7 Benefits Of Music Therapy In Addiction Recovery

Music therapy is considered an effective alternative treatment for a variety of behavioral and mental health issues, including substance use disorders. This type of therapy is accomplished by listening to music, playing instruments, singing, or songwriting individually or among a group of therapists and peers. 

Research suggests that people who engage in music therapy during addiction treatment will benefit from having a creative outlet for expressing feelings and emotions. 

Benefits Of Music Therapy In Substance Abuse Treatment

Music therapy has been shown to help clients emotionally, socially, psychologically, and cognitively. While it won’t cure addiction, there are a number of ways that a treatment plan that includes music therapy can assist people during the recovery process. 

Listed below are some of the most common benefits. 

1.  Pain Reduction From Substance Use Withdrawal

People who engage in drug and alcohol abuse may experience a host of painful withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance. Music therapy has been shown to reduce the physical and emotional discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and muscle pain. 

2. Increases Motivation Among People With A Co-Occurring Disorder

Mental illness and addiction have been found to be intrinsically linked, and people with dual diagnoses typically have worse treatment outcomes than those without mental health issues. Pilot studies have shown that people with a co-occurring disorder are more motivated to continue their addiction treatment program when exposed to music therapy. 

3. Encourages Relaxation

Achieving sobriety is hard, and many people will experience intense anxiety and depression as a result of stopping their substance use. Listening to or creating music can help lower blood pressure and encourage a meditative state, which helps relieve stress and some symptoms of depression. 

4. Helps Build A Strong Support Group     

Music therapy sessions are commonly conducted with a group of people, including therapists and other individuals recovering from trauma or addiction. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), music therapy conducted with a group has been shown to promote strong cohesiveness among clients, regardless of age or background.

5. Assists With Concentration Levels And Memory

Researchers have discovered that people who listen to music before attempting to accomplish a task have a better memory than people who sat in silence. People can benefit greatly from an increase in memory and concentration capacity, particularly if they’re currently taking prescription medications for a mental illness.

6. Promotes Restful Sleep

One of the most important factors during an addiction recovery program is ensuring that the person in treatment is getting plenty of restful sleep. Listening to music helps alleviate boredom and decrease racing thoughts, which can promote falling asleep easier and staying asleep throughout the night. 

7. Promotes Better Self-Esteem And Self-Expression

Engaging in artistic endeavors such as creating music or simply listening to music can help people identify and express their feelings, and work as an emotional release. People who develop healthy self-awareness can better understand the cycle of addiction and identify their own triggers. 

Who May Benefit The Most From Music Therapy? 

Music therapy has been shown to help people regardless of their age, culture, or previous life experiences. 

Groups who may especially benefit from music therapy include:

• people with a substance use disorder
• veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
• autistic people
• victims of past trauma
• people with mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder
• people who experience chronic pain

What A Music Therapy Session Actually Looks Like

Many people are curious about music therapy but aren’t sure what it involves in practice. It’s worth knowing that you don’t need any musical talent or experience to benefit. Sessions are led by a board-certified music therapist and can take several forms. Receptive therapy involves listening to carefully selected music while a therapist guides discussion about the emotions it brings up.

Active therapy involves creating music, playing simple instruments, writing lyrics, or improvising. These practices are a way for people to express feelings that are hard to put into words.

Other Treatment Options For Addiction

Upon entering a drug rehab program, clients will have access to a number of evidence-based or holistic therapies to help them achieve long-term sobriety. 

Common behavioral health services may include:

• inpatient treatment programs
• outpatient treatment
• drug addiction therapy
• general healthcare services
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• drug and alcohol detox
• aftercare
• art therapy 
• sober living homes
• case management or wellness services

If you or a loved one are interested in a music therapy program, contact the addiction treatment center of your choice and ask about their therapy techniques.

Updated on May 21, 2026

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff