Group Therapy for Substance Abuse
Group therapy sessions see one or more psychotherapists work with several people simultaneously. These sessions are available at many locations, such as mental health clinics, private therapeutic practices, hospitals, and community centers. There are several different categorizations of group therapy depending on the specific conditions targeted for treatment as well as the clinical method used during the sessions.
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Group therapy aims to provide encouragement, support, accountability, and structure, to individuals undergoing recovery. These sessions can help quell feelings of isolation and shame which are dominant among people battling addiction. Group therapy is normally used in conjunction with other forms of addiction treatment, such as individual therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
When combined with individual therapy, the format in which group therapy topics are covered can work well for many people. Talk therapy treatment in a group setting may increase your chances of healing and feeling better much quicker. More than 50 clinical trials and several decades of research have shown that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy in effecting full recovery and preventing relapses.
How Does Group Therapy Differ From Individual Therapy?
Below are the main differences between group therapy and individual therapy.
- Focus. Individual therapy focuses on your issues, while group therapy focuses on the group’s dynamics and interactions as a whole.
- Cost. Group therapy is frequently more cost-effective than individual therapy, as it allows the cost of therapy to spread out among all the group members.
- Social Support. Group therapy provides social support and a sense of community, while individual therapy is more private and confidential.
- Perspectives. Group therapy provides an opportunity to hear different perspectives and ideas from other group members, while individual therapy is more focused on the person’s singular perspective.
- Accountability. Group therapy can provide a level of accountability and insight that is not always available in individual therapy sessions.
What Can I Expect From Group Therapy Sessions?
Group therapy sessions are often incorporated into substance abuse treatment programs.
These programs can be held either virtually or in person, depending on the type and personal needs of each person.
Group therapy sessions tend to average between five and ten participants who normally meet at least once daily for 60 to 90 minutes. Different types of group therapy sessions can be:
1. Cognitive behavioral groups (CBT)
2. Interpersonal groups
3. Psychoeducational groups
4. Skills development groups
5. Support groups
6. Psychodrama
What Are The Advantages Of Group Counseling?
Sense of Belonging
Cost-Effective
Diverse Perspectives
Social Support
Accountability
What Can I Expect From Group Therapy Sessions?
Group counseling has historically been an effective treatment option for people with co-occurring drug addiction and mental health disorders. Various ways that group counseling can help address co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders are:
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Peer Support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Relapse Prevention
What Types Of Topics Are Discussed In Group Counseling?
- Addiction and Recovery. People in group sessions can discuss their journeys, triumphs, and setbacks during their recovery process. This can help others gain motivation and learn new coping methods to deal with triggers and cravings.
- Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that often cause the people suffering from them to feel ostracized and isolated. Group sessions provide a setting where these disorders can be openly and safely discussed and dealt with.
- Grief and Loss. Group sessions allow people who have suffered grief and loss to share their experiences and encourage others as they pass through the stages of grief.
- Relationship Issues. People struggling with relationship problems, a very serious problem where addiction is involved, can learn better coping and communication skills and learn how to begin healing rifts.
- Stress Management. People who suffer from high cortisol levels and lack the skills to cope with stress can (through group sessions) learn healthier ways of dealing with stressful situations and more effective problem-solving.
Who Should Not Try Group Therapy?
Group therapy calls for all members to share the spotlight with other people. Certain mental health disorders require more focused attention from therapists, and some people may use group therapy sessions as a means of hiding their issues.
How Can You Join a Group?
Group therapy is an essential part of addiction treatment. Anyone struggling with addiction will benefit from the compassionate support we provide, as well as find opportunities to learn and grow from others’ experiences. You will find all the accountability and encouragement you require which will enable you to achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about group therapy for addiction, schedule a tour of our facility, or ask any questions you may have.