Drug and alcohol addiction are complex conditions that affect your mental, physical, and social health. Long-lasting recovery from substance use disorder requires comprehensive treatment, ongoing commitment, and continuing support.
Many people in recovery from addiction can feel isolated or lonely. They may need to repair existing relationships or build a new social circle to rely on. This can be challenging, and many people struggle with loneliness in recovery.
Group therapy is a critical aspect of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Participating in a group therapy program has many benefits for people in recovery. It can give people the support they need to sustain their commitment to sobriety.
This article will explore five of the most significant benefits of participating in group therapy during addiction treatment. You will learn:
- What group therapy is
- What kinds of group therapy are available
- The goal of group therapy in addiction treatment
- Benefits of group therapy and substance abuse treatment
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to explore our holistic treatment programs. You may contact us with questions, to verify insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Group Therapy?
Many people may have an idea of group therapy from movies or popular TV shows. However, group therapy can be very different from what you see in the media.
Group therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that provides talk therapy in a group setting. The group meets with a licensed addiction counselor or mental health therapist. During sessions, members process their emotions and experiences, learn about addiction recovery, and more.
Group therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Some therapy groups rely on a structured schedule, while others offer more flexibility during sessions. In general, group counseling sessions let people connect with others, learn about addiction, and process emotions and challenges as they arise.
People may participate in support groups or group therapy at any stage of the recovery process. They may attend group therapy sessions as part of their inpatient treatment program, or they may attend support groups during outpatient or aftercare programs. People can attend group therapy alongside individual therapy or other types of substance abuse counseling.
Exploring Different Group Therapy Approaches
No two people have the exact needs during addiction recovery. There are many types of group therapy that meet various needs.
Some of the most common types of addiction treatment therapy groups include:
- Trauma-informed group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group
- Interpersonal process groups
- Skills development groups
- 12-step groups
- Psychoeducational group therapy
- Expressive group therapy, including music or art therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups
Each type of group therapy can help people process thoughts and feelings differently. During sessions, people learn coping skills, share experiences, and focus on relapse prevention.
Understanding the Goals of Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Group therapy is an essential component of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. The goals of group therapy may include:
- Learning about addiction
- Developing a sense of community
- Developing practical coping skills
- Learning ways to reduce the risk of relapse
- Processing emotions and experiences
- Developing better interpersonal skills
During group therapy sessions, mental health practitioners help people share their experiences, make connections to their peers, and process complex emotions about addiction or the future. This critical type of therapy allows people a non-judgmental space where they can explore and understand the underlying roots of their addiction.
5 Benefits of Group Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
There are many benefits to participating in group therapy during addiction treatment and recovery. Here are five of the most significant benefits of group therapy in rehab.
1. Reduced isolation
People struggling with substance abuse and addiction may become isolated. They may experience significant relationship strain or lose relationships altogether. Attending group therapy sessions can help people find a non-judgmental community of people in recovery.
2. Less guilt and shame
Many people in recovery from addiction struggle with feelings of shame, regret, and guilt. Participating in group therapy can help people accept that addiction is a disease. It can help people recognize that they are not alone. People in recovery can benefit from hearing others’ experiences and perspectives.
3. Encouragement
Addiction is a lifelong condition, and staying committed to sobriety can be incredibly difficult. People in recovery may struggle to keep motivated throughout challenges. Group therapy sessions provide a reliable source of encouragement and support.
4. Structure
Living with addiction can feel chaotic. Meaningful addiction recovery happens when people develop new habits and create routines that support sobriety. Regular group therapy sessions can help people develop a new structure to keep them on track in recovery.
5. Accountability
Many people complete treatments with a renewed sense of optimism about the future. However, over time, this optimism can fade. Participating in group therapy can help people stay focused on recovery, even when their enthusiasm begins to fade. Making connections with other group members and being accountable to them can help people remain committed to sobriety.
Find Treatment Now
If you are someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Effective treatment and support programs are available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team now to learn more about our holistic programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
