Types Of Group Therapy For Addiction

Do’s & Don’ts In Group Therapy For Addiction Treatment

Group therapy is meant to offer a safe and accepting space where everyone can be honest without fear of being judged. Here are some dos and don’ts of group therapy that you should keep in mind to maintain a comfortable environment.

Five Benefits Of Group Therapy For Addiction Treatment

Groups generally meet once or twice a week for 60-90 minutes. How much people want to reveal about themselves is very individual, but there’s security in knowing what’s said stays in the group. These groups consist of 2 to 12 participants and are led by one or more group facilitators to ensure you get the best guidance in the recovery process.

• Support From Group Therapy For Addiction: Hearing from others with similar issues helps you see that you’re not alone in having challenges, whether you’re grappling with panic attacks, depression, or another mental health issue. As a result, many people experience a sense of relief. This is where group therapy can be far better than simply talking with your loved ones, as other group members have experienced similar situations to what you may be going through. This support can be an incredible benefit to your recovery process. In addition, the therapists that are in attendance at the group meetings will give you an insight into your mind and thought process. This perspective in your mind can be a helpful addition to your recovery process.

• Sounding Board: These groups provide a perfect way to share real-life situations you may be experiencing. If, for example, you talk about a fight you had with your partner, group members may see things in the way you present it that you don’t. Hearing from other people about how you come across can be very powerful. You get a more comprehensive range of perspectives on your situation, which can help you deal with your problems better. In addition, this sharing of situations can be invaluable during your recovery process. Additionally, you may find that a situation someone else is having may be similar to yours. Hearing how they are dealing with it and the advice they are given to solve their problem may work for you as well.

• Propel You Forward: These groups can ensure you carry on moving forward in your recovery process. For example, it can be very encouraging to hear how other members successfully overcame their fear of flying or how they confronted a family member about drug abuse. Patients often push themselves harder when they see what others are doing. Seeing others succeed in a situation similar to your own will give you a mindset of “If they can do it, why can’t I?” This mindset will continue to push you forward past your addiction recovery and onward through anything you do in life, whether in your career, social life, or love life.

• Social Skills: Groups not only help to ease that sense of isolation but also allow practicing re-engaging with people. In addition, by participating in a group, you see that you can get along with others. You may find other similarities when you are in a group of people who have had a similar life. Therefore, building a social circle is incredibly important when putting your life back together after suffering from drug addiction. However, remember where you have met these people; if they fall back into bad habits, they may influence you to do the same. This is something you must be able to recognize in somebody to distance yourself and protect your recovery.

• Learn About Yourself: Every person in the group holds up a mirror, and you see yourself through their eyes. It’s a way of uncovering the blind spots blocking your ability to overcome your issues. Knowing your limitations and triggers will ensure you know if you will relapse and situations to avoid so you don’t find yourself in situations that could tempt you back into bad habits. Furthermore, knowing yourself will help you through all aspects of life. Finally, knowing what you can do and what situations affect you, you can ensure you stay in environments that will keep you happy, healthy, and on a path to lasting recovery.

Other Benefits Of Group Therapy For Addiction

• Connecting With Others In A Non-Judgemental Environment: Group therapy reminds clients that they do not need to be disconnected from other people during their recovery. This group connection offers a network of advice, assistance, and new skills. The clients in group therapy know that they will not be judged for what they have done in the past or how they feel in the present. In group therapy, the facilitator must be respectful and non-judgmental or redirected by all members.

• Developing New Coping Strategies: The group discussion also introduces new coping strategies to clients. When other group members open up, peers learn from someone else who has been through the same process and may have insights about the progression of recovery.

• Sense Of Accountability & Understanding: Group therapy provides accountability to addicts who may have struggled with holding themselves accountable in the past. It is important to remember that clients who have successfully finished a rehabilitation program are always at risk of relapse. Other group members are vital because these individuals know the risks and temptations their peers face. New members that join the group become inspired and are motivated to stay sober if they hear the stories of others, from the proud moments to the challenging ones.

What To Expect During Group Therapy For Addiction Treatment

• Room Setup: Usually, group counseling meetings occur in a room where the chairs are arranged in a small circle. The circle shape may initially seem intimidating, but this setup helps individuals connect. For larger groups, the chairs may be in rows facing a platform.

• Introducing Yourself: Sessions typically begin with members of the group introducing themselves. You don’t have to share your entire story during this time. Simply state your name and why you’re attending the group session.

• Group Discussion: This is where the magic happens. Typically, the therapist decides if the meeting will be more focused on dialogue or education. If the meeting is more dialogue-based, be prepared to share. Being nervous is understandable, but everyone in the group has similar struggles and is working toward similar goals. Just share your story, worries, concerns, fears, hopes, and feelings. This is a safe space.

• Learning Aids: During the session, the therapist may use various materials to help you apply what you’re learning. These techniques include visual aids, written projects, audio files, role-playing, and homework.

• Updates: As you attend more sessions, you’ll become familiar with the “update” component. The process is simple: share your progress and experiences since the last session. Other people in your group counseling meeting will share as well.

How Group Therapy For Addiction Helps The Recovery Process

Group counseling is a highly effective component of addiction recovery because being around other people looking to recover can help keep you:

The We Level Up rehab centers provide psychotherapy in both group and individual sessions. We also encourage involvement in recovery communities, emphasizing the 12 steps of anonymous peer support groups. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of group therapy for addiction and how our team can help develop a treatment plan for your recovery. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists, they know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.