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Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Written by: Goeffrey Andaria, Mental Health Writer

Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC

Group therapy in a supportive environment is important for successfully treating alcoholism and drug addiction. Complementing it with other treatments like individual therapy, evidence-based treatments, and holistic treatments has proven effective for long-term recovery. We'll go through what group therapy is for substance abuse treatment and the advantages of engaging in it.

How does group therapy work?

Group therapy has its characteristics

Are 12-step groups considered group therapy?

Benefits of group therapy addiction treatment

Group therapy at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

How Does Group Therapy Work?

In group therapy, a certified counselor leads the session. While group therapy bears a resemblance to family therapy, it differs in the sense that the participants are not family members. Usually, an individual will encounter the other group participants solely during therapy sessions.

Group Therapy Has Its Characteristics

Group therapy helps individuals benefit from interacting with others along with the therapist's input and involvement. You might question if the therapist comprehends your situation and if they have experienced your circumstances. In group therapy for substance or alcohol issues, there's a single aspect you need to disclose to others. This aspect is your personal experience with a substance use disorder.

VARIOUS MODELS OF GROUP THERAPY:

If you wish to participate in group therapy, you can choose from several models, which include:

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUPS:

This model aims to educate the group on drug misuse, mental health, and other drug addiction-related behaviors. This group therapy may mimic a class in a school regarding appearance. Lectures and films are some examples that can be used to offer treatment materials.

GROUP THERAPY FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

These groups focus on developing skills that may aid the participant's ability to refrain from drug usage. In the sessions, people talk about money, being a better parent, managing anger, talking to others, and stopping drug use.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT):

CBT is a popular group therapy method. It focuses on the learning and reinforcement of harmful behaviors over time. It also addresses what behaviors are considered harmful. To change these behaviors, the individual must make an effort to change the feelings, ideas, and behaviors contributing to drug misuse and dependency.

GROUPS OF SUPPORT:

Support groups do precisely what their name suggests. Support comes from the group's leader and the members supporting one another.

INTERPERSONAL PROCESS GROUPS:

Psychodynamics is used in interpersonal group therapy to assist recovery among the group participants. Psychodynamics is the psychological functioning of people.

The group therapist will monitor the participants' feelings and will also monitor how the members interact with each other. Additionally, the leader will monitor how the group is performing.

Medically Reviewed:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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Are 12-Step Groups Considered Group Therapy?

Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous use a 12-step model approach. However, they are not technically considered group therapy. Self-help groups such as AA or NA do not have credentialed professionals as group leaders. Participants in these groups do not know each other before joining.

Benefits of Group Therapy For Addiction Treatment

Here are a few of the distinct advantages of group therapy:

CONNECT WITH OTHERS:

People with alcohol or drug problems often lose contact with their loved ones, friends, and the outside world.

People can feel like they belong and connect with others in group therapy. This can help them if they feel alone and isolated. It can also help them heal and make positive changes by knowing that others understand their struggles.

SUPPORTING OTHERS AND BEING SUPPORTED:

Group therapy allows members to help and give advice to each other using their own challenges and experiences. This exchange benefits the one who provides assistance and the person who receives it.

LEARNING NEW INTERACTION TECHNIQUES:

Members of a therapy group and the group leader can teach each other proper ways to interact. Because therapy groups are a microcosm of everyone's life outside of them, unhealthy patterns of interacting with others will ultimately prevail.

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION ABILITIES:

Group therapy also provides a safe environment for assertive, open, truthful, and respectful communication. This can help in better sharing and counseling and improves communication skills. In addition, good communication leads to increased positivity and healing.

A WIDE RANGE OF VIEWPOINTS:

Instead of only hearing the therapist's point of view, group therapy allows everyone to hear diverse opinions. Sharing your thoughts with other group members also boosts confidence.

YOU DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE:

People who struggle with substance abuse may feel alone, unhappy, and embarrassed. Many addictions result from a background of physical and sexual abuse that victims may have concealed for years or decades.

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Group Therapy at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Therapy groups can be scary initially, but most people are less intimidated after a few sessions. They are valuable because you're with a small group of people who have had similar experiences struggling with substance abuse. They understand your struggles, support you, and acknowledge your achievements.

At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, we understand the importance of group discussions in the recovery process. Group therapy is vital to us. It helps people connect with others who are facing similar challenges. It provides a supportive and understanding setting.

When you join our program, our therapists will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. This plan will outline the various therapies and interventions that we will incorporate into your recovery journey, including group therapy.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center offers group therapy sessions led by licensed therapists who specialize in addiction and mental health treatment. In these sessions, a few people meet to talk about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a safe and private place.

In group therapy, you can hear others' stories, learn from their views, and support and encourage other group members. This process of sharing and connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can be incredibly powerful and therapeutic.

Group therapy helps people learn from each other, cope better, and feel like they belong to a community. It allows participants to explore their thoughts and feelings while gaining valuable feedback and support from their peers. Through this process, people can learn more about themselves, improve their communication, and build better relationships.

Your treatment plan may include group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic approaches, and experiential therapies. These different methods work together to help with addiction and mental health issues.

At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, we believe that a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment is essential for long-term recovery. We use group therapy and other proven therapies to help you achieve long-term sobriety and emotional well-being.