When you’re recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, it helps to have a wide range of resources available. The main treatments used in recovery programs include both medication and psychotherapy. Today, there is also an increasing use of additional options, known as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Paired with primary treatments, these options offer important benefits. That includes the recovery benefits provided by a music and art therapy program.
How do music and art therapy support your long-term recovery goals? Each of these options is known to help you in several ways. When you add them together, you get the increased benefits of both. That’s one key reason why Memphis Recovery Centers features a combined music and art therapy program. This program goes hand in hand with our full slate of primary substance abuse treatments. Reach to one of our team members today to learn more about how music and art therapy can promote long-term recovery by calling 901-272-7751.
The Basics of CAM Therapies
CAM therapies do not take the place of your main drug or alcohol treatment. That’s true because, by itself, CAM is not enough to help you recover. Instead, these therapies are added to your overall treatment plan. Together with medication and psychotherapy, they help address your specific situation and needs.
More and more recovery programs are making music and art therapy available. Over a third of all programs offer art-based options. In addition, about one out of every nine programs offers a music-based option. It is relatively rare to find a program that includes both options together.
How Can Music Therapy Support Your Long-Term Recovery?
Music therapy for recovery has been in use since the 1970s. Its primary benefit is helping you express things that you find hard or impossible to put into words. This can be key to making yourself understood by others. It can also be just as valuable in helping you understand yourself.
Over the years, a variety of studies have identified other important benefits to music therapy. The list of these benefits includes:
- Helping you improve your general mood and outlook
- Lessening the effects of anger, daily stress, depression, and anxiety
- Increasing your willingness to take an active part in your treatment
- Decreasing the odds that you will relapse
Specific forms of this therapy include songwriting, improvisation, and playing music-based games.
How Can Art Therapy Provide Support?
Rehab programs have used art therapy for recovery since the 1950s. Like music therapy, perhaps its most significant benefit is helping you find another way of expressing yourself. Additional common benefits include:
- Making it easier for you to admit how substance abuse affects you
- Reducing the amount of shame you feel about your situation
- Lowering your resistance to your treatment plan
- Boosting your desire to get and stay sober
Most art therapy programs require you to actively participate. Specific practices available to you may include drawing, painting, sculpting, and art journaling.
What Are the Combined Effects of Music and Art?
Not very many recovery programs feature both music and art. For this reason, researchers know less about their combined effects. However, the available evidence shows that the two therapies are additive. This means that they provide a greater benefit together than they do separately. If possible, it’s a good idea to find a program that features them both.
Explore Music and Art Therapy at Memphis Recovery Centers Today
Memphis Recovery Centers offers a robust music and art therapy program. At every step, we make sure that your therapy works in harmony with the rest of your recovery plan. We feel that this is the best way to maximize your long-term sobriety efforts. For more information, contact us at 901-272-7751 or fill out our easy-to-use online form.
