Music can soothe the savage beast. However, it can also support those who are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a complex issue to treat, and no two cases are ever alike. The best way to treat the disorder is by using a wide mix of therapies, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to yoga and meditation therapy, nutrition education, and medication-assisted treatment. This variety of support allows therapists to then find the right methods for treating the individual based on their unique symptoms and the causes behind the abuse.
At Skywood Recovery, we offer music therapy in Michigan for those who are looking for a holistic approach to treating substance use disorders. When you first arrive for treatment, we will perform a health assessment to determine the course of action necessary to treat the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Patients will work with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions for several weeks or months until they are ready to lead a sober lifestyle. To see if our addiction therapy programs are right for you, fill out our online form or call 269.280.4673 today.
What Is Music Therapy?
For most people, a good song can make them:
- Feel sad or happy
- Give them a boost of energy
- Motivate them to finish a task
Music therapy is gaining in popularity in treatment facilities as more people discover the healing properties of music. For addiction recovery, music therapy is designed as a complement to traditional behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, and has many positive benefits. Some of the benefits of music therapy include:
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Provides patients with a creative outlet for their emotions
- Increases motivation to stick with therapy
- Increases blood flow to the heart
- Decreases high blood pressure
- Helps distract patients from triggers and disturbing thoughts
- Increases physical activity
At Skywood Recovery, we use music therapy in our residential and outpatient treatment programs, along with other holistic and behavioral therapies and medical support. This all-encompassing approach encourages patients to continue therapy and build healthy life skills that support a sober lifestyle.
What to Expect From a Music Therapy Program
To participate in a music therapy program, you do not need any formal training in reading music or playing an instrument. The goal is to allow you to be creative and express yourself through music that sings to your soul and begins to heal it. When combined with behavioral therapy, music therapy allows for a more complete recovery experience and promotes a healthier state of mind.
If this is your first time enrolling in a music therapy program, here is what you can expect:
Music Assessment
Music therapists will sit with patients to identify their needs and musical tastes. This is necessary to find the type of music that will have the most effect.
Active Listening
Based on the information they gather, they will play a specific song or piece of music. Then, they ask the patient to talk about the feelings or memories the music brings up.
Performance
Music therapists will play an instrument or sing a song and have patients sing along with them. This is an excellent technique as it requires patients to fully concentrate on the music they are creating. It also teaches them to be comfortable expressing their emotions.
Writing Lyrics
Creating music is a very effective creative self-expression tool. Doing so allows patients to express themselves creatively and aid in processing difficult or confusing emotions and feelings. Many popular musicians, like Billie Eilish and Demi Lovato, often create songs based on their troubled emotions.
Dancing
Dancing is a good physical workout and allows patients to burn off pent-up energy and aggression. You don’t have to know any fancy dance routines. Simply move with the music and allow your emotions to run freely.
Relaxation
The right music can calm people down and help them focus on the task at hand. In fact, meditative music that uses harmonic frequencies promotes relaxation and a deeper connection to the self.
Find Music Therapy in Michigan at Skywood Recovery in Augusta
The therapists at Skywood Recovery work hard to support men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other substances. To that end, we use music therapy in our residential and outpatient treatment programs. Also, we use other holistic therapies, like equine-assisted therapy, nutrition education, yoga, and meditation. We believe that a holistic approach to treating addiction is more effective and shows patients the power within them to make a positive change.
To discover all of the benefits of music therapy in Michigan, call 269.280.4673 today to schedule a tour and learn more about our addiction therapy programs.