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

Listening to music can produce neurological and psychological effects resembling those of psychoactive substances. Drawing on recent work in psychedelic therapy and neuropsychopharmacology, the authors compare the mechanisms underlying peak experiences from music and drugs. They suggest that music acts as an alternative psychoactive trigger, prompting neurochemical responses in the brain that lead to feelings of coping, aesthetic pleasure, and reward.

Study at a glance

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.