Treatments of Substance Disorders

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In 2012, an estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older were labeled as current illicit drug users, and a little more than half of Americans aged 12 or older were reported being current drinkers of alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). That same year “an estimated 22.2 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year based on criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV)” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). There are many effective ways to treat an individual with substance abuse and substance dependency. This paper is going to define substance-related disorders, describe different methods of treatment, and discuss possible music activities and interventions that would benefit those struggling with addiction.
According to the DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR, substance related disorders are categorized by substance abuse and substance dependence. “Substance abuse involves persistent use of a substance, which leads to problems in the user’s life, though discontinuing the use does not result in physical withdrawal symptoms” (Ghetti, 2004, p. 84-85). Substance dependency is a maladaptive pattern of substance use that develops a tolerance to the substance, causing problems and significant distress over a 12-month period with users often experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate, agitation, nausea, abnormal blood pressure, hallucinations, disordered mood, or poor social interaction, when the substance is decreased or stopped (Davis, Gfeller, Thaut, 2008, p. 221-222). It is labeled as a substance abuse disorder when the behavior continues in despite of the co...

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...dividual needs of the client/patient.
In conclusion, substance abuse is a serious issue that affects more than 22 million American in the United States. Cognitive-behavioral music therapy is a treatment that uses music in order to gain insight into the client/patient and help them replace irrational thinking with healthy thinking. Different types of music activities that music therapists use in treatment for substance abuse help clients/patients improve coping skills, self-esteem, self-awareness, explore inner emotions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve socialization skills that are extremely useful tools for a person in recovery. There are many different techniques that can be used to help an individual with substance-related disorders; however, the effectiveness of the musical activity is directly correlated to the needs of the client/patient being treated.

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