The power of music is undeniable. Sure, it makes you feel good. But music can do so much more. It can change your mood, comfort you, or motivate, inspire, and strengthen you. If you are in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, music can help you connect to your emotions. It can help you understand you are not alone and motivate you to push through a difficult time.
Here are seven powerful songs about addiction, recovery, and sobriety that you can add to your playlist.
- “Never Too Late” by Three Days Grace
This song tells the story of a woman who was sexually abused as a child. As a young adult, her childhood trauma keeps her in a very dark place. She has given up hope. The lyrics tell how she is able to see her way out of her despair and darkness and become filled with feelings of hope. - “Eye Of The Storm” by Ryan Stevenson featuring GabeReal
A song about recovery and healing, “Eye of the Storm” sends a strong message of hope through belief in Jesus Christ. It is about someone who has experienced a lot of turmoil and pain in their life and is lost in the darkness. They find their way and find peace as they emerge into the light. After working as a paramedic for many years, Ryan Stevenson wanted to write a song that was inspiring and encouraging for people going through the storms of life. This song reminds people that no matter how bad things are, redemption is always possible. - “It’s Been Awhile” by Staind
Released in 2001, this is a powerful ballad written by band member Aaron Lewis. The song is about addiction, regret, and redemption. It describes the struggle it takes to overcome the hold of addiction. Lewis based the song on his own experiences with drugs and alcohol. The lyrics describe the feelings of loneliness and isolation people struggling with substance use disorders feel. It conveys their need for forgiveness and redemption. - “Shadow” by Macklemore featuring Iro
This song reminds us that alcoholism is something you cannot run away from. It is a cunning and ever-present enemy. The song clearly describes the relentless disease of addiction. Macklemore tells the devastating effects and feelings of shame relapse has on the individual. - “Go Easy” by Matt Maeson
Maeson brings his own experiences into the song as he describes many of the feelings of being newly sober and coming to terms with your past mistakes. When you are in early recovery and working your 12-Step program, you know things are different, but your loved ones cannot see that yet. You must show them you have changed, and that takes time. You desperately want them to give you a second chance as you silently beg them to please “go easy” on you, even though part of you thinks you do not deserve it. - “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails
The song is about using drugs to kill the pain you feel. You take drugs to kill the pain, but the drugs make life feel unreal. To remind yourself of what is real, you hurt yourself again. No matter how hard you try, you cannot kill the pain because your negative memories and thoughts keep going through your mind. You keep using more and more drugs to ease the pain until you lose everything and everyone in your life. But the song leaves the listener on a positive note with the understanding you can find a way to start again. - “John Doe” by B.o.B. featuring Priscilla
Usually, John Doe and Jane Doe are the names used when a person, either alive or deceased, cannot be identified. However, in the song, John Doe refers to losing yourself to addiction. You are no longer the person you were. Addiction changes a person, and their family members and friends no longer recognize them.
If You or a Loved One Needs Help
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that can affect anyone. If you or a loved one needs help with a substance use disorder, it is time to get the help you need. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Anabranch Recovery Center has a team of professionals to help you regain your sobriety. Contact us today and take the first step toward living a clean and sober life.