“I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by.”
- Billy Joel
Addiction is a constant battle that one struggles with on a daily basis. Luckily, there are many places to get the help needed for recovery and there are different treatment methods available to conquer addiction.
The Journal of Addictions Nursing published a study entitled, “The Use of Art and Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment,” which concluded, “Art and music therapies are being used as complements to other psychosocial treatments, which may ultimately improve patient outcomes by offering more robust treatment options.”
HealthTunes learned of the benefits of binaural beats and music therapy when paired with addiction treatment and created playlists specifically to help people overcome Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Binaural beats can help
The signs signaling addiction include irritability, argumentativeness, inability to deal with stress, and many others. This compulsion takes an emotional and physical toll on your body and can overtake your thought process.
Binaural beats have shown great promise in the treatment of chemical dependence and decreasing the accompanied side effects of detoxing. During the early recovery phase, depression and anxiety often become overwhelming. Studies have shown binaural beats and isochronic tones can decrease your stress and anxiety allowing not only for an easier recovery but an increased chance of reclaiming your life.
Binaural beats help the mind reach a deep, relaxed state — similar to that felt through meditation — easing the angst and nervousness that comes with unhealthy cravings. Some even believe these tones allow the mind to retreat into a meditative state faster than the actual contemplative act itself.
Sleeping Heals
Getting a good night’s rest is essential to the recovery process as it helps to restore, re-energize, and rejuvenate the body. Falling asleep when beginning recovery can be difficult and it’s important to create an environment that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. The ideal setting in which to fall asleep varies by the individual. Take into consideration the temperature of the room, the lighting, and even the clothes you’re wearing. Where you sleep should be tranquil and make you feel relaxed.
A restful slumber has an amazing effect on your body by restoring cells, supporting your memory, revitalizing your skin, improving concentration and productivity, and much more. During sleep, your body releases hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, that help to regulate your appetite and metabolism. Getting a good night’s sleep has proven to reduce caloric intake during the day by as much as 300 calories. Also during sleep, your body makes more white blood cells, which help fight against infection. Sleeping is a necessary process for regeneration, mentally and physically, especially within the rehabilitation phase.
MusicMedicine
In early treatment for SUD, that need to feed your obsession can become overwhelming and relaxation treatment may be recommended. When using HealthTunes to help you relieve early signs of withdrawal, be sure to follow the pattern of your body. Easing into the feeling of calm is important. Try the HealthTunes “Addiction” playlist to get into the habit of listening intently and gradually become deeply entrenched in the music.
Try this with me: Close your eyes and focus on the beating of the drums. Feel your body attune to the rhythm. Once the “Addiction” track is complete, move to the HealthTunes “Activating, Anti-Depression, World” playlist, which slows the drums to a smoother resonance. At first, allow your mind to accept the less, but still present, turbulent nature of your feelings. Then, gradually be comforted by the calmer, smoother sounds of the binaural beats accompanied by the drums and consoling voice. Continue to close your eyes and feel your heartbeat slowly come in synch with the beat.
As your body calms, remind yourself that soothing music can lead to a better night’s sleep and a better night’s sleep will lead to better well-being during your successful journey back to health.
