A Qualitative Inquiry on Problematic Music in the Lives of Rehabilitated Substance Abusers: From Past-to-Present

This phenomenological study explores how individuals in long-term recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) cope with problematic music (PM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 people in sustained recovery after attending treatment centers. Thematic analysis identified three distinct groups. The <i>alternative group</i> received no guidance on music consumption, experiencing three phases: recognizing and avoiding PM's, adopting alternative music genres, and currently remaining susceptible to PM while exclusively listening to alternative genres. The <i>ambivalent group</i> were told regarding PM's dangers and went through two phases: informed regarding the danger and avoiding PM, followed by developing ambivalence toward PM. The <i>tolerant group</i> participated in group music therapy, undergoing four phases: recognizing PM's danger, avoiding PM and adopting alternative genres, developing tolerance by forming new associations with PM, and maintaining this tolerance during recovery. The study highlights the importance of music therapy in addressing musical triggers and supporting sustained recovery in individuals with SUD.