Addiction rehab for musicians

Good addiction rehabs help creative individuals to renew their creative process. It also helps them gain stability within their professional and personal lives to live an addiction-free life.

An addiction treatment is successful when it is tailored according to the individual’s unique lifestyle and circumstances.

For a musician, this tailored treatment involved teaching them how to imbibe skills that ensures their sobriety. This will help them meet the demands that come with their profession.

The fact is, music is a demanding and engaging even if it is a hobby or profession. However, if the musician becomes addicted, these activities and duties that mattered to the musician begins to fade off.

When addiction is in motion, nothing else becomes more important in their lives asides the addiction.

The worst part is, addicted musicians experience serious mental and physical health problems, withdrawals symptoms that are painful amongst others. For an addicted musician to get better and get back to the sobriety path, they need to go to a rehab.

At a rehab, comprehensive treatment is offered to help the musician’s body and mind heal, as they implement sober and healthy ways to stimulate and reset their creative process.

In addition, a number of these effective programs help to sustain their sobriety and teach them skills that helps to prevent relapse.

Usually, the first stage of addiction rehab for musicians is the counseling stage. This is why the counselor helps the musician uncover the root cause of their addiction. It is the counselor’s duty to address this and help the musician realize how it can be managed as they progress in treatment.

Depending on the peculiarity of the musician’s addiction, they might have to opt for either outpatient or inpatient rehab.

Outpatient rehab ensures the musician comes from home to receive treatment. On the other hand, inpatient rehab requires the musician to remain within the confines of the rehab.

Because of the benefits that comes with addiction rehab for musicians, it is important that the addicted ones seek treatment help before it becomes too late.

PREVENTING ADDICTION AMONG MUSICIANS

Musicians are talented individuals who sing basically for the purpose of entertaining their fans.

Prior to when a musician sings, they must have spent ample time in rehearsing their songs, so that it comes out nice. Musicians are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring they treat their fans to great songs every time.

If a musician is not meeting up to expectations, the fans begin to complain, and this is easy to understand. Fans are not patient people, and it is hard to please them. Hence, musicians need to ensure they are consistent so that they do not flop.

Musicians are humans too, and some of them get addicted albeit we are not aware of this. One of the reasons why musicians get addicted is because, they lack stage composure.

Not all musicians are bold enough to face the crowd, so they indulge in substance abuse, which supposedly gives them the courage to perform before the crowd.

In addition to this, musicians also get addicted because it gives them inspiration. For some musicians, it is difficult for them to write songs, without taking drugs or alcohol.

People who are in this shoes would have been most likely deceived by older colleagues in the music industry.

Furthermore, musicians go through lots of stress, and one of the ways they get rid of stress, is to indulge in substance abuse. With time, some of them get addicted, and they find it difficult to refrain from the usage of these substances.

Closely related to this, is the mental health problems which musicians have. Some of them are usually feel anxious and depressed, and this is because of the pressure they face from their fans.

During periods when they do not perform well, and they face a hostile response from their fans, they take these substances so that they can heal fast.

Musicians need to take their mental health seriously, as it is one of the leading causes of addiction among musicians.

When the mental health of a musician is sound, there would be no need for addiction. Musicians are advised to see counselors or mental health therapists, who would provide them with the help they need.

WHY MUSICIANS GET ADDICTED

For many years, the music industry has been a recipient of substance addiction, and it affects all aspects of the industry. The music industry is a field of success, fame, wealth and the likes, and it is the goal of every musician to achieve every single one of the positive features inherent in the music industry.

The whole world listens to all sorts of music which are presented in various styles, languages and the likes. Culture has been greatly impacted by music for a long period of time. Music goes with mankind as evolution takes place, and music has changed over the year as mankind has too.

Music is basically a pattern of art, expression and an avenue for communication. Now, many people would wonder why musicians who have achieved fame and wealth, are still hooked on substance addiction, and should look into top drug rehab centers. Substance abuse is what people do whenever they are depressed, or when they have just gone through a painful loss which is hard for them to take their mind off.

Below are some common reasons why musicians get addicted:

  1. The Environment: Many times, people abuse some substances due to their availability. The fact is, there is a high tendency for someone to abuse these substances if they are around you, rather than when they are not in sight. Sometimes, where these musicians perform, are places where these substances are usually taken. Hence, there is a high possibility that they would take them too.
  2. The desire for Wealth and Fame: Many popular musicians are equally known for the wealth which they have amassed. For those who are addicted, the wealthier they get, the more addicted they become. It could be quite expensive to continually take these substances. However, it costs the average wealthy musician nothing, as they can afford these substances at their own convenience.
  3. Peer Pressure: This is another strong factor why musicians get addicted. When their peers take these substances, and they act cool with it, it sends a message that there would equally be no effect when they take it too. A good number of young musicians have been compelled to take drugs and alcohol, and with time, they became addicted to it.

Musicians and Mental Disorders

musician mental disorderMusicians are often intriguing, popular characters who are well respected for their devotion to their craft. However, it is very common for musicians to have characteristics that they try not to let the public see: mental disorders. Mental disorders are common among all types of artists. The artistic process requires sensitivity, but sensitivity also opens doors to mental illness and chaos. Which influences which – the sensitivity or the disorder – is the chicken or the egg debate. It has simply been observed that artistry and mental disorder frequently go together. The most common mental disorders that musicians are diagnosed with are as follows.

  • Depression. This mental disorder and its relatives, such as bipolar and manic depression, are more common than any other among musicians. It may appear in a less severe form, such as a creative slump or writer’s block, or it may take hold of the musician’s life in a very severe way, affecting their ability to function on many levels. This mental disorder is very detrimental to a person’s life because it undermines all of their talent and ability with low self esteem and lack of confidence. Like any case of depression, it can become dangerous if the musician begins to have suicidal or self punishing thoughts. These cases warrant professional help and intervention.
  • Anxiety. Nervous conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks and forms of neurosis are common to musicians. In the tradition of artist’s mental problems, anxiety disorders also develop out of an artist’s sensitive nature. In these cases, an artist’s sensitivity makes them overly aware of the environment around them. They become tuned in to small details and nuances that other people do not pick up on. This increases their artistic abilities but also magnifies the negative things around them, making them anxious and neurotic.
  • Attention disorders. Also known as executive function disorders, attention problems such as attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are frequently connected to musicians. A musician’s creative brain can frequently be much more developed than their organized brain, in many cases. The brilliant musician who cannot manage the basic responsibilities of their life is a common but accurate stereotype.

Musicians, Drugs and Alcohol

musician substance abuseUsing controversial substances as an artist or musician is a highly debatable practice that warrants extreme caution. Substance use in the music community is a controversial matter. Some argue that certain substances, such as hallucinogens, can actually enhance the creative process of writing music, while others argue that using substances destroys the creative mind and makes it lackluster. It is an absolute certainty that abusing substances does physical and mental damage to everyone, including artists.

The jury is still out on the use of certain mild substances, but it is the question of moderation and dosage that creates complications. One can cautiously defend the use of certain substances to enhance the creative process. Even ancient cultures celebrated the use of substances such as peyote and cannabis to experience “visions” and enhance mental scope. The topic of permissible drug use is still under much scrutiny and debate in North America, as well as many other world regions. Some studies reveal that cetain hallucinogens, cannabinoids and opioids can actually increase memory and brain function. Many musicians and artists have sworn by certain substances to inspire their creative work.

Because musicians often have a true need to experiment and to find ways of coping with strong emotions, substance abuse seems like a remedy but proves to ultimately be a hindrance. The strongest reasons to oppose substance use in musicians is the problem of addiction and mental disorders. It is a blurred line where substance use becomes substance abuse, but it can be certain that substance abuse is very prevalent in the music community. The high functioning yet emotional brains of musicians seek ways of learning through experimentation and coping with strong emotions. Music fills this need in a healthy, permanent way, while substance abuse fills this need in a hollow, unhealthy way. Substance abuse is like an instant gratification for the brain of a musician in place of the life purpose that their brain is actually wired for. Substance abuse is unsustainable and results in addiction and mental disorders in musicians.

Why Addiction Impacts Musicians

musicians and addictionIt is not uncommon to hear stories of well-known musicians going to rehab, or talented, enigmatic musicians dying of a drug overdose. This is a sad reality of music celebrity in our culture, but what exactly is the connection between musicians and addiction or substance abuse? The answer is complicated.

The latest bio-chemical studies of addiction indicate that those who are prone to addiction do not create as much dopamine as the average person. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain that tells us when something is pleasurable. In order to achieve this enjoyable chemical, people who are prone to addiction need to go to further extremes than the average person. Often, addicts are also high functioning persons who enjoy taking risks, immersing themselves in their endeavors and approaching life with large amounts of energy; all things that satisfy them on a psychological and a biochemical level. This applies to creative people as well.

This type of personality can focus itself down a healthy, productive path if the person has good decision making skills, or it can be snared by an unhealthy path that wreaks havoc on the person’s life. Because this kind of person tends to seek out higher stimulation than others, they can be a highly effective person or a highly addictive person.

This is very often true of the mentality of a musician. Music creation is an excellent use of a high-functioning brain, and some of the best music in history has come from artists who write and perfect their craft tirelessly. This kind of productive activity is what nature intended for high functioning persons. However, addiction often gets its foot in the door when a person has psychological, environmental or emotional problems to deal with. Because many musical artists are sensitive in nature, they are commonly affected by addiction and mental illness, which is frequently an open door to addiction.

It is tragic that some of the most talented among us are some of the most affected by addiction and substance abuse, but there is hope. Many addiction treatment programs are designed specifically for musicians, and are often staffed by formerly addicted musicians who overcame their problem. If you or someone you know is an addicted musician, do not hesitate to seek the services of a top quality alcoholism treatment program or drug addiction rehab that is designed for creative individuals.

Creativity and Addiction

addiction and creativityCreative artists of every variety are unique, talented people. Noncreative people can only marvel at the creative capacity of artists and the mystique that surrounds them. However, this interpretive, impulsive personality comes with its problems as well. Artists are far more likely to experience addiction problems than most other professions. Similarly, a majority of people who check into rehab are qualified as creative types. Addicts are boundary pushers, a quality that can be used for good and for bad depending on how they choose to channel their energy.
Interestingly, addicts and high-functioning individuals have been found to have very similar brain types, and artists are no exception. Becoming successful at anything, particularly a creative craft, requires the willingness and the ability to be somewhat obsessed with the craft and the process of perfecting it. This is also true of other highly effective people, such as doctors, CEOs and attorneys. High functioning, creative people such as artists are often prone to addiction because artistry and addiction are two different methods of seeking extreme immersion into something. Artistry is an exacting vocation, one that requires immersion into something through hard work, and addiction gives a person the same feelings of immersion without the work. Addiction is a type of false fulfillment, a way of tricking the brain into thinking it is being immersed into something rewarding, where as a craft such as creativity offers the true form of freedom through immersion.
Whether or not an artist will devote themselves completely to their craft or be distracted by the allure of something addictive depends heavily on their behavioral, psychological, emotional and environmental circumstances. Any one of these influences can change the outcome of someone’s personal battle with or recovery from addiction. There is also the critical element of choice. Artists who choose a life of perfecting their craft are consistently rewarded for their efforts where as artists who get sucked into an addiction often destroy their craft. There are addiction treatment programs created specifically for artists, staffed by professionals who are trained in counseling the creative mind.

Addiction Treatment for Musicians

when musicians need addiction treatmentIt may seem strange that musicians and other artists would have addiction treatment programs developed specifically for them, but grouping people into treatment programs based on the field they work or vocation in is quite common. This tactic is useful for treating artists and musicians because they are a very specific brain type. Creative people respond to certain treatment methods and therapies better than others. Connecting people to addiction treatment programs that consider the way they think is part of what makes addiction treatment effective.

Artists and musicians are obviously very expressive people, but they can be very particular about how and to whom they express themselves. It is important for a musician who is struggling with addiction to find a program that works with their communication needs. Sharing in rehabilitation is either done through grou por individual therapy. It is important that the client receives more of whichever makes them more comfortable.musicians are qualified as highly intelligent.

Those devising a treatment plan for musicians do so remembering that they do not tend to favor linear learning, so workbook and reading exercises are geared towards the creative mind, which tends to learn peripherally. This involves selecting particular course materials that were written by experts on the addicted creative mind. This is a specific niche, but quality material does exist in it.

Musicians are emotive, sensitive, feeling people. Connecting with them on a soulful level is very important to their addiction recovery. Musicians are also qualified as highly intelligent people, as writing and performing music uses many parts of the brain. For this reason, it is critical to engage a musician at an intellectual level as well in order to inspire their recovery to its full capacity.

Lastly, and perhaps most obviously, the therapeutic methods should be largely creative. Every rehabilitation offers different forms of therapy, which may range from physical activities such as nature walks, yoga and gym time, to creative activities, such as painting, collaging and drawing. Programs that are geared towards musicians will often include time practicing with instruments and vocals.

Musicians and Addiction

addicted musiciansMusicians are a unique group of people when it comes to addiction. When you break down the average musician’s psychology, you find that they are an energetic collision between intellect and emotion. Their intellect gives them their mastery of reading and playing music, and their emotion gives them the inspiration and the need to have music in their lives. When you apply this psychology to addiction, you can see why the musician’s brain is frequently an addict’s brain also.

It is no doubt that musicians are intelligent people. Playing music has been described as the activity that uses more of the human brain at once than any other known activity. Intelligence is both a tool and a hindrance to a musician who is struggling with addiction. Obviously, exercising good intellect and logic over addiction is part of recovering from it. But when intelligent people are addicted, they sometimes experience a phenomenon of justifying their behavior through their intellect. Their perspective is so well reasoned and thought through that they have themselves convinced of their own sound judgment. Critical thinking about your own thought patterns is critical in addiction, and someone as intelligent as an avid musician certainly has the capacity to do so.

The emotions of a musician are complex indeed. Musicians are not known for having the best handle on their emotions, but they certainly do not have any shortage of them. Frequently, emotional difficulty plays a big part in why a musician becomes addicted. Musicians often have emotions that are bigger than their coping abilities due to emotional scarring, and music becomes for them a means of expressing themselves. It is often said that when emotions are too big for words, they come out in the form of music, and this is certainly true for musicians. Therefore, music and addiction both are essentially means of coping with emotion. One is a higher calling, and one is a lower calling. Conisdering this can be used in addiction treatment by remembering that a musician’s passion for music is capable of bringing them back from addiction.