Reasons Music Therapy Helps with Substance Abuse
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When it comes to substance use treatment, there is a range of methods treatment specialists may use. Some of these are evidence-based, meaning substance use treatment experts have studied them extensively. Others are holistic. These treatments are helpful in substance use treatment for a person's mind, body, and soul. One excellent holistic treatment option is music therapy. Music therapy offers advantages to teens and adolescents who struggle with substance use. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we provide our
music therapy program because we know how music can impact recovery. To learn more, contact
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center today at
662.373.2828.
Why Use Music Therapy?
Every patient processes and heals differently. Many patients need a break between academic school work and life skills development—that's where music therapy plays an important role. It allows patients to avoid burnout, have fun, make memories, and restore a healthy connection to themselves. Music therapists are trained to use music to address their patients' physical, emotional, mental, and social needs. Music therapy and substance abuse treatment can go hand in hand for lasting recovery because they can lessen anxiety and ease withdrawal symptoms.What Do Experts Say About Music Therapy and Addiction?
There is an undeniable connection between music therapy and substance abuse treatment. Music therapy offers a different approach to healing that can lead to a successful recovery. It's important to understand that music therapy is not just listening to music. The National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) defines music therapy as "the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program." Music therapists understand how to use music to reach non-musical goals. With an ever-increasing amount of pressure to be something, do something, and achieve something, adolescents are missing out on their precious time to just "chill." During treatment, patients could regress to old emotional behaviors, act out in anger or defiance, and experience cravings. Music therapists can help patients process emotions and explore new ones in a safe and healthy environment. Music therapy helps treat various disorders, including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and more.How to Use Music Therapy for Addiction Treatment
At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we have a full-time music therapist on staff. This professional has a degree in music therapy and is a credentialed Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). Our MT-BC provides one-on-one and group music therapy. Here are some examples of how our MT-BC uses different music therapy interventions to help patients in addiction treatment:- Improvisation – This music therapy intervention allows patients to create their music. Improvisation is a great way to help patients express themselves non-verbally.
- Receptance – In this intervention, patients listen to calming, relaxing music. The purpose of receptance is to help patients wind down and de-stress.
- Songwriting – This music therapy intervention allows patients to express themselves through songwriting.
Learn More About Music Therapy at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center
Music therapy is one of the many clinical tools we employ. We create a full continuum of care and loving relationships with patients at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center. And provide combinations of holistic and evidence-based treatments for each teen. Stonewater customized those combinations based on each teen's unique needs. Some of our treatment options include:- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma therapy
- Equine therapy
- Adventure therapy
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