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The Healing Power of Music: 10 Songs That Reference Sobriety and Recovery

People tend to acknowledge the importance of exercise and nutrients during recovery to help the brain balance itself. However, many people don’t realize that music therapy is also an excellent tool during recovery. Meanwhile, detox and post-acute withdrawals can also lead to intense anxiety and depression as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA receptors re-adjust to a life without mind-altering substances. The lyrics read “There’s nothing but empty there inside that glass, so you pour a little more. And there’s no one there to judge you, at least that’s what you tell yourself. By reminding listeners to focus on the present moment, “One Day at a Time” provides reassurance and encouragement to stay committed to their recovery goals.

“I Can’t Stay Away” by The Veronicas

Its reception has been mostly positive, though some critics have questioned its glorification of drug use. Fans hailed the song’s musicianship, lyrics, and overall production, while critics praised it as a masterpiece of heavy metal music. “Master of Puppets” is a legendary song by the American heavy metal band, Metallica. Released in 1986, it remains one of their most popular and recognizable songs to date. Life Wasted” by Pearl Jam is a rock song that was released in 2006 as part of their self-titled album.

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Later, he asks for someone to save him because he needs help to overcome this addiction. Metallica uses “Master of Puppets” to express the drug’s hold over their lives. The “master” is the drug personified in the song, and the puppets are those who are suffering from addiction. Therefore, pain without the drug is almost as excruciating as the pain from using the drug. Potential can mean different things for different people and in any area of their life. “Rx” is a song where the user knows he is in a full-blown addiction but doesn’t care.

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On the other hand, some people may think a song glorifies substance use but on closer examination of the lyrics, it talks about the horrors and despair of struggling with addiction. When someone is in the grip of addiction, a certain song can strike all the right chords and help put things into perspective. The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” was one of the hottest songs of the summer in 2015 with its catchy lyrics and intoxicating beats. Many people believed that it’s a love song, but the song is actually about cocaine. The song appears to be using the idea of drug dependency and comparing it to being in a bad relationship. The song “Bad” was listed on U2’s The Unforgettable Fire album from 1984, and the song became a staple of their live set performances.

  • It’s important to remember why people start, but also how it can take something different to lead them back out again.
  • This is a heartbreaking song about a morphine addict who may have overdosed.
  • The Beatles were deep into their experimental period — personally and professionally — when Paul McCartney penned “Got to Get You Into My Life” for the group’s most adventurous album at that point.
  • This song describes how people may be teased for choosing to remain sober.

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songs about drug addiction

He proposed the song for the album, but it was turned down, so it became Lennon’s second solo single (following “Give Peace a Chance” a few months earlier) instead. Eric Clapton guests, adding stinging guitar stabs to an already primal vocal performance from Lennon. Jackson Browne’s life-on-the-road live album, no doubt, was inspired and fueled by various substances to fight long nights and boredom. Written by South Carolina bluesman Reverend Gary Davis, with additional lyrics by Browne and Glenn Frey, “Cocaine” sounds more laid back than expected within the context, given the drug’s reputation.

Sober by Tool

  • Then, there’s the other side of you that truly does want to break the chains of addiction and find a new way to live.
  • The song outlines various types of drug use, including Scott using marijuana as the cure to whatever negative feelings he may be having and taking pills as a way of life in the hills of Los Angeles.
  • The song’s success was not just limited to the charts, as it received critical acclaim and has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability.
  • Music can evoke strong emotions, and for those who suffer from substance abuse, songs about addiction can give them experience, strength, and hope.

When a toxic person is present, they can light all those fires inside and challenge sobriety. Taking Clarkson’s advice and breaking the habit of addiction to a toxic person can help reduce stress and help support a sober life. Macklemore sings Starting Over from personal experience; he has been open about his use of alcohol, OxyContin, and marijuana. The song shares his viewpoints and experiences during relapse and recovery. It provides those who drug addiction have relapsed with fresh hope and explains that it’s never too late in life to start again.

The song was one of Cash’s signature songs and was often performed live. One of the newest songs about addiction, Strung Out Johnny takes a look at how easy it is for drug use to spiral out of control. One moment you’re with a friend, and the next you’re taking drugs whenever and wherever you have the opportunity. Originally written for a female vocalist, many people misinterpreted this song as being about masturbation (which can be its own type of addiction). However, founding member Gordon Gano eventually set the record straight, detailing that it was about the feelings that come from drug abuse. It’s an interesting choice as the finale for a storied singer’s life, and it’s nearly impossible to avoid feeling uncomfortable when faced with the harsh, inevitable end of addiction.

Lovato’s honest vulnerability resonates deeply with those who understand the challenges of recovery and the need for continued support and understanding. Written by one who experienced the downward spiral of addiction first hand, the lyrics of this song by Jamey Johnson speak of the numbing cycle that many addicts find themselves in. Only through rehab, prison, and hard inner soul searching did Jonson get clean and this is the exact same struggle millions are going through right now in our country as they face drug addiction. In my opinion, “Hurt” by Johnny Cash is the ultimate song about addiction.

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