When you’re searching for the right rehab for substance use disorder, one of the first things to consider is what kind of services and programs a facility offers. It might come as a pleasant surprise to see that many rehab facilities offer music therapy.
Here’s what you should know about whether you can learn music while in rehab — and the surprising ways in which music can impact healing and rehab success rates.
The Bluffs is an addiction treatment center in Sherrodsville, Ohio. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment services, including music therapy. For more information on the music therapy program at The Bluffs, call us at 850.374.5331 today.
Do They Teach Music in Rehab Facilities?
If you’re wondering, “Do they teach music in rehab facilities?” the answer is that it depends on what you mean by “teach.” Even rehabs that offer music therapy don’t usually offer formal instruction on music theory or lessons on how to play a specific instrument.
However, if you opt for a rehab program that includes music therapy, you’ll learn some music. Music teaching in rehab is usually more concerned with musical awareness. Components of music therapy might include the following:
- Drum circles
- Rhythm education
- Songwriting lessons
- Lyric analysis
- Musical games
These activities are designed to be accessible and beneficial for all patients, regardless of their musical background or knowledge.
What Happens During Music Therapy?
Patients who participate in music therapy learn about music during sessions. They might come away from a music therapy program with a deeper awareness of pop culture music and lyrics, the ability to set and maintain rhythm, or songwriting experience.
Oftentimes, music therapy can make music accessible, inspiring the desire and confidence to learn an instrument.
Even within a single music therapy program, what happens from session to session might vary widely. One class period might involve forming a drum circle to experience the power of creating rhythm as a community, while the next might involve examining the lyrics of pop culture songs that glorify — or criticize — substance use.
The Benefits of Music Teaching in Rehab
Participating in the creation of music brings a wide range of benefits. Studies show that on an emotional level, engaging in music-making brings results, such as the following:
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Reduced feelings of depression
- Sense of presence and mindfulness
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Enhanced sense of relaxation
- Feelings of happiness and joy
These are benefits that anyone can experience, and they’re particularly important to cultivate in the early days of recovery from a substance use disorder.
The goals of supplemental rehab programs like music therapy are twofold: they help participants attain a greater state of health and well-being, and they equip patients with yet another tool for strengthening recovery.
For those who enjoy music therapy sessions, music can become a valuable means of avoiding relapse once treatment ends. Rehab patients learn that music can be used to:
- Distract from triggers
- Cope with and alter challenging emotions
- Build new relationships and community
- Provide a new hobby that supports a substance-free lifestyle
Research also shows that those who participate in music-making become more engaged and receptive. With music therapy, treatment centers see increased rates of engagement transfer to all elements of rehab programming.
Rehab Music Therapy at Vertava Health – Ohio
The Bluffs is a leading provider of behavioral health treatment in Sherrodsville, Ohio. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Our rehab programming offers a blend of evidence-based and experiential treatment options. Alongside traditional services like group, individual, and family therapy, our patients also participate in wilderness therapy, meditation, and music therapy.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about how music can support treatment outcomes and long-term recovery, call 850.374.5331 and ask about the music therapy program at The Bluffs.
