Background: 

Music has been recognized as a powerful tool in addressing substance use disorders and facilitating addiction recovery. Music therapy and music-based interventions are gaining traction as complementary approaches to traditional treatment modalities, reflecting the potential of music to resonate deeply with individuals' emotional and social experiences. This study examines how the addiction and recovery processes are portrayed in the lyrics of popular songs about addiction, exploring their potential influence on both public perception and individual recovery journeys. 

Objective: 

To identify recurring themes, patterns, and emotional tones within the lyrics of popular songs purported to be about addiction and recovery. By analyzing these narratives, the study seeks to understand their messages and their implications for addiction treatment and recovery support. 

Methods: 

We compiled a list of the most commonly indicated songs about addiction and recovery, based on systematic web searches including eighty-seven relevant websites. The top song was listed on thirty sites and the 51st song was listed on six sites. 316 lower-ranking songs were excluded to ensure feasibility of analysis. Two raters conducted a lyrical analysis using a codebook inductively developed to guide the evaluation of recurring themes. Inter-rater reliability checks ensured consistency in analysis. 

Results: 

Among the identified songs, 82% referenced mental health symptoms, 80% addressed social issues, 65% alluded to a specific substance, and approximately half mentioned physical symptoms associated with use or withdrawal. Nineteen (37%) referenced recovery or reducing substance use. 

Conclusions: 

Popular music often portrays addiction through a biopsychosocial lens, highlighting commonly relatable mental health and social issues. However, a notable gap exists in the representation of recovery processes, which may limit the utility of these songs as recovery aids. These findings suggest potential areas for enhancing the role of music in addiction treatment, including increased emphasis on recovery themes in music therapy contexts.