A qualitative inquiry into music consumption at drug treatment centers with and without music therapy sessions – challenges, dangers, and successes

At treatment centers providing music therapy, participants completed a four-stage process in which they developed tolerance to problematic music. At treatment centers not providing music therapy, participants failed to develop tolerance and some relapsed. The ability to develop tolerance to musical triggers seems crucial for rehabilitation, as music is fundamental for human life and cannot be completely avoided outside treatment. The current study calls policy makers in the field of treating clients with SUD to incorporate music therapy in treatment programs.