How Music Therapy Can Help During Addiction Recovery - by Guest Blogger Michelle Peterson

Guest Blog by Michelle Peterson

How Music Therapy Can Help During Addiction Recovery

Music and art can do so many wonderful things; they bring people together, they expand horizons, and they can help heal after a loss, during a hard time, or during a period of recovery from drugs and alcohol. That’s why they’ve been utilized in various therapies over the years by doctors and counselors, and it’s why so many individuals turn to creativity when they need to heal.

Music, in particular, can help bring about positive growth physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It can cross boundaries and help you find the best ways to be comfortable with yourself, as well as help you feel better. Research has shown in recent years that music therapy can help increase motivation during treatment as well as act as an emotional outlet. It can help you learn to express yourself even if that has traditionally been difficult, which may mean a quicker move toward recovery.

Read on for the best ways music therapy can help you get through addiction recovery.

Get social

One of the best things about incorporating music into your recovery is that it can help you get social, which isn’t always easy when you’re moving toward a sober lifestyle. Learning to play an instrument, for instance, can help you find like-minded friends and form bonds with people who will support you. Do some research online to find a nearby class, or head to a local coffee shop and strike up a conversation with the musicians who perform there. Making new friends is a big part of recovery and can help you make the transition more smoothly.

Get active

Staying active during recovery is essential, not just for your body, but for your mind. Exercise can help boost your self-confidence and release stress and anxiety as well as keep you fit, and all of those things are great ways to help stay on course with recovery. Playing music during your workout will help keep you motivated and will give you something to look forward to even when you’re tired after a long day.

Try something new

It can be easy to get stuck into old habits, but it’s important to break out of those when you’re in recovery. It’s essential for your wellbeing to try new things that make you feel good in a healthy way; having more outlets for your stress and anxiety is always a good thing. Taking up an instrument can help you get creative and focused; try a woodwind--such as a clarinet or saxophone--since they have such a variety of sound.

Boost your memory

Some of the issues that often accompany addiction recovery--depression, stress, anxiety, and even memory and concentration problems--can be alleviated by music therapy. Listening to classical music, for instance, has been shown in studies to relieve stress and improve concentration and focus, while putting on a song you love can help boost your mood.

Find something new to love

Having a hobby and being passionate about something can help boost your self-esteem and give you something to look forward to. It can keep you motivated even on the bad days, and it can help you express yourself in new creative ways. Choose an instrument that you really enjoy playing, or take a class that will help you explore your talents. You never know what you’ll find.

Music therapy can be hugely beneficial during addiction recovery in many ways, but you have to make sure to choose the right path for you. Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, or just enjoying a good song, you can put it to work for you in the best way.