Music Therapy, Regression and Symbolic Distance in Substance Abusers and Their Preferred Music

Tsvia Horesh

Journal

Music Therapy Today

Year

2007

Volume

8

Issue

3

First Page

324

Last Page

333

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

Disciplines

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Document Type

Article

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