Is music a drug? How music listening may trigger neurochemical responses in the brain

Author:Reybrouck, Mark; Van Dyck, Edith
 
Article Title:Is music a drug? How music listening may trigger neurochemical responses in the brain

Abstract: 
In this article, we explore the idea that music listening can achieve neurological and psychological effects that are somewhat similar to those facilitated by psychoactive substances. To motivate this claim, we delve into the mechanisms behind music perception, psychoactive substance use, and their mutual relationship, relying on recent developments in psychedelic therapy and neuropsychopharmacology. Using a comparative approach, we discuss some underlying mechanisms of peak experiences and their neurochemical properties and suggest that music may be regarded as an alternative psychoactive trigger, prompting neurochemical responses in the brain, with resulting feelings of coping, (aesthetic) pleasure, and reward.

Keywords:  psychoactive drugs; neurochemistry; peak experiences; coping; pleasure; reward

DOI: 10.1177/10298649241236770
 
Source:MUSICAE SCIENTIAE

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