Music Therapy, Regression and Symbolic Distance in Substance Abusers and Their Preferred Music
Journal
Music Therapy Today
Year
2007
Abstract
The author explores the relationship between recovering substance abusers and music. Music can play a significant part in the self-destructive, obsessive behavior of addicts, contributing to a loss of control over emotions. In therapy, music changes from being a means to becoming the goal. Emotions, memories, and life stories evoked by music are validated and contained. The stories of two addicts are related. They both speak about a regressive experience while listening to music, during which boundaries between themselves and their music are erased. Rehabilitating music-listening habits of addicts can help them to incorporate music into their lives as a source of enjoyment and enrichment.
Music and Health Institute Terms
Emotional Functioning; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Recorded Music Listening; Self-Efficacy; Self-Report Measures; Substance Use, Abuse and Addiction
Indexed Terms
Musical Preferences; Behavior; Music Listening; Emotional Responses; Relationships; Drug abuse; Rehabilitation
Study Type
Editorials, Opinions, Position Papers
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Horesh, T. (2007). Music Therapy, Regression and Symbolic Distance in Substance Abusers and Their Preferred Music. Music Therapy Today, 8 (3), 324-333. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-citations/1366