Music can be a very powerful thing. It has a way of connecting people and speaking to their emotions. It can be upbeat and loud, slow and soothing, or somewhere in between. Regardless of how people are feeling or what they are going through, they can almost always find a way to relate through music.
So it should come as no surprise that music can be a beneficial tool when it comes to addiction recovery. Some luxury rehab facilities offer music therapy as a part of treatment. There are specialists who have studied how music affects the mind, emotions, thoughts, and more. They leverage this knowledge to use music as a way to guide clients through healing and self discovery. It is integrated into relapse prevention planning and strategies for change. There are many ways in which music can be used, both in and out of therapy.
Listening to Music
Everyone responds to music differently. Songs that fill one person with energy and joy may not be as powerful for someone else. Some people find instrumentals to be soothing while others prefer a song with words that they can sing and move along with. Maybe it’s a slow melody or maybe it’s more of a rock song. To each his own. It’s all about finding what works for you and what speaks to your needs.
- Reducing stress: Music can be an effective way of reducing stress. In recovery, clients learn that managing their stress is one way to help prevent relapse. Stress for many is a trigger. Listening to their favorite artist can be very calming. Having an iPod or other device handy can be a great way to cut stress off more quickly. When you feel stress building, take a few minutes to step back and listen to a song or two to clear your mind.
Pairing music up with exercise can also help. There is nothing like running, biking, or walking to a song that helps you to burn off excess energy and frustration. Let it all out and let yourself move to the beat. Put together a playlist that keeps you motivated.
- Boosting mood: Some songs just make you feel good. Whether it’s the lyrics, melody, or beat, you can’t help but perk up when you hear them. Recovery can be stressful sometimes, so having songs that will make you feel more positive can keep you on the right path. Explore different types of music to see how you respond. There might be different songs you use for different situations.
- Distracting yourself: Boredom and cravings are two other contributors to relapse risk. If you’re not sure what to do with yourself, turn on the radio or pop in a CD. Let yourself get absorbed into the music playing around you. Sing or dance your way through cravings as well. They generally pass within 30 minutes, so use this time to keep your mind off of things with music.
Writing or Making Music
Aside from just listening to music, getting more involved by writing or creating your own music can help as well. Put your own thoughts and feelings down and write your own song. It could be a parody of an existing favorite, or you can create a melody all your own.
- Express yourself: You don’t always have to use words to convey emotion. Plucking the strings of a guitar or the keys of a piano can be engaging. As you listen to the notes that come out and play them in succession, it becomes a song of your emotions. It expresses that which you cannot put into words.
It can also be a great way to relieve stress through the physical act of making music on whatever instrument you choose. Going back and practicing or adding on can be soothing. It gives people a sense of purpose and meaning.
Connecting with Others
Music can bring people together. When you’re not sure what to say on your own, you can use a song that you relate to in order to explain things to others. They may not feel it as deeply as you do, but they will often get the gist. It can also be a great way to make friends and spend time sharing something you both enjoy. Perhaps you have the same favorite artist or band and that can give you common ground to discuss.
You can also use music to connect to yourself and your own thoughts. Using soothing music during meditation can put you in a better frame of mind and allow you to focus more. Spend time exploring different types of music to see what emotions and feelings it evokes in you. The songs you choose to listen to could be very different depending on your mood and the situation. Know what works best for you.
At Chapters Capistrano, clients are encouraged to be actively involved in their recovery and be open to different treatment approaches and therapeutic strategies. This allows them to create a more personalized treatment plan that meets their needs. Contact Chapters Capistrano today at 949-276-2886 to learn more about how our luxury rehab program can help you overcome addiction and start a new chapter in your life.
