Music exists in some form in all cultures. Not only can music inspire you to move along with the rhythms, music inspires great emotion from its listeners. Music helps heal, which is why music therapy exists as a discipline and why Florida Addiction Treatment Center offers the SoundPath Recovery program.
Research finds music holds the power to improve mood and quality of life in several ways. Here are a few examples of the positive role of music on individuals’ mental and emotional state.
Music frequently makes people want to move their bodies, inspiring listeners to dance or exercise. The mind and body are intimately connected, and this physical movement leads to positive emotional outcomes. Music often makes us want to move, inspiring us to dance or exercise. This movement helps release endorphins and serotonin in the brain, which makes you feel better, improves your mood, and leads you to adopt a more positive outlook.
When the brain is exposed to music, it comes alive with energy. According to brain scans performed by the Center for Music Therapy, when the brain is exposed to music, almost every portion is active and processing. Stimulation from music therapy can help awaken and engage the brain, especially important with people recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. The addiction might have caused subtle brain damage, and the addict might be accustomed to life sedated with drugs. Music, then, can help heal the brain.
Music therapy helps build relationships, improves communication, and increases connection. Some people find music allows them to address issues they might not be able or willing to discuss in conventional therapy. The language of music opens a dialogue between the therapist and client, as well as between the client and herself. Music therapy facilitates discussions about trauma, past behaviors, and the course of addiction.
Music can serve as a form of distraction or meditation. With music, people can learn to keep calm, which could prevent relapsing and turning to drugs for comfort.
People also can learn to feel again. In one study, researchers report that people with a history of substance abuse have a flat affect, neither happy nor sad. People with addictions sometimes have trouble experiencing any emotion at all. Music therapy can awaken feelings, allowing people to experience emotions they once could only access if they used drugs.
Finally, musical involvement in the therapeutic context increases people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, provides emotional support for clients, and provides a healthy outlet for expression of feelings.
SoundPath Recovery is Florida Addiction Treatment Center ’s music therapy program. SoundPath, open to all interested clients regardless of musical background or skill, works in coordination with other therapy programs. Only after clients complete other therapeutic assignments can they participate in SoundPath, which includes songwriting sessions, workshops, time in the high-quality recording studio, and optional performances.
