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Abstract - In this music and healing series article, I have chosen to focus on the role of music therapy in work with persons diagnosed with substance use disorder. In particular, I am focusing on its potential for adolescents and young adults; as there is growing concern in Canada that the number of young adults who use alcohol and drugs is rising. This article will provide a snapshot of background information on substance use disorder, alongside the benefits of music therapy as a treatment option with this population.
Introduction & Background
Substance Use and Youth
The occurrence of substance use disorders continues to be a large concern in the adolescent and young adult populations. For a person with a substance dependency and/or use disorder there can be negative outcomes in not only the physical domain; but also the social, financial and emotional domains. In Canada, statistics suggest that alcohol and drug use in adolescents and young adults is a rising and prevalent issue. For example: Young et al., (2011) found: "Alcohol use is almost twice as prevalent as cannabis use (46-62% of students report alcohol use and 1732% report cannabis use in the past year, depending on the province). "In 2013, youth aged 15 to 19 (23%) reported the use of at least one of six illicit drugs in the past 12 months (cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, speed), while the prevalence in young adults aged 20 to 24 was 27%" (Government Canada, 2013). Further, the highest percentage of persons with substance abuse problems are youth, ages 15-24 (Pearson, Janz & Ali, 2015).
Treating Substance Use Disorder
Both individual and group therapy that offer support and counselling are common treatments, alongside the prescription of medication for persons suffering from substance use disorders (SAMHSA, 2016). Despite a wide variety of treatment options, there are often issues with client engagement (Dingle, Gleadhill & Baker, 2008). Unfortunately, while music therapy has demonstrated benefits such as decreasing depression and increasing motivation in clients suffering from substance use disorders (Albornoz, 2011; Silverman, 2012), as well as "improving en gagement in substance abuse treatment groups" (Dingle et. al, 2008) it is not a commonly included treatment. No Canadian statistics were found on the percentage when music therapy is included and/or...
