In the journey of recovery from addiction, relapse prevention is a critical component. Traditional therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), play vital roles. However, complementary therapies like music therapy are gaining recognition for their unique benefits in supporting sustained recovery
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. It involves using music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Techniques can include listening to music, creating music, singing, and moving to music, among others.
“Music therapy interventions to date have addressed affective-motivational goals for relapse prevention of addiction. Although emotional, relational, and motivational music therapy interventions are pertinent to drug addiction recovery, music therapy may further extend its therapeutic impact with music-based cognitive rehabilitation (MBCR) for relapse prevention.”
“Results from a review suggest that Music Therapy as ‘add on’ treatment to standard care can lead to moderate reductions in substance craving and can increase motivation for treatment/change for people with substance use disorders receiving treatment in detoxification and short‐term rehabilitation settings. Greater reduction in craving is associated with Music Therapy lasting longer than a single session. We have moderate‐to‐low confidence in our findings as the included studies were downgraded in certainty due to imprecision, and most included studies were conducted by the same researcher in the same detoxification unit, which considerably impacts the transferability of findings.”
Although researchers have found that music therapy can positively impact motivation for people with SUD, the music therapy and SUD literature base lack a theoretical understanding of motivation. Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation (ETM) is an established theoretical framework positing that motivation depends on three relationships: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. These relationships consist of four variables: effort, performance, reward, and preference. Based on these four variables, motivation depends on the expectation that an increase in effort will lead to improved performance, thus leading to a reward aligned with an individual’s preferences. The purpose of this paper is to apply Vroom’s ETM to music therapy and SUD clinical practice and research. We reviewed the existing literature addressing Vroom’s ETM within SUD treatment and created a model to depict how to apply Vroom’s ETM to music therapy clinical practice for people with SUD. Application of Vroom’s ETM may help music therapists understand and augment motivation for people with SUD, potentially leading to relapse prevention and recovery. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Music therapy is a powerful tool in the arsenal of relapse prevention strategies. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of music, individuals in recovery can find new ways to manage emotions, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. Whether integrated into formal treatment programs or used as part of ongoing aftercare, music therapy offers a harmonious pathway to sustained recovery. As research continues to unfold, its role in addiction treatment is likely to expand, providing hope and healing through the universal language of music.
