Drug and alcohol addiction is an extremely prevalent issue in society, with over 48 million Americans battling addiction in the last year, according to a recent United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). It also revealed that 22.8% of adults (58.7 million people) aged 18 or older dealt with mental illness in 2023. With so many people facing addiction and mental health issues, no one can say they are the only ones facing the struggle to overcome addiction and mental health. This shared obstacle lends itself to group support. During addiction group therapy, people share their stories of how they became addicted and the battles they’ve faced since. Often, the individuals in group therapy will hear similar challenges they’ve faced to help them learn their struggle is not unique. This process can help people accept that they’re not alone in the journey and that overcoming addiction is a shared goal that requires constant support.
What Are the Three Types of Group Therapy?
When considering attending group therapy for addiction support, it’s important to understand the types of treatment available to find the ideal setting. The three main types are psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy. They all involve therapy treatment provided by qualified mental health professionals who manage the meetings to ensure every participant receives the necessary support.
Psychotherapy Group Therapy
Psychotherapy groups aim to delve into the life factors and challenges that lead to addiction. It explores the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that play a role in these challenges. Paricipants learn to better process their problems by developing healthy coping and problem-solving skills to help control impulses and improve their mental and physical well-being.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
During cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the same underlying principles of individual CBT treatment are also used. However, CBT group therapy has unique methods, including more opportunities for peer and social support. By relating to each other, the group sessions help individuals identify and alter the thought patterns that impact their negative emotions and behaviors.
Interpersonal Group Therapy
Interpersonal Group Therapy takes an evidence-based approach to deal with mood disorders that lead to addiction and mental health problems. The therapy focuses on the participants’ personal relationships and social circles and how each can affect the person’s mood. Individuals in the group share their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to provide insight into how their interactions with others can impact their behavior.
What Are the Techniques Used in Group Therapy?
During group therapy, counselors use a variety of techniques to help participants heal interpersonal relationships. Many of these sessions involve group interactions about the personal problems each patient faces as well as the causes and challenges of overcoming addiction. By sharing personal experiences in a group setting, the individuals help gain a sense of community and support by learning they can be vulnerable yet still receive compassionate support.
One of the main techniques used in group therapy involves role-playing. Patients are given scenarios to act out, such as what to do when an enabler tries to influence previous behaviors. This helps them learn and practice new behaviors and gain different perspectives to understand how to work through these challenges.
Learning emotional control is a significant aspect of overcoming addiction. Group therapy participants will share their feelings as part of an emotional expression technique in a supportive environment. These sessions can help participants understand and accept their previous emotional behaviors and develop skills to manage their emotions better. Because of these benefits, Muse Treatment recognizes the importance of group therapy. Our alcohol and drug rehab facility in Los Angeles provides a safe and professional setting to help patients overcome the physical and mental aspects of addiction.
What Are the Four Stages of Addiction Group Therapy?
Most group therapy sessions will typically involve four main stages, each with its own set of goals. These stages will involve various techniques to engage participants:
- Forming Stage: This first stage is where group members introduce themselves so they get to know each other and the therapist. Understandably, participants can be hesitant to share personal information with people they just met. By first focusing on establishing trust and setting ground rules to establish a safe environment for all, patients can feel open that they will receive proper support.
- Storming Stage: Conflicts and challenges can emerge as members become more comfortable. This stage can involve power struggles, resistance to the therapy process, or conflicts between group members. It’s a critical phase where participants start to express their true feelings and confront issues more directly. The therapist will help manage these conflicts so participants can overcome the disagreements and build stronger relationships.
- Norming Stage: Once the group members are comfortable and have overcome initial disagreements or hesitancy, they start to become a supportive group. Members develop a common goal of overcoming addiction together. Trust deepens, allowing for more honest and open communication. Participants will become more supportive of each other and work together to help with individual problems.
- Performing Stage: During the final stage, patients can work on their individual issues within the supportive group. They’ve developed a high level of trust and mutual support among each other, which helps them deal with the most challenging personal issues.
What Are Good Rules For Group Therapy?
To ensure the group can stay focused and respectful of each other during the sessions, counselors will often establish a set of rules to follow. They can include:
- Confidentiality: The personal information shared stays within the group to build trust.
- Active participation: Participants are encouraged to share their stories, but they are never required.
- Respect: Treat others as you want to be treated, which means showing respect at all times, even when disagreeing.
- No violence or threats: Physical and verbal altercations are not permitted.
- Listen actively: Have empathy and respect by paying attention when others share their thoughts and feelings.
- Use “I” statements: Focus on expressing your own feelings and experiences rather than criticizing others.
- Be present: Avoid using phones or talking off-topic during sessions.
- Regular and timely attendance: Be on time and attend sessions regularly.
- Outside contact: Establish clear boundaries about contact between members outside of group sessions.
- Substance use: Attend sessions sober and avoid discussing or glorifying substance use.
Undergoing Addiction Group Therapy at Muse Treatment
For those struggling with substance abuse, Muse Treatment has a variety of professional help programs, including addiction group therapy. We offer individual and group settings, depending on the patient’s therapy needs, in a safe and professional setting to help people overcome the physical and mental aspects of addiction. Please contact us at 800-426-1818 today to discover how our addiction treatment center is best suited to help patients learn to overcome their drug and alcohol addiction struggles.
External Source
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health
The post Why Addiction Group Therapy Is a Critical Part of Treatment appeared first on Muse Treatment.
source https://musetreatment.com/blog/addiction-group-therapy/
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