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Euphoria and Music
A Conduit to Bliss or a Drug?
Mo-Zed Dupree
June 17, 2025
Ever hear a piece of music and feel the hair standing up on the back of your neck or along your arms? How about a song that brings about a strong feeling of intense happiness or excitement that is almost uncontainable? Euphoria is a state of mind that can be brought about by music causing intense emotions that evoke almost a drug-like effect on a person. So, with that said, can music be used like a drug? Can it be used as a conduit inducing euphoria or manipulating psychological and physiological states in the human body and mind, or the soul? It is an interesting phenomenon and one that we will be taking a bit of a deeper look into as we delve into this post.
The Science Behind Euphoria
I don’t know much about the science, but when it comes to feelin’ good, we can all rely on our “D.E.S” friends. I’m talking about those neurotransmitters folks we all have, that at one time or another, get fired up either naturally or artificially, and make you feel good! Yes! Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These are the brain chemicals that are produced and are responsible for creating those feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being. Like an after-glow, music can produce a multitude of resonates that can alter a person's emotions, thereby releasing those neurotransmitters, which in turn, create that euphoric experience we all come to know as a natural high.
Drugs, Drugs, Drugs, Music as a Drug
As Huey Lewis once sang, ‘I need a new drug!” How about music as a drug? Think about it. Music has side effects, like certain drugs and substances like opioids and other stimulants that trigger the release of those pleasure-inducing juicy chemicals produced in the brain. Music can also in a similar fashion activate the brain's reward system which can be interpreted as addictive and intoxicating; hence some people will state their addicted to ‘that song!”, or “That joint is my favorite”.
The Psychological Effects
Music has powerful psychological effects that can elevate mood, enhance emotional well-being, and will also help reduce stress levels. With these benefits, listening to the music that one loves can amp up the euphoric feelings instilling a sense of belonging and connection. You can witness these effects in ‘effect’ in public in various social settings like clubs or concerts where as a collective the emotional state is elevated through a musical experience.
High cortisol levels are known for a lot of negative impacts within the body as well as causing much weight gain.
Going beyond the psychological side of things, music also has powerful physiological effects within the body that are also beneficial. Along with reducing stress and anxiety, it can also lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels are known for a lot of negative impacts within the body as well as causing much weight gain. Better get your dancing shoes ready! Especially with the fast-paced, hard rockin’, upbeat music. All of which can increase your heart rate and get a load of adrenaline hormones pumpin’ to higher levels. Contrariwise, music that is slow and soothing has the power to promote calmness and a state of relaxation, all of which will contribute to a state of complete euphoria.
Music as Therapy
Like drug therapy, music therapy is powerful in improving mental health and well-being. Many therapists have used music as a therapy for pain management, stress reduction, and improving mood for their patients. Music as a therapeutic modality shows its potential as a great tool in helping individuals reach a level of euphoria while enhancing their overall quality of life.
In a Nutshell
It is a great testament to music that as a therapeutic tool has profound benefits for its use and impact on the human mind, body, and soul. From its ability to release pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters, making emotional connections, to being a powerful conduit for inducing a state of bliss. If we understand how music can impact our lives for the positive and harness its power, we can all use music to enhance, enrich, and achieve many great moments in well-being and attain great levels, of just pure euphoria!
Did You Know?
In August 1983, Peter Stewart of Birmingham, UK set a world record by disco dancing for 408 hours.
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Take The R ’n R Music Quiz!
Answers will be revealed in the next issue of Rhythm ‘n Role. Good luck!
1. Who is the drummer for the band Blink-182?
A) Lars Ulrich B) Dave Grohl C) Phil Collins D) Stewart Copeland E) Travis Barker
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A) Chad Smith B) Dave Grohl C) Phil Collins D) Stewart Copeland E) Travis Barker
3. Who is the drummer for the band Foo Fighters?
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A) Don Henley B) Dave Grohl C) Phil Collins D) Stewart Copeland E) Travis Barker
5. Who is the drummer for the band The Red Hot Chili Peppers?
A) Chad Smith B) Dave Grohl C) Phil Collins D) Stewart Copeland E) Travis Barker
Answers to last R ’n R issues Music Quiz: 1a, 2b, 3c, 4b, 5b
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