Using music to manage pain: A content analysis of survey responses from unhoused adults with substance use disorder

The purpose of this qualitative content-analysis was to explore how unhoused adults with substance use disorder (SUD) use music for pain management . In general terms, pain management can be pharmacological (prescription medication), non-pharmacological (therapies, including music therapy), and through self-medication (alcohol, illegal drugs, and illegal substances). Pain-relieving substances – including opioids and alcohol – stimulate reward systems in the brain, produce pleasure, and reduce pain. SUD is diagnosed when an individual continues to use substances, despite their illegality and/or negative effects to their daily life. Despite an SUD diagnosis, people with SUD, just like people without SUD, have pain management needs that require attention. Research indicates that music, in a similar way to pain-relieving substances, is also attributed to both reward system stimulation and pain reduction in the brain. To answer the research question “How do unhoused adults with substance use disorder use music to help manage pain?”, the researcher used an online open-ended survey conducted at a service program for unhoused adults. Twelve respondents, who self-identified as having SUD, participated in completing the electronic survey. Results indicated that unhoused adults with SUD actively utilize music as a pain management strategy. Respondents identified their pain, described their experiences with music, and provided evidence of how music helps with their pain. They described music as pain relief, distraction, stress relief, mood altering, validating, and rewarding. Future research is needed with this vulnerable population, and recommendations are provided.