James Smith

Fellow’s Profile

James Smith

Fellow’s Profile

James Smith

Music therapy in addiction

Fellowship

Themes

Focus

Treating addiction by employing music in rehabilitation centres and teaching addicts an instrument

Countries

Fellowship year

2011

Locality

London

Biography

From the age of 16 to 27 my life was chaotic. I suffered from addiction, and after many hospitalisations, when all hope seemed gone, I had a profound experience. My life changed and I wanted to live. I have been in recovery for over 40 years. For the last 20 years, I have travelled to rehabilitation centres, prisons and mental health resources, telling my story alongside music.

I received my Fellowship for the topic of recovery and music in 2011 and went to North America for ten weeks. It was a fantastic learning curve and a great experience. I've always been passionate about helping people to break free from the chains of addiction.

I presented 24 radio shows on UK Health Radio, where I interviewed people who had changed their lives and are now in recovery. I asked them to choose three pieces of music that have been significant in their lives. I am retired now, but still visit institutions, using my music in a healing way.

Disclaimer

All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.

Disclaimer

All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.

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