clients that music can be scientifically applied, enjoyed, and created, even while you heal.
Know that the particular substance you struggle with and the factors that contributed to your substance use disorder may have involved music, but your SUD doesn’t have to rob you of the joy and healing music can bring you.
We can incorporate music in any of our programs:
- Equine therapy
- Non-12 Step treatment
- Faith-based therapy
- Outpatient care in Des Moines and Inpatient treatment in Bayard
- Tactical Recovery
- Family program
But what is music therapy, and how does it look in recovery? In this blog, we’ll explore how music can affect our brains, both in and outside of recovery, and how it can enhance our lives.
Can Music Be a Pathway to Substance Use Disorder?
Sometimes, we may wander into substance use while attempting to create or enjoy music. For generations, many artists have struggled to balance making art with substances that can destroy it. Eric Clapton even explained how the intoxicating connection between substances and creative inspiration can be a trap, with substances eventually becoming more important than the creative process itself. Many people may ignore this reality, relying on substances to create or deepen art.
But, the real tragedy might occur when substances rob us of artists altogether or diminish their talent to a fraction of what it could have been.
Unfortunately, music can also trigger cravings for musicians and non-musicians alike, especially if, at some point, our brains associate it with substance use or memories of using. Some research supports this idea, suggesting that the combination of drug-enhanced music experiences may create strong cognitive associations, where the brain links the pleasure of music with substance use.
Music Therapy as a Way to Retrain The Brain
While music can sometimes lead to substance use or trigger cravings, listening to your favorite songs may also be a way to counteract cravings and stay ahead of relapse. Cue music therapy, the clinical use of music, sounds, and rhythm to promote mental health and physical and emotional well-being.
Music therapy, in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), could help you in residential treatment when it’s time to transform your emotions, beliefs, and behaviors for the better.
Here’s how:
- In a therapy setting, music may help reframe past experiences, guiding the brain to process music without evoking substance use memories.
- A music therapist might support this process by choosing songs intentionally, helping you develop a new understanding of your emotional reactions to certain music, the themes the song focuses on, or the feelings the music might evoke in you.
- Through repeated sessions, music therapy could help retrain the brain to react differently to songs that once triggered cravings.
What Else Can Music Therapy Do in Recovery?
- Expression. You may struggle to put complex feelings into words. With the creative outlet that music offers, you may be able to achieve written or verbal expression of the emotions that you struggle with the most.
- Emotional regulation. Music might assist in mood stabilization and coping with stress without resorting to substances.
- Substitution for substances. By creating or engaging with music, individuals may be able to replace harmful coping mechanisms with creative expression.
- Communication skills. Sharing songs or discussing lyrics may be a path for communication with your support network, family, or friends.
- Coping strategies. Developing playlists for different emotional states may be one way of helping you stay grounded or productive during tough moments.
- Mood improvement. Some research shows that music therapy could help reduce depressive symptoms, perhaps increasing your willingness to participate in treatment.
- Self-understanding. Exploring any musical talents or preferences you might have may help you understand yourself better.
Explore The Power of Music With St. Gregory Recovery Center
For anyone entering treatment or anybody supporting a loved one as they seek help, music could be an influential factor in how you got where you are today and your advancement to a positive, healthy place. Our St. Gregory Recovery Center in Iowa has locations in both Des Moines and Bayard. Both locations are open and encouraging of implementing music into your healing process; however, that may look different for you. If you have questions about the role music can play in your recovery, you can contact us anytime for more information.
