The Power of Music in Recovery
Often, during recovery, patients are taught to take up a new hobby to fill their time and keep them focused on a path of success. Recovering addicts may need to fill their previous habits with new ones, and hobbies can do that. Some begin to write in their journals, some exercise more, some people paint or draw, and others find numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors. Another such hobby, that is proving to be successful among many in recovery, is playing or listening to music. Some people in recovery also compose music or write words to music. Learning to play a new instrument, listening to new music, or writing songs, can be great hobbies for recovering addicts.
Individuals in recovery can be tense and are often dealing with a variety of emotions, and music can calm these people. Music can be very beneficial because it can lower stress levels and induce relaxation. Music can create a very peaceful state for the listener and can even help to focus and concentrate.
Music is remarkably beneficial in recovery because it can reduce boredom. Surprisingly, boredom is one of the top reasons for relapse. When a person in recovery is bored, they may listen to a good album or a few relaxing songs until the urge to use or drink passes. Loneliness is also common in recovery, and music can help the recovering addict feel less lonely by giving them lyrics from songs to connect with.
A word of caution, however, to those who use music in recovery. Uplifting, relaxing music is very helpful. But, music that glamorizes doing drugs or drinking alcohol should be avoided. Unfortunately, the topics of many songs in today’s culture include drinking and drugs, but these types of music can be avoided.