10 Songs That Helped Me During Recovery for Alcohol Addiction
Music has been a huge influence in my life, as I’m sure it has been in your life as well. It has meant even more during my sobriety and recovery from alcohol dependence. Music has a way of consuming you and helping, or hindering, you in your life. Depending on the situations you are going through, songs can be interpreted in different ways, negative or positive. I have put together a list of my favorites that have been mainstays throughout my sobriety. I hope you can find a message in these that helps you through the good and bad days.
1. “Rise” by Katy Perry
In this “phoenix from the ashes” anthem, Katy Perry sings about standing tall and persisting with your sobriety, even in the face of adversity. This one will make you want to keep going even when it gets tough.
2. “Sober” by P!NK
The euphoric feeling of being sober is one of the best things in the world. P!NK sings about how happy she is when sober and how surprising it can be.
3. “Step By Step” by Whitney Houston
Taking each day at a time can be a challenge and sometimes we need a little encouragement along the way. Whitney Houston sings about the trials you will surely face in your path through recovery, but she goes further with giving a sound of hope.
4. “The Feel Again (Stay)” by Blue October
Heartbreaking and ethereal are the two words I would use to describe this ballad by Blue October. Seeing a loved one struggle with addiction and being a past addict can be a difficult journey to manage. This song helps people understand the trials of someone with an addiciton.
5. “Move In The Right Direction” by Gossip
This song is all about facing your troubles head on. Taking things head on is the only way to live a life of recovery. You can’t shy away from the tough stuff, or you won’t see the good stuff later.
6. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
In this anthem, Kelly Clarkson sings about facing your demons head on and using them as a tool for your future. Everything we deal with in life can make us or break us. Taking your bad past and using it to know better a second time around is very important.
7. “Afterlife” by Ingrid Michaelson
Living one day at a time is the most cliche aspects of AA, but Ingrid puts a new spin on an old phrase — living each day as its own is paramount to recovery. Thinking too far ahead will have you forget what today is about.
8. “Light” by San Holo
Although the lyrics are limited in this dance beat, it repeats a very important statement over and over again — seeing the light. Strive to see the light in the darkness instead of letting the darkness consume you.
9. “Warrior” by Hannah Kerr
A warrior stands tall and faces the battle head on. This is just like us living in recovery and facing our demon — addiction. If we don’t face it head on, we can never expect it to correct itself.
10. “Overcomer” by Mandisa
Not letting our trials defeat us is the only way we can expect to live a life in recovery. Overcoming those obstacles in our sobriety makes us stronger as we move forward fighting the good fight, our sobriety.
What do you think of this list? What songs would you share? Please share them below in the comments section. You can also check out my entire recovery playlist on Spotify. I am constantly updating it with new and meaningful songs that relate to recovery.
If you or a loved one is affected by addiction and need help, you can call SAMHSA‘s hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.