We all know that therapy is a large part of the recovery process when a person enters treatment for addiction. Most of the time, though, when we think about therapy, we think about one-on-one sessions where a person discusses their lifestyle and the factors that led up to their addiction. While this is true and is a part of addiction treatment, there is another type of therapy that is also vital to recovery, group therapy. Group therapy is typically divided into two types, group psychotherapy, where a group discusses their issues and struggles with addiction, and support groups.
Hillside Mission believes that having the right type of therapy available will make all the difference in whether a client’s recovery succeeds and whether or not they relapse and begin using drugs or alcohol again. In this post, we will discuss group therapy, what it is, how it’s used in addiction treatment, the benefits, and how to find programs near you.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy can either be for psychological purposes or as a means to support other therapy efforts, but in both cases, it is central to treatment and recovery. Group therapy involves people with similar circumstances, such as a group of addiction sufferers, to be together with a therapist and discuss the reasons for their addiction, share stories and interact with like-minded individuals.
This process is intended to allow the participants to feel safe in a social setting while discussing their problems with addiction. While one-on-one sessions are effective, group therapy can reveal details and other facets of a person’s struggle with addiction that may not come out under normal circumstances.
In cases where the group is a support group, it gives the person a place to belong and get help with dealing with the effects of addiction.
How is Group Therapy Used in Addiction Treatment?
Group therapy is used to judge a person’s interactions in a group setting and help facilitate a feeling of belonging and support. In some cases, it is used actively to treat addiction by allowing the person to dive into the reasons behind their addiction while relating with other addiction sufferers, and in other cases, it is a support tool to help further the use of other treatments.
Being in a group tests a person’s social skills and ability to cope with day-to-day situations while still under the care of a therapist, something that is vital to the long-term recovery process. By dealing with the struggles of addiction in a group setting, the person can move one step closer to returning to a normal life free of addiction.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
There are numerous benefits of participating in group therapy; here are some examples.
Feelings of Camaraderie and Not Being Alone
Addiction can be a long and lonely struggle, and part of the problem of dealing with it is not having anyone to relate your struggles to or to help you move past issues that you may have. By engaging in group therapy, it is possible to gain a sense of community and belonging with people that are going through similar issues.
Slowly Returning to Social Settings
Getting back into the world after addiction treatment can be a scary prospect. Group therapy makes it possible to engage in social situations in a controlled environment, making it easier to transition back into day-to-day life once treatment ends.
More Feedback and Support
While talking with a therapist is important, real-world feedback and support from other addiction sufferers can go a long way in the healing process and letting someone know what life is like post addiction and how best to adjust to changes in lifestyle—having someone who is in a similar situation can make the process less difficult.
Practice and Help Identifying Flaws
Being in small groups with a therapist present gives you the safety and freedom to practice interacting socially without worrying about making mistakes. It also makes it easier for the therapist and other members of the group to identify problems and mistakes that are made so that the person can work on them. This gives people a chance to correct past behavior and work towards a better future.
How to Find Group Therapy Programs Near Me
You could search for any old treatment facility near you, or you could come to Hillside Mission Recovery. Not only do we offer group therapy as part of our treatment process, but we also do so in a safe, calming, and relaxing luxury inpatient facility that designs treatment plans tailored to the individual.
We give each client an evaluation when they enter our treatment facility, and once their initial detox is complete, they begin a treatment plan that is meant to address their specific needs and addiction.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction and may benefit from group therapy, contact Hillside Mission Recovery today!
