Five Reasons Learning a Musical Instrument Can Help Aid with Addiction Recovery

Entering the addiction recovery stage of your life is a success in itself. You’ve made the decision to go through treatment, give up the booze or drugs and are committed to a healthier and happier journey through the rest of your days.

Going through a private drug rehab clinic is tough. It takes a lot of work, a lot of help and a lot of self-discipline and commitment. But that doesn’t stop once you enter recovery and you need exactly the same levels of self-discipline and commitment to remain sober on your journey.

These days there are a wide range of coping mechanisms, forms of therapy and hobbies and interests that professionals recommend to aid with addiction recovery, and music is playing a bigger part in that than ever before.

Learning an instrument in recovery can be a great way to aid recovery, and for a variety of different reasons too. So, if you enjoy your music, or perhaps even are ambivalent to it but want to try something new, here are five reasons that picking up a musical instrument and learning can be of great benefit to your addiction recovery…

Stress Reduction and Emotional Expression

Firstly, learning an instrument can be a great outlet for emotional expression and reducing your stress levels, particularly as you improve on the instrument.

It’s a great way to channel your feelings and if you’re feeling particularly creative even place your thoughts lyrically within the music you’re creating. Just playing can serve as a real healthy way to release your emotions though, as well as requiring a concentration that will divert attention from any stress or negative thoughts you may have.

Essentially, it provides a safe space to let it all out, whether you’re strumming a guitar, banging the drums or even blowing on a flute.

Building Discipline and Routine

There are many pastimes that can help instill a level of discipline, and learning an instrument is certainly one of those. It requires patience, regular practice and discipline for you to progress. In return, this establishes a sense of order and consistency that is key in a routine of recovery.

The discipline and routine required can provide a real solid base, and alongside the discipline can translate into other areas of your life, reinforcing the importance of commitment and perseverance that can really help tackle those challenging moments in recovery.

Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence

The progression and finished product when it comes to making music can be so huge in boosting confidence, self-esteem and providing a sense of achievement.

Addiction can add a real dent into our confidence, but seeing tangible progress in learning a new skill, whether that be picking up an instrument for the first time, learning a new chord or playing a song from start to finish can be a huge boost that can be carried into everyday life.

Our self-worth can really skyrocket through learning an instrument, and that’s a place that you certainly want to be in when it comes to tackling challenges on the recovery journey.

Enhancing Cognitive Function and Focus

You need a great deal of patience and focus to learn an instrument and the pieces of music that follow, which can help build cognitive skills. To learn an instrument you need to engage your memory, attention and problem-solving skills, while the mental stimulation in coordinating hand movements and even reading music can also be beneficial.

This can aid the recovery process by encouraging you to be more focused and clear on your journey, making it easier to resist cravings, stick to plans and make healthier choices.

Making Social Connections and Support

We all know that music brings people together, and joining a class to learn, forming a band or just jamming with friends can provide a supportive community where people can share their passion as well as being there for one another.

These social connections are vital for individuals in recovery, as isolation can be a significant risk factor for relapse. Being part of a musical group or community fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, which can be incredibly motivating and sustaining. Sharing musical experiences with others can also provide validation and encouragement, further reinforcing the recovery process.