A song can be a scent for memory: One chord, and suddenly an entire memory fills the space. This very power is utilized in music therapy – not as background music, but as a targeted tool to regulate cravings, organize emotions, and regain social connectedness. For high performers who appreciate neuroplastic tools, this is exciting: Music can recalibrate the reward system – and accelerate recovery.

Music therapy is the structured use of music in a therapeutic setting to achieve psychological and physical goals. This includes active music-making, Improvisationspontaneous, guided playing without notation, receptive listeningfocused listening to music with reflection, songwriting, or rhythm work. In the context of substance use disorders, the management of Cravingstrong, difficult-to-control desire is often central, closely linked with addiction memoryemotionally charged memories of consumption experiences. Music activates networks for memory, emotion, and motivation – exactly those areas that can trigger relapses or, when used correctly, stabilize them ^[1]. Group music therapy adds a social dynamic: synchronous music-making promotes emotional synchronyemotional resonance within the group and Shared Flowshared, deep attention state, which strengthen trust and bonding – essential against withdrawal and loneliness.

Music-based interventions can reduce cravings and increase motivation in the treatment process – a lever that improves engagement and therapy adherence ^{[1] [2]}. Reviews also report gains in emotional expressiveness, internal control (Locus of Control), and perceived usefulness of the treatment, even though results are somewhat heterogeneous ^[3]. On the social level, group improvisation shows high emotional synchrony and shared flow – effects that promote connectedness, reduce isolation, and thereby mitigate relapse triggers ^[4]. This is clinically relevant: Loneliness and social deprivation worsen addiction trajectories, increase crisis and emergency rates, and cement the cycle of withdrawal and consumption ^{[5] [6]}. In short, music therapy simultaneously addresses cravings, emotion regulation, and social resources – three axes that are crucial for stable recovery and performance.

A prospective pilot study in a residential clinic for dual diagnosis – that is, people with addiction and concurrent mental disorders – showed: Participation in a music therapy program acted as an innovative motivational aid and improved engagement in treatment. The design was naturalistic and not randomized, without a control group, but it provides practical insights into better engagement and retention rates in a severely impaired collective ^[2]. A narrative review linked craving with music-induced autobiographical memories and described overlapping neural activations in networks for emotion and memory. The role of Perineuronal Netsnet-like structures around nerve cells that regulate plasticity in addiction memory is discussed – with the hypothesis that music therapy can “re-calibrate” the emotional content of these memories, i.e., reconfigure the affective charge and thereby weaken relapse triggers ^[1]. Additionally, a systematic review summarizes 34 quantitative and six qualitative studies: Positive effects on emotion, motivation, participation, and quality of life repeatedly occur, but the evidence is heterogeneous, many studies examine single sessions, and long-term data is lacking. This suggests utility in defined goals, but also indicates the need for robust, longitudinal studies that systematically assess social and health variables ^[3].

- Plan a daily “craving session” (10–15 min.) with targeted music exposure: Choose two playlists – one that calms (slow tempo, warm timbres) and one that activates (moderate tempo, positive mood). Listen mindfully, breathe in a 4-6 rhythm, and document emerging memories in writing. Aim: Recognize triggers, emotionally “recode” them, and strengthen self-regulation ^{[1] [3]}.
- Integrate active music exercises into your detox and recovery program: 3–4 times a week, spend 15 minutes on rhythm work (body percussion, hand drum) or simple instrumental playing, ideally guided. Active music-making enhances motivation and can improve attachment to the program ^{[2] [3]}.
- Use songwriting as an emotional outlet: One verse about your current state, one about your desired self-image, a chorus as a personal message. This technique fosters expression and self-efficacy – factors that are repeatedly described as helpful in reviews ^[3].
- Join a group music therapy or a structured improvisation format (also online or with apps): The goal is shared flow and emotional synchrony, which have been shown to promote connection and cohesion – even without prior musical experience ^[4]. Plan: 1–2 sessions per week, 45–60 minutes, plus a brief follow-up discussion for reflection.
- Replace isolating routines: Instead of listening alone at home, deliberately move 2–3 listening sessions per week into social contexts (support group with music component, open drum circles, Choir-for-Wellbeing). This actively counters withdrawal – a central risk factor for crises and emergencies in addiction ^{[6] [5]}.

The next wave of research will clarify how music therapy “tunes” the addiction memory in the long term – ideally in controlled, longitudinal designs with neurobiological markers and social metrics ^{[3] [1]}. Exciting are individualized protocols that detect craving signals through biomarker-supported methods and adaptively dose music modules, as well as group formats that specifically use shared flow as a mechanism of action ^[4].