NEA Report: Review of 69 Studies Finds Arts-Based Approaches Can Help Counter the Opioid Crisis
A new report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), "Arts-Based Approaches to Countering the Opioid Crisis: New and Expanded Evidence," released October 22, presents growing evidence that arts-based approaches, particularly music, can help address the opioid crisis. Of the 69 unique studies examined, nearly 80 percent reported positive findings, while the remainder showed mixed or neutral results; no studies reported uniformly negative findings.
About 7.1 million Americans aged 12 and older misused opioids in 2025, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the report notes. Music interventions make up most of the current evidence — 56 of the 69 studies (81 percent) examined music-based approaches such as music therapy and music listening — with the strongest and most consistent results in pain management, including reduced pain intensity, improved physical functioning, better quality of life and improved emotional well-being. Studies also suggest arts interventions may support substance abuse treatment engagement, readiness for change and reduced craving, though that research base is less developed.
The report builds on the NEA's 2020 publication "Arts Strategies for Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Examining the Evidence," the first federal report to examine research and practice for arts-based interventions in pain management and substance misuse prevention, treatment and recovery. The new report also scans 33 programs, initiatives and policy and funding mechanisms across clinical and community settings and veteran, Indigenous, justice-involved and youth populations, and includes eight case studies.
"While our nation has made important progress in combating the opioid epidemic, opioid misuse, substance use disorders, and chronic pain continue to have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities across America," said NEA Chairman Mary Anne Carter. "We know that the arts can play a powerful role in promoting health, supporting recovery, and improving quality of life." The report encourages researchers, arts and health professionals, and drug counselors to work together to implement, evaluate and scale evidence-based arts interventions in clinics and communities.
Source: GSM · USA
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 美国国家艺术基金会主席 Mary Anne Carter 官方肖像。美国国家艺术基金会官方照片，公共领域。 / NEA Chairman Mary Anne Carter. Official National Endowment for the Arts photo, public domain.
