On Music Therapy

“Why music therapy? Music Therapy is part of an integrated approach to treatment for addiction. Music therapy for substance
abuse recovery is the use of music and the therapeutic relationship to promote connection to self andmotivation to change while learning to navigate life in sobriety. Active music-making, as well as music listening, has been shown to activate the dopaminergic pathways in a similar manner as many illicitsubstances. This response may reduce cravings and improve mood. Music listening also calms the parasympathetic nervous system which facilitates relaxation and decreases anxiety.

Contraindications: Contraindications for the use of music in addiction treatment include the possibility of music serving as a trauma trigger or as a trigger for use and increased cravings. Therefore, it is helpful when possible to have a complete music history when working with individuals and to be aware of how these triggers or traumatic responses can present.”

https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/FactSheet_Music_Therapy_and_Addiction_Treatment_2021.pdf

Music therapy for people with substance use disorders

“Music therapists work with abstinence‐based, controlled use, and in harm reduction contexts (Aldridge 2010; Ghetti 2004), in inpatient treatment centres, community mental health centres, adult day healthcare centres, state and general hospitals, therapeutic communities, and aftercare programmes (Aldridge 2010; Ghetti 2004; Silverman 2009).”