This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

Main objective

To assess the effects of music therapy, as a primary or a supportive intervention, compared to standard care, wait‐list control or no treatment, for people with substance use disorders, to reduce substance use,the severity of substance dependence/abuse, psychological symptoms, and substance craving; to enhance motivation for change/treatment; and for retention in treatment.

Secondary objective

To assess the impact of the number of music therapy sessions on study outcomes.