Drumming therapy
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This Page was last reviewed and changed on August 8th, 2023
Rehab can be a difficult, emotional process which can really take its toll on a person – physically, mentally, and emotionally. To help with this, there are a number of addiction therapies which can be used to complement the main treatment programme. Drumming therapy is a type of music therapy which uses drums and other percussion instruments to help people in treatment release their emotions, reduce stress, and boost their mood.
What forms does drumming therapy come in?
Drumming therapy can be delivered in a number of different ways. It can be done individually or in a group setting and it can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a wider programme:
What are the benefits of drumming therapy?
Here are just a few ways in which drumming therapy can help during the stage of early recovery:
- Improves psychological wellbeing
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Alleviates physical and psychological tensions through self-expression
- Helps manage chronic pain
- Provides a release for negative feelings and emotional trauma
- Decreases impulsive behaviours
- Boosts the immune system
- Allows you to learn new social skills
- Increases self-esteem and confidence
All of these are incredibly important during addiction treatment because they help to make the process more bearable, and they also equip you with the tools you need to stay sober in the long term.
How does drumming therapy help recovery?
Integrating drumming therapy into rehabilitation treatment programmes has proven to be a fantastic way for people to engage and feel connected to the other people in rehab. Group drum therapy also provides the opportunity for you to let off steam in a positive and creative way.
Drum therapy helps reduce impulsiveness as you need to persist in the activity despite the level of difficulty or delay in achieving immediate success. This helps you to build confidence and challenges preconceived assumptions that you are not capable of getting through difficult things (such as completing rehab). In turn, your self-esteem is boosted as you overcome negative self-beliefs giving you the strength to complete your treatment.
During drumming therapy, you may begin by believing that “drumming is not for me” or “I won’t be able to do it.” After the sessions, you will think differently with increased self-belief in your ability to achieve your recovery goals.
As Victor Hugo said;
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
How does drumming therapy complement other addiction treatments?
Drumming therapy is often used as an adjunct to other types of treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and individual counselling and it is a great way to add some fun and creativity into what can be a very daunting process. It also encourages people who feel shy or uncomfortable talking about their feelings to express themselves in a different way.
One of the main aims of drumming therapy is to help you feel more connected to yourself and those around you. In rehab, this is important as it can help create a sense of community and belonging, which are both essential for recovery. It also helps to promote communication and trust, which are key components of any successful treatment programme.
How can drumming therapy help after rehab?
Drumming therapy is a great way to support your recovery after treatment and to help you stay on track in the long term. Leaving an addiction treatment centre can be a very difficult transition. While you are in rehab, you are in an immersive and protected recovery environment, but when you leave, you will be exposed to triggers and temptations that can be difficult to resist.
This is where drumming therapy can help. The skills and confidence you gain during treatment will stay with you after you leave, and you will be able to use them in your daily life to manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, and stay connected to your recovery community. If you are experiencing particularly strong cravings or you are going through a difficult moment, you can start drumming to help you get through it.
