Music helps drug addicts recover

In Brazil, about 6% of the Brazilian population is addicted to drugs, according to World Health Organization data, representing 12 million people. Chemical dependence, according to the World Health Organization, is described as a multifactorial disease that includes a group of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated use of a particular substance.

Music has been used as one of the tools that has helped treat chemical dependence because of the many benefits it provides, such as relaxation, reducing anxiety, improving the ability to communicate and express, in addition to encouraging healthy behaviors. “We use this tool as an aid, because since drug addiction is a multifactorial disease, it requires multidisciplinary monitoring. Music takes the focus away from drug use and helps with the ability to concentrate,” explains Monica Azevedo, Director of the Voo de Liberdade Medical Clinic.

For Para musician José Luis Maniche, who teaches music lessons at Clínica Médica Voo de Liberdade, music contributes to rescue, detoxification, rehabilitation and prevention of relapses, as well as the social reintegration of drug addicts. “It ends up raising self-esteem, as music awakens dormant talents, and is able to develop and recognize musical potential. It also helps to relax and adjust different levels, such as perception, attention, concentration, etc.

Resilience

Music helped student João Pedro Moura overcome drugs. “I underwent treatment at Voo de Liberdade against addiction to chemicals and alcohol, and there, through Professor Manishi’s lessons, I developed musical skills and strengthened companionship, which contributed to a better behavior change,” says João.

During treatment, João met the two young men Marcelo and Gabriel, and together they formed the band Pai D’égua in 2022. “One of the goals has always been to carry the message of renewal and the search for quality of life without the use of alcohol and other drugs, in the positive and healthy spirit of chemical addiction treatment centers, And psychiatric hospitals, schools, and in places that include different religious and charitable segments, using music as a transformative factor, to motivate and overcome life, overcome difficulties, stimulate artistic and creative expression and act as therapy and entertainment to alleviate and combat symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental and social health problems.” .

Over the years, other recovery companions also joined the musical project and began meeting to rehearse, compose and develop groups of different musical styles such as Carimbó, Rock, MPB, Bossa Nova, Música Junina and others. “Members have volunteered to play at some Voo de Liberdade events and meetings. We have already performed at regional events, as well as at national level, bringing a bit of our culture from Pará,” concludes João.

Freedom Journey

Voo de Liberdade Medical Clinic offers specialized treatment aimed at treating chemical dependency and other psychological illnesses for both children and adults. Today the clinic offers three service units: Resocialization and Outpatient Unit Voo de Liberdade (Avenida José Bonifácio, 307, between Domingos Marreiros and Antônio Baena, in the Fátima neighborhood), Inpatient Unit – Chemical Dependence Voo de Liberdade (Rua Ó de Almeida , 545, between President Vargas and Fray Gil, Campina) and the Emergency Psychiatric Clinic for Children, Youth and Adults (Travesa Presidente Pernambuco, 378 and 388, Batista Campos). In addition to the presence of a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, nurses and nutritionists.