The mental health field is constantly evolving, but some treatments seem to come out of nowhere. Music therapy may strike you as one such example. Its growing popularity in treating substance abuse and mental health issues has been monumental. In fact, the music therapy industry is projected to grow by 9% year-on-year.
But is it just a way for business bigwigs to make money or is there more to it? After all, economic success is not always a good metric for effectiveness in health care. If it is effective, why is that so and to what extent can it be utilized?
In this article, we discuss the answers to these questions and more to provide an overview of music therapy for substance abuse and mental health.
How Did Music Therapy Become Popular?
Music therapy is not actually a new innovation. While it has not traditionally been used as a frontline mental health treatment in the modern age, it has deep historical roots. Throughout the millennia, music has been used for its calming and restorative properties across various cultures. Even casual music lovers understand its potential for emotional and psychological healing.
However, music therapy only started becoming formalized as a clinical practice after World War II, when it was used in many American hospitals to help veterans recover from physical and emotional trauma.
Still, music therapy was not instantly popular among mental health professionals and researchers. Since it was a supplemental treatment, focus was given to medication and therapies that were the core of mental health recovery.
Nonetheless, music therapy gradually became more structured, and standardized practices and academic programs were established to train professionals.
Soon, research began to demonstrate its effectiveness in helping people recovering from substance abuse manage cravings, express emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Music therapy became integrated into substance abuse programs as a way to engage patients in non-verbal communication while providing a sense of community through shared musical experiences.
In 2024, music therapy is used by mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals to an extent never seen before. Many schools have music therapy programs and mental health institutions appreciate its importance for holistic recovery.
The Neuroscience Behind Music Therapy
Music therapy is effective in treating substance abuse and mental health issues due to music’s impact on the brain. Music engages various brain regions, including those responsible for emotion, memory, and motor control. It can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which is closely associated with the brain’s reward system. This is particularly significant for people in recovery as one of the reasons substances are addictive is that they trigger the release of dopamine.
Music therapy also influences the amygdala which is the brain’s emotional center. It helps people regulate emotions more effectively. People dealing with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can use music to process and manage their feelings in a safe and controlled environment.
This is supported by research, which has demonstrated that music can regulate arousal levels, reduce stress, and help with relaxation. During the withdrawal phase of substance abuse treatment, when patients struggle with intense emotional fluctuations, music therapy can be particularly useful.
The Role of Music Therapy in a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
While music therapy has proven benefits, it is generally not used as a frontline treatment for addiction and mental health issues. Rather, it is seen as a supplemental therapy, improving the effectiveness of treatments like medication and psychotherapy.
For example, while medication helps to stabilize a person’s mood or to reduce cravings, music therapy addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery by helping patients explore and express complex feelings. Similarly, music therapy can complement cognitive-behavioral approaches by providing patients with tools to manage stress and cope with triggers in their daily lives.
Music Therapy in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to when a person suffers from both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Each condition exacerbates the other, making treatment even more challenging. For instance, a person with depression might use substances to self-medicate, while those with substance use disorders might develop anxiety or mood disorders as a result of their addiction.
Recovery centers have increasingly recognized the need to address both conditions simultaneously, as focusing on one without the other often leads to relapse. As such, the best rehabs are those which offer dual diagnosis treatment.
Music therapy is very useful in the treatment of dual diagnosis as it provides a holistic approach. It helps patients process emotions that might be too difficult to express verbally, thereby reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and providing a non-threatening medium through which patients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Folk suffering from mental health disorders often struggle to verbalize their issues, and this is exacerbated when substance use has led to patterns of denial and fabrication.
Patient engagement is another challenge in dual diagnosis treatment. Music therapy helps engage patients’ creativity and personal expression, making them more receptive to other forms of therapy.
Keeping Music Therapy Personal and Culturally Relevant
Music therapy is most effective when personalized to match an individual’s preferences, background, and emotional needs. In treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues, this can take various forms, such as selecting specific types of music that resonate with the patient, integrating their cultural heritage, or even encouraging them to create their own music.
Research suggests that when patients engage with music that they find personally meaningful, the therapeutic outcomes are more profound. This could be because personalized music selections can evoke stronger emotional responses, making therapy sessions more impactful and engaging.
This also helps the person become more motivated in their treatment. For instance, a person who enjoys playing an instrument might find that creating music during therapy sessions provides an empowering sense of control and self-expression. Similarly, using music that reflects a patient’s personal history or identity can make the therapeutic process more relatable and effective, as it directly ties into their life experiences and emotional landscape.
Cultural Considerations
The mental health field has had to contend with the reality that cultural differences are significant in recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues. As such, all therapies should take cultural considerations into account, and music therapy is no different.
Each person’s cultural background has a part in shaping their identity, experiences, and emotional responses. One way to bring this into treatment is by incorporating music that reflects their cultural heritage, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. This approach both respects the person’s cultural identity and leverages it to facilitate healing.
Cultural relevance is particularly important in diverse populations, where patients may feel more understood and valued when their cultural background is acknowledged in their treatment. Research has shown that culturally adapted interventions are often more effective, as they resonate more deeply with patients and can help overcome barriers related to mistrust or cultural differences
What is the Long-Term Impact of Music Therapy in Recovery?
Sustaining Sobriety
Music therapy can have a long-term impact by helping individuals recovering from substance abuse maintain their sobriety. One of the key benefits of music therapy is its ability to provide a consistent and enjoyable outlet for stress relief and emotional regulation, which are crucial for preventing relapse. People who continue to engage in music therapy after their initial treatment are better able to manage triggers and maintain their sobriety over time.
Music can also become a new hobby or interest that replaces the void left by substance use. It fosters a sense of purpose and provides a positive activity to focus on, supporting the development of a healthier lifestyle. Music creation can be an extremely meaningful part of one’s daily routine, contributing to a more stable and fulfilling life post-recovery.
Integration into Aftercare
Aftercare programs can use music therapy as a sustainable strategy for supporting ongoing recovery. Aftercare is a crucial phase in the recovery process, as it helps the person transition from intensive treatment to independent living while maintaining their sobriety. Group sessions, individual therapy, or self-directed music activities may all form part of the aftercare process.
Conclusion
The role of music therapy in recovery is likely to expand as more research highlights its effectiveness and as more healthcare providers recognize its benefits. Innovations in technology, such as music therapy apps and virtual therapy sessions, are making it easier for people to access music therapy regardless of their location or circumstances.
The continued integration of music therapy and other holistic therapies into comprehensive treatment plans is leading to better long-term outcomes for people recovering from substance abuse and mental health disorders. As a treatment that is still evolving, there is tremendous potential for its future success.
Sources
- PLOS ONE: Effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review. Accessed 27 August 2024.
- Frontiers in Psychology: The Use of Music in the Treatment and Management of Serious Mental Illness: A Global Scoping Review of the Literature. Accessed 27 August 2024.
- SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.: Music Therapy Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Type, By Application, By Region – Industry Forecast 2024-2031. Accessed 27 August 2024.
- Careers in Psychology: Music Therapist Employment Outlook. Accessed 27 August 2024.
