Many individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring mood disorders affecting their emotional regulation. If you frequently experience mood swings or have difficulty balancing your emotions, music may help you build stronger relationships and manage your condition. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “Performing or listening to music activates a variety of structures in the brain that are involved in thinking, sensation, movement, and emotion,” causing “the release of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and hormones) that can evoke emotional reactions, memories, and feelings and promote social bonds.” Bright Mission Recovery encourages clients to use music and holistic therapies to reduce stress and develop a positive mindset.
How Can You Reduce Stress By Listening to Music?
Stress is a common side effect of SUD and may increase the risk of relapse unless you learn to manage it effectively. Listening to music promotes mental calm and physical relaxation. Changes in the brain and various body systems foster a sense of calm. Using music and other tools to reduce stress gives you more time and energy to focus on healing from the effects of SUD or mental health disorders.
You can experience the positive health benefits of music by doing the following:
- Listening to calming music
- Playing musical instruments
- Writing lyrics or sheet music
Listening to music or actively making music improves mood and provides a distraction during challenging moments. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can use music to refocus. Listening to music or lyrics can also reduce stress and tension in the body, making it easier for you to relax and manage whatever underlying issues cause you to feel distressed.
Music as a Therapeutic Intervention
Some holistic forms of therapy use music to help people build confidence, manage stress, and develop healthy coping skills. At Bright Mission Recovery, the clinicians encourage clients to use music and other creative outlets to manage side effects and symptoms of mental health disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, “Music is a powerful stimulus that evokes and modulates moods and emotions; music is often used intentionally to regulate moods and emotions in daily life.”
Music works as a therapeutic tool for addressing symptoms and side effects of SUD by doing the following:
- Regulating the nervous system
- Releasing dopamine
- Encouraging emotional expression
- Reducing rumination and enhancing mindfulness
- Fostering a sense of community
- Reducing blood pressure
- Stimulating healthy brain activity
The therapists at Bright Mission Recovery use evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help clients express themselves and develop healthier coping skills. Collaborate with the care team to determine what musical activities may help you find relief from mental health symptoms by giving you greater emotional stability. Frequently listening to a playlist of favorite songs is enough to significantly lower stress and improve mental health.
The Science Behind How Music Reduces Stress
Music affects the brain and multiple body systems. The effects can change your mood, improve resilience, and help you manage stress more effectively. Multiple areas of the brain become active when you listen to or play music, including:
- Hippocampus
- Amygdala
- Temporal lobe
- Cerebellum
According to Brain Sciences, “Music listening improves cognitive functions such as memory, attention span, and behavioral augmentation.” Also, “In rehabilitation, music-based therapies have a high rate of success for the treatment of depression and anxiety and even in neurological disorders.” Bright Mission Recovery uses music as a holistic treatment for addressing the symptoms and side effects of SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Using Music to Work Through the Effects of Trauma
Many individuals with SUD have a history of trauma. Music is often used alongside more traditional trauma therapy to help clients manage symptoms and side effects. You can use music to cope with the effects of trauma triggers, reduce the impact of trauma, and become more fully engaged in trauma therapy. Music is an excellent tool for improving motivation, inspiring hope, and reducing emotional distress. Work with your care team to determine if music may give you some relief from the effects of trauma. Bright Mission Recovery offers music therapy or referrals to outside services at every level of care.
How Can Music Therapy Reduce Stress During Aftercare?
Music therapy is available for individuals in rehabilitation. Clinicians also provide referrals to community-based and private music therapy services during aftercare. You can use music to remain focused and motivated to move forward during continuing care. Music is a flexible tool for managing mental health issues, allowing you to use it to address a wide range of symptoms and side effects. Listening to your favorite music, exploring new types of music, or creating your own all have significant health benefits. Bright Mission Recovery gives you the resources and tools to use music for healing and personal growth.
Music is an excellent tool for improving emotion regulation and managing symptoms related to mood disorders. Listening to and creating music has the same positive impact on mental health and overall wellness. Music therapy is a holistic treatment used during rehabilitation and aftercare to relieve stress and teach clients practical coping skills. You can use music to change how you feel about yourself and your circumstances. Listening to music causes changes in the brain that promote healing and emotional stability. Bright Mission Recovery offers music therapy and other therapeutic modalities at every level of care. To learn more about our programs and services, contact our office today at (747) 444-3284.