Group treatment provides many benefits to those who may be in addiction treatment. People who abuse substances are more likely to remain abstinent and committed to recovery when treatment is provided in groups. Some of the benefits you tend to gain from group addiction treatments include identification, affiliation, confrontation, support, and gratification. 

Also, it has been found that group counselling is efficient at addressing anxiety, depression, denial, isolation, shame, character pathology, and temporary cognitive impairment. These factors and the benefits of group therapy sessions provide an excellent and adequate opportunity for addiction treatment.

Furthermore, group therapy immerses you into many different experiences — from expressive arts therapy and skills development to cognitive behavioural therapy groups. In simplest terms, group therapy comprises therapy sessions that focus on reducing symptoms and helping two or more individuals to recover.

Group therapy is a vital component of any comprehensive addiction treatment program. It offers clients the ability to access support and encouragement from the community surrounding them in a residential treatment facility. The natural sense humans have to assemble and to lean on people around them makes group therapy a potent tool in treating substance abuse.

If you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, you may question the value of participating in group therapy. It may be tough enough for you to seek help and open up to a single counsellor or therapist, let alone bare your soul to a small group of people. You may worry that you will not have enough time to discuss your thoughts and ideas. For some people, they agonize over having to share personal information with perfect strangers.

However, with group therapy for addiction treatment, it’s all worth it. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of group therapy during addiction treatment. Before we proceed, let’s take a look at the definition of group therapy.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a specific form of counselling used to treat psychological disorders, including substance abuse and addiction. Typically, it involves regular sessions where therapists work with several individuals who are being treated for the same substance abuse issue. 

Participants in group therapy treatments take turns discussing their feelings, struggles, experiences, and sobriety goals. Sometimes, these groups may be focused on a particular recovery topic. An example is how to recognize and avoid triggers. Other times, they may focus on general topics such as how to manage complicated peer, work, family or other relationships.

Related article: How To Help A Loved One In Recovery

Many people benefit from peer support in group therapy. In fact, it has been a core aspect of drug and alcohol addiction recovery for several decades, with effective results. Going forward, we’ll discuss the benefits of group therapy for addiction treatment.

Benefits of Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment

One of the most significant benefits of group therapy for addiction recovery is that it offers an avenue to bond with others. It also provides a platform to create a fictional support system for the post-treatment phase. 

Group therapy is often undertaken in conjunction with individual therapy. This is because it offers several unique benefits that are hard to achieve in a one-on-one session with a therapist. Benefits of group therapy for addiction treatment include:

You will meet people dealing with similar situations

One of the top reasons to consider group therapy is that it gives you the privilege to meet people similar to you. People who are dealing with the same addictions as you are more likely to understand you better. Meeting this category of people can help you realize you’re not alone. Some groups may even focus on a specific life event. 

A good example is the grief and loss support group where others assist people with specific mental health diagnoses. An example of such is bipolar or anxiety disorder. Usually, people find it helpful to receive not only professional support but general support too. For instance, seeing how others – with different experiences and styles – work through similar problems. 

You will be more stimulated to change

Many people have been to addiction rehab sessions ready to make a change with no approach or method. As a result, they find it challenging to figure out exactly how to get themselves to change for good. In a group therapy setting, this isn’t something to worry about. 

You’ll not only hear how people have strived hard but also how they have overcome past challenges. Ultimately, team support and encouragement can play a cheerleading role. Also, this can provide positive reinforcement as you passionately work toward your goals.

It will boost your relationship with others

During group therapy, members can provide feedback on how they see you. Sometimes, they talk about their experience relating to you and how what you say makes them feel. This feedback has often proven to be supportive in boosting addiction recovery. 

However, such feedback is better appreciated when it comes in a safe and supportive environment. This will help you understand yourself and your relationships better. It will also allow you to adjust your behavioural acts to be more productive. In a therapy group, you benefit from the feedback of an individual therapist and the entire group.

You will get support from like-minded people

When going through difficult times, having other witnesses to validate your experience is significant. Generally, being able to tell your story to others can be empowering. This helps you create a narrative in which you effectively maneuver adversity and thus enhance your experience. 

A benefit of group therapy is that it offers adequate support to help you understand yourself better. Sometimes, during addiction treatment, this can make all the difference. 

It helps you become more aware of your immediate needs

Another benefit of group therapy for addiction treatment is that it helps you become aware of your own needs and feelings. More importantly, it provides a safe platform for expressing them. Our group session regularly allows members to discern how they feel during each session and talk about it.

Although many people find it difficult to know how they feel while interacting, they get better with time. Usually, it can be challenging to be self-connected when connecting with others. Nevertheless, continuous communication will help boost your connection with others.

Types of Addiction Treatment Techniques

Many options have been successful in treating drug and substance addiction, including:

• Behavioural counselling
• Medication
• Medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms
• Treatment and evaluation for accompanying mental issues including anxiety and depression
• Long-term treatment to prevent addiction relapse

Conclusion

Ultimately, group therapy sessions can be a beneficial tool in helping you maintain your sobriety. You can join these sessions during the early phases of drug addiction treatment or at any point in your treatment scheme. Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: 6 Signs to Have Expert Addiction Treatment