You know that feeling you get when you hear a song that you love and know all the words to? That distinct pleasure music brings, maybe transporting you to a happy place? This is unlike a drug or alcohol high, not harmful. A music therapy program has the potential to deliver similar euphoria while also promoting healing and well-being. In music therapy, Los Angeles residents can practice an alternative approach to addiction treatment. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, depression, or anxiety, reach out to the skilled and compassionate staff at Avedis Recovery online or call 833.514.0579 today to discuss how music therapy, as part of an outpatient addiction treatment program, can help you overcome and recover holistically.
What Is Music Therapy?
A music therapy program is considered an alternative addiction treatment that generally involves the playing of music as a way of helping people with a substance use disorder cope with the various physical, emotional, and cognitive problems that are caused by drug and alcohol abuse.
Because music can cause inspiration and promote relaxation, it is no surprise that music therapy programs in Los Angeles can play a vital role in health and healing. Not only does music therapy help with physical and mental well-being, but it also can be a useful tool in treating your addiction.
A Music Therapy Program For Everyone
You don’t need to be a musician or have any musical knowledge or skill to see a benefit from a music therapy program. Within music therapy, people suffering from an addiction will create, sing, play, and listen to songs.
Music therapy has been used for many years as an effective therapy for children, as well as people with autism, dementia, psychiatric disorders, and substance use disorders. Through musical interventions, a music therapy program can reduce stress, open up essential lines of communication, enhance your physical and mental well-being, and act as a distraction for individuals suffering from painful symptoms of addiction.
Music therapists will work with you while undergoing treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction in concert with group therapy and other holistic approaches. Through songs, rhythms, and music therapy, each individual can work on addressing and articulating their feelings, achieve much-needed relaxation, build important connections, and experience confidence-boosting accomplishments along the way.
Types of Music Therapy
One of the key aspects of a music therapy program is having fun. There may have been and still is darkness in your life that you are working to conquer. Music is light and joyful, and there are many types of music therapy programs, but all are centered on two fundamental methods: the receptive and the active.
The receptive method is based on listening to live or pre-recorded music that has been selected by a trained music therapist. This approach promotes relaxation exercises that may be used to treat depression and anxiety. On the other side of the musical scale is the active method. This approach to therapy is experiential and involves both you and your therapist playing musical instruments and singing.
Music therapy program techniques could include:
- Listening to music
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Learning to play an instrument
- Playing instruments
- Singing along to live or prerecorded songs
- Dancing or moving along to music
- Drumming
- Discussing emotional reactions that music triggers
- Improvising songs
- Creating art with music
- Writing choreography
- Writing song lyrics
- Writing music for new songs
While any and all instruments can be used in a music therapy program, some of the most popular are:
Guitar
The most popular instrument used by music therapists is the guitar. With it, you will learn to play soothing solos or play along with a group of guitarists on similar therapeutic journeys.
Drumming With Hands
Playing drums with just your hands provides a risk-free opportunity to be expressive and connect with the music and its many rhythms without fear of missing a beat or playing the wrong note.
Piano
In music therapy sessions, the piano is often used in a group setting to hold a melody and be the backbone of the musical creation happening with the patients.
Possible Outcomes of Music Therapy
According to The American Music Therapy Association, there are many outcomes possible through professional, compassionate, and skilled music therapy programs. Many of these desired results are capable of playing a positive role in a holistic addiction therapy treatment plan, including:
- Increased self-esteem
- Decreased anxiety and agitation
- Increased self-esteem
- Boost in confidence
- Decreased anxiety
- Reduced tension
- Improved self-image
- Enhanced interpersonal relationships
- Improved ability to cope with traumatic triggers
Learn More at Avedis Detox
As you work through your traditional addiction treatment and therapy, consider inquiring about a more holistic approach to improve your well-being and reduce the anxiety you may be feeling. Music therapy at Avedis Recovery has the potential to play a pivotal role in your long-term recovery from addiction. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.514.0579 today.