A randomized study of lyric analysis on recognition, taking steps, and commitment to sobriety in adults on a detoxification unit

ABSTRACT

Background: Motivation represents a core concept in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment while commitment constitutes a compelling construct lacking empirical investigation. Although music therapy can positively impact motivation in people with SUD, randomized research measuring the effects of specific interventions on commitment is warranted.

Purpose: The purpose of this cluster-randomized effectiveness study was to determine the effects of a single lyric analysis (LA) session on recognition, taking steps, and commitment to sobriety in adults with SUD on a detoxification unit.

Method: Adults with SUD hospitalized on a detoxification unit (N = 128) were randomly assigned by cluster to one of two single-session conditions: LA or control.

Results: Although there was no significant between-group difference in recognition or taking steps, LA participants had slightly higher mean scores on these measures than control participants. There was a significant between-group difference in commitment to sobriety (p = .046), with LA participants having higher commitment to sobriety than control participants.

Conclusions: Despite the temporal limitations of single-session therapy typical of detoxification units, LA may represent an engaging and effective intervention to address motivation and commitment in adults with SUD. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance use disorder
• addiction
• detoxification
• music therapy
• motivation
• commitment
• randomized
• lyric analysis

Disclosure statement

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Notes

1. While the author acknowledges the scientific limitations associated with the dual role of researcher and clinican, this decision was made due to the importance of establishing alliance within a single-session study. As people on the unit were undergoing detoxification and often experiencing withdrawal symptoms, introducing other study personnel for consent, data collection, and the intervention would likely negatively impact trust, the therapeutic relationship, and the ensuing therapeutic outcome.

2. Board-Certification (MT-BC) is the professional credential of music therapists in the United States.

Additional information

Funding

There was no funding associated with this project.