21 Powerful Songs About Sobriety

Music About Sobriety and Reaching for Recovery

Those struggling with substance use disorders and battling to overcome addiction often find songs about addiction a source of recovery inspiration. Songs about sobriety help them gain insights into their substance abuse and makes them feel they’re not alone. Besides that, many let the music explain their drug and alcohol addiction to concerned loved ones or friends who can’t understand why they’re not sober anymore.

Icarus New Mexico offers addiction recovery that’s both holistic and evidence-based, including music therapy. We know that music can have a dual purpose. It helps someone hitting rock bottom understand that they need help; later, it motivates them to continue the recovery journey.

We invite you to read about songs that encourage the recovery process. As you read, consider which song describes your own struggles.

1) Sober by Pink

Pink has openly discussed her past drug and alcohol abuse. Although she currently leads a healthy, substance-free life, her song discusses both ending substance use and the clarity that comes when reaching sobriety. The lyrics and her voice are both raw and honest, making it a popular choice on any recovery playlist.

2) Sober by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato’s lyrics open up about recovery from eating disorders, active addiction, a public relapse, and ongoing battles with staying sober. The song captures vulnerability and describes the emotional toll that drug addiction takes on a person. It resonates with many in recovery because it clearly explains the challenges.

3) Twist in my Sobriety by Tanita Tikaram

This song refers to the themes of self-discovery and resilience that are necessary when breaking the habit of using illegal drugs. The melody is haunting and poignant, encouraging reflection and challenging the listeners to consider their true selves. Like so many songs on this recovery playlist, Twist in my Sobriety is excellent for early recovery.

4) Rehab by Amy Winehouse

Winehouse sang this anthem of resistance to addiction treatment for her ongoing struggles with binge drinking and drug use. It strikes a chord for many in the first stages of addiction when they feel invincible, and the first instinct is to refuse to enter recovery. Winehouse’s death from alcohol poisoning is a powerful reminder that life is a perfect circle, and anyone can die too young.

5) Not an Addict by K’s Choice

Whether using marijuana or a more highly addictive ‘hard’ drug like cocaine, those impacted by addiction don’t want to be known only for their substance abuse or being the person who got busted with a couple grams of weed.

Not an Addict explores the internal conflict and denial that many go through, especially when reconciling their values and beliefs against their drug and alcohol abuse. Self-awareness and acceptance are crucial, especially in the first three months of recovery – and this song drives that point home clearly.

6) Starting Over by Ryan Lewis & Macklemore

Macklemore sings Starting Over from personal experience; he has been open about his use of alcohol, OxyContin, and marijuana. The song shares his viewpoints and experiences during relapse and recovery. It provides those who have relapsed with fresh hope and explains that it’s never too late in life to start again.

7) Addicted by Kelly Clarkson

Although American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson is not an addict, her song uses addiction as a metaphor for toxic relationships. While it does not speak directly to alcoholism or drug use, toxic people can be a significant trigger to sobriety.

When a toxic person is present, they can light all those fires inside and challenge sobriety. Taking Clarkson’s advice and breaking the habit of addiction to a toxic person can help reduce stress and help support a sober life.

8) Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis reflects on the loneliness of addiction. The lyrics of this song offer an inside look at the emotional isolation he often felt while dealing with heroin addiction. It’s worth noting that Kiedis further opened up about his life and addiction further in his autobiography, Scar Tissue.

9) Recover by Natasha Bedingfield

Bedingfield’s song is a promise that life will be good sober. It celebrates the new possibilities that can be discovered in recovery and provides a source of motivation and strength. When you want an uplifting song about beating addiction and healing, this song makes a great addition to the playlist.

10) Otherside by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Otherside is another Macklemore-Lewis song that shares the details of the singer’s battle with drug and alcohol addiction. It offers an incredibly candid look at the work it takes to overcome drug abuse. The underlying message of the lyrics is that there is hope on the other side of addiction treatment.

11) Not Afraid by Eminem

Eminem entered the music industry at just 14 years old. His first appearances were in local Detroit rap battles. Having grown up with a mother with severe drug addiction, the talented teen had few options in life. He chose rapping over becoming a drug dealer.

Not Afraid is Eminem’s declaration of victory over drug use. It’s a motivational anthem sure to inspire anyone overcoming substance abuse.

12) Recover by James Arthur

Some songs about addiction hit an incredibly emotional chord – Recover is one of them. Arthur sings about the emotional and physical challenges faced during drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the resilience needed. Arthur delivers the lyrics soulfully and authentically, providing hope for healing despite feeling deep pain.

13) The A Team by Ed Sheeran

Sheeran tells a story about a young woman who is struggling with addiction. This song shows the harsh reality of stigma and demonstrates the need for more compassion and support. The lyrics explain how it feels to be trapped by addiction and ask for empathy for those who are in the addiction recovery process.

14) Invincible by Kelly Clarkson

Like the other Clarkson song on our playlist, this one is an empowering anthem. This time, Clarkson uses her powerful vocals to belt out a message about overcoming obstacles and finding strength and courage from within. It’s a more-than-alright song for any mental health challenges.

15) The More I Drink by Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton has never admitted to a drinking problem, but he does admit to drinks spilled due to overconsumption many times during his life. He admits to ongoing struggles to quit drinking altogether, and it is a work in progress. This song illustrates the cycle of giving into the temptation to drink, followed by the desire for a better life. The Shelton song explains clearly what most people who have an alcohol addiction already know – that recovery doesn’t always follow a linear path.

16) That’s Why I’m Here by Kenny Chesney

Another country crooner on the list is Kenny Chesney. That’s Why I’m Here tells the story of a person going to a recovery group and admitting to a destructive habit and losing control, although the lyrics don’t make clear whether he’s there for drugs or alcohol abuse. The song is heartfelt and encourages self-reflection. It helps destigmatize seeking help and normalizes getting help to break a habit.

17) Dream On by Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)

Steven Tyler has openly discussed the rock and roll lifestyle of drinking, womanizing, and drugs. Dream On is not a song about substance abuse. But Dream On does remind us about perseverance and the value of holding onto dreams. It encourages you to keep pushing forward and never lose sight of your goals.

18) How Could You Leave Us by NF

Drug addiction doesn’t harm only those struggling. NF lost his mother to her drug addiction, and he speaks to the emotional impact of the emotions of his loss in this song. The lyrics are raw, vulnerable, and share his heartbreak. The song creates a sense of empathy for those lost to addiction and their loved ones, perhaps creating a touch of urgency for addressing addiction as a society.

19) Crawling by Linkin Park

Singer Chester Bennington sings about the torment and desperation he often felt while battling addiction, especially his heroin abuse. The song describes how overwhelming and lonely addiction can feel. It’s especially heartbreaking when considering the long struggle Bennington personally faced. Crawling was released in 2000, and Bennington continued to suffer to stay sober until his suicide in 2017.

20) Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Rachel Platten’s Fight Song is an empowering anthem that promotes the need to believe in ourselves and seek inner strength. While it does not address drug or alcohol addiction, it powerfully reminds those in recovery that they are ready and capable of getting clean and sober. The upbeat melody challenges us to stand up and fight for our well-being.

21) Breaking the Habit – Linkin Park

Linkin Park sings another poignant song about the turmoil and inner pain that comes with addiction. The energetic music and passionate, honest vocals of Breaking the Habit Tonight make it a great addiction to a drug or alcohol recovery playlist.

Creating Your Good Mental Health Playlist

Now that you have read some of our favorite recovery song choices, it’s time to create your own playlist to support your emotional well-being. Here are some tips to get started:

Identify Your Needs

Start by reflecting on your emotions and considering what you hope your playlist will address. Do you want to calm your anxiety, uplift your mood, or quietly reflect on your future?

Once you have set the primary goal, you will better know what songs to select.

It’s also worth mentioning that recovery is full of ups and downs. It’s okay to have several playlists to suit varying daily needs. For example, you can have a stress relief playlist with slow jams or an exercise playlist for working on your physical fitness goals.

Select the Genres You Love

Based on the needs identified, consider the genres that will support them. For instance, classical pieces might be appropriate for focus or clarity. However, those looking for energy might consider pop, rockabilly, or classic rock anthems.

Include some of your all-time personal favorites. But don’t be afraid to try a new genre of music. You are a work in progress, and recovery is the perfect time to explore new things – even broadening your musical horizons.

Focus on Positive Lyrics

Recovery is a time for a fresh start, and your choice of tunes should reflect that positivity. Select songs with uplifting lyrics that promote self-love, resilience, and growth.

Include selections that address mental health struggles, finding courage and personal strength, and other relevant topics that support recovery from drug or alcohol abuse.

Test and Adjust Your Playlist as You Make Progress

Try out your playlist in different settings, such as at the end of a stressful day or after therapy. See how it impacts your mood.

Be flexible and stay open to removing or adding songs based on your emotional responses. Your playlist will evolve—just like you!

How Music Helps Overcome Substance Abuse

Besides encouraging our clients to make recovery music playlists, Icarus also uses art therapy and music therapy, a pair of proven recovery tools and approaches. Here are a few reasons why music is so important in addiction recovery:

Music and Emotional Release

Music helps clients express their emotions, which is important when dealing with any uncertainty in the early days of addiction recovery. Using music as a coping tool for managing emotions can reduce the desire to turn to drug or alcohol abuse.

Dopamine Release Increases Mood and Motivation

Listening to a favorite song can mean a dopamine release from the brain. The boost of feel-good chemicals can help you have a brighter outlook and improve your mood. When you feel better, you are far likelier to stay motivated.

Better Cognition and Memory

Research suggests music improves cognitive functions, including supporting better memory and focus. Being more focused and present during recovery can help you stay engaged in treatment. You may also find that music helps the brain as it resets from addiction back to its default settings.

Connect with Icarus NM for Help with Drug and Alcohol Abuse

If you are ready to end your struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, Icarus New Mexico is ready to help. We are here to offer you effective, long-lasting addiction treatment.

Call us today to learn about how our customized Joint Commission accredited alcohol and drug treatment programs can offer the support you need.

All calls are confidential, so please reach out today if you (or a loved one) needs effective support to achieve clean and sober success!