Understanding Group Addiction Counseling

Group addiction counseling provides therapy that allows members to receive support from people with similar life experiences. Since addiction often leads to feelings of loneliness, depression, and inadequacy, group therapy can help the individual achieve a positive self image through affirmation and identification within the group.

The National Institutes of Health note that group therapy can be more beneficial than individual therapy in some circumstances. If you or someone you love are ready to try group therapy, consider  calling 800-660-0986 or using the contact form to explore the options available.

People who attend an alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation program may be required to attend group therapy as part of their treatment. This type of group therapy is lead by an individual who is trained to promote and facilitate recovery. The leader provides insights and information to help influence and manage the group. This management style contrasts with 12-step groups, which use a self-governing model and avoid formal leaders.

The Different Types of Group Drug Abuse Therapy

There are currently five types of group therapy models used for the treatment of substance abuse. The first type is a psychoeducational group. This group teaches about substance abuse, including its effect on the body and personal relationships. The second group type uses skill development to teach members how to break free from addiction.

The third type of group is a support group, which allows members to take an active role in supporting constructive change in one another. Support groups often serve as a way to challenge excuses that may encourage a return to bad habits.

The fourth type of group addiction therapy is cognitive-behavioral groups. In these groups, a leader helps members avoid negative methods of thinking, which could lead to addiction. Instead, the focus is on starting new habits and actions to reinforce the skills needed to stay clean.

These four types of group therapy are commonly used at different stages in the addiction process. Psychoeducational, skill development, and cognitive-behavioral groups may be essential in the beginning stages of rehabilitation. Support groups are often a common type of therapy, which is continued long after the initial stages of rehabilitation are complete.

The fifth type of therapy is group psychotherapy. Although it is not commonly used, this type of psychotherapy allows individuals to explore past dynamics and relationships that may have lead them to drugs or alcohol. People who believe that any type of group therapy may be helpful to overcome their addiction should call 800-660-0986 or fill out a contact form for more information.

In many cases, addiction rehabilitation groups will make use of exercises found in any of the four common types of group therapy. Depending on the root cause of the participant’s addiction, some methods may be more helpful than others.

Unlike self-help groups, such as 12-step programs, the interpersonal process groups, used as part of rehabilitation services, are specially formulated to benefit all members. Each member of the group will undergo a screening interview and will be placed in a group to meet his needs. These interpersonal process groups also offer more anonymity than most self-help groups.

Group addiction counseling is often paired with individual counseling for best results. For more information inpatient and outpatient services that offer counseling, people should call 800-660-0986 or complete a contact form to receive more information.