In the treatment of addictions, music has been established as an adjunctive, highly adaptable modality that is valuable in the holistic approach recommended for addictions work (James, 1988a; Treder- Wolff, 1990a). Music therapists with the appropriate knowledge and training in addictions treatment can provide a vital service to this, population and be a valuable addition to the treatment community

In the treatment of addictions, music has been established as an adjunctive, highly adaptable modality that is valuable in the holistic approach recommended for addictions work (James, 1988a; Treder- Wolff, 1990a). Music therapists with the appropriate knowledge and training in addictions treatment can provide a vital service to this, population and be a valuable addition to the treatment community.

Because many researchers emphasize the need to treat the "whole person" as opposed to "their addiction" (see James, 1988a), music therapy is particularly suited to interdisciplinary treatment teams. Considering the diversity of both primary and secondary addiction-related problems, music therapy may meet a wide variety of individual goals. The clients need to explore their feelings and emotions, lack of self-esteem, and inability to appropriately use leisure time, and a loss of group identity, for instance, are all prominent concerns that can be addressed by music therapy.

Patterns of addiction and defense mechanisms can be ameliorated by the creative experience involved in music therapy. Music therapists can use the socializing influence of music, imprinting of social messages reflected in the music, as well as the deeply personal associations to the individual, to educate clients about the substance abuse and promote relation to a group. Music therapy utilizes the power of music to facilitate recognition of a common identity among clients, and recognition of common beliefs and problems, thereby opening pathways for communication necessary for both group interaction and personal change. Skills in relation building, self-expression, creative thinking, communication rather than isolation, and awareness out of denial are important by-products of the music therapy process, and are the cornerstones of health and recovery

Music Therapy Association of British Columbia, Music Therapy Read More

Music Therapy in Addiction

Music Therapy and other Addiction Recovery and Treatment practices will be discussed at the Australian and New Zealand Addiction 2015 Conference.

Addiction 2015 will be hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH). The Conference is for Addiction treatment professionals, Drug and Alcohol Workers, mental health professionals, health-care clinicians, researchers and academics. Addiction 2015 will be held on the 5-6 March 2015 at Outriggers Gold Coast.

For more information visit the website www.addictionaustralia.org.au
Abstracts close: 21st November 2014