How Do You Use Music In Treatment?
Music is the sound wave of the soul. It’s the good energy that triggers our emotions. Music can be the catalyst for change as music is the purest form of communication there is. It can be a time machine, opens us up, and keeps us in the present moment. We use music to help our clients obtain the most meaningful change they can achieve while in treatment. By keeping them present, music allows them to explore their underlying issues that manifested themselves as the addiction to whatever substance they were struggling with in the first place. We do things like open-mic groups, live performance groups, and use music during therapy sessions to help everyone let their guard down and achieve the most meaningful change. A song can transport you back to another place and make you feel the experience. I wrote many songs about addiction. When they’re played in a treatment setting the clients relate to the lyrics and open up immediately because music is non-threatening.
How Long Is Treatment and Can I See My Family During Treatment?
The length of treatment comes down to the progress one makes during the therapy sessions they receive while in treatment and the work they do with their counselor to develop an aftercare plan upon completing treatment. However, treatment generally is anywhere between 28-45 days. Addiction is often a family disease, so while the patient recovers, so too does the family unit as a whole. We encourage family members to be active in their loved one’s recovery. So yes, under the guidance and direction of a counselor, family sessions and visits are allowed. Addiction affects the whole family, not only is it important to help the client, but we have to treat the environment they come from as well, which is the family. That’s when the healing begins. By bringing family into the treatment process, both client and family begin to recover together.
What are the signs of addiction and how do you approach someone who needs help?
Some key signs to look for when suspecting addiction are living habits and/or personality changes. Negative things start happening, such as DUI’s and run-ins with the law. Addiction is an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and it shows up early in the lives of addicts. They start using drugs and alcohol socially at a young age and it gradually progresses into a lifestyle. Be well prepared with the facts. Know why you’re confronting them. Explain to them what it is about their behavior that is causing problems. When confronting an addict do not be threatening because that will only make them defensive. Make sure you can offer them a plan for recovery and guide them to the best resources possible.
By Richie Supa
Director of Creative Recovery
Recovery Unplugged
recoveryunplugged.com
Photos by Ralph Notaro