The Power of Music in Recovery

Music has been helping heal and soothe broken hearts since the beginning of mankind.  The dopamine releasing properties of music make it an easy choice for those seeking solace.  It’s true, listening to music has been shown to trigger the areas of the brain responsible for pleasure, releasing the neurotransmitter, dopamine.  Addiction trains the brain to release dopamine as a “positive reinforcement” for drug use, and music can be a healthier alternative to trigger that release.  But enough with all the brain talk, simply put, music is powerful because it makes us feel good!  Songs can paint a picture, tell a story, take us back to a pleasant memory, or remind us of a loved one.  It is a source of comfort, and often reminds us that whatever we’re going through, we are not alone.  Arguably, having this connection with your emotions is even more important when you’re in recovery.  Music can motivate and inspire us to push through life’s greatest difficulties so it is no wonder people turn their favorite songs when struggling.

10 Songs for Your Addiction Recovery Playlist

1. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones

Originally this song was meant to be a ballad about Keith Richards missing his baby boy, but it divulged into much more than that.  It simultaneously airs their struggles and feelings of frustration with their unwavering devotion to the girl he speaks of. 

2. “Under the Bridge” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the RHCP has been very public with his battle with heroin addiction, even writing about it in many of his songs.  Under the Bridge speaks about the isolating feelings that come with addiction and recovery. 

3. “Dancing With the Devil” by Demi Lovato

Demi made international news following her heroin overdose in 2018 and since then she has released a candid and emotional ballad about her experience.

4. “You Found Me” by The Fray

This song portrays a conversation with God in which the Fray express frustration about God’s timing in their life which is a feeling many people in recovery may face. 

5. “You Say” by Lauren Daigle

This powerful song serves as a reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, God or whatever higher power you believe in has a plan for you.

6. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty.  

This song highlights the strong hold that addiction can have on people, “Last dance with Mary Jane one more time to kill the pain.”  While this song is upbeat, it touches on how difficult it can be to break the chains of addiction.

7. “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.  

Despite the upbeat tune of this song, it is intended to make the listener think about recovery.  “We tripped on the urge to feel alive, and now I’m struggling to survive…I want something else to get me through this life.” 

8. “Amazing” by Aerosmith.  

Amazing discusses the desperation often felt when struggling with addiction and then the amazing relief that recovery can bring.  “It’s amazing with the blink of an eye, I finally saw the light..when the moment arrives you know you’ll be alright.”

9. “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran.  

Ed wrote this song about a woman he met while visiting a homeless shelter and portrays her struggles with addiction and prostitution.

10. “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes.  

She Talks to Angels talks about a woman who loses her child and her subsequent battle with addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and would like to learn about how The Source Treatment Center can help you achieve recovery, please give us a call at (800)204-0418 or visit us online at www.thesourcetreatmentcenter.com.