Group therapy is a common intervention during addiction treatment. Many people fear group therapy or are at least put off by the notion of baring their soul among strangers. They prefer the intimacy and safety that individual therapy provides. Yet group therapy is proven to be highly effective as a method during addiction treatment. Often, those most skeptical of group therapy end up coming away most impacted by the experience.
Two key benefits of group therapy are its cost-effectiveness and its efficiency. Serving multiple patients at once means it is more affordable for people seeking treatment. It also allows addiction treatment centers to treat more people more effectively without losing efficacy.
Contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 to learn more about our group therapy program and how it can benefit people in recovery from addiction.
How Group Therapy is Useful in Substance Abuse Treatment
Every addiction treatment provider implements a unique set of group therapy activities and group therapy topics to deliver healing. Before diving into some typical activities and topics, it’s worth analyzing some of the significant benefits. Group therapy is helpful to people in recovery for multiple reasons. Three of the top benefits are explored below.
Reduced Isolation
Addiction is often an isolating, lonely experience. Societal stigma still dominates the air around addiction. Experiencing addiction also causes relational stress and damage. Pursuing treatment does not on its own necessarily reduce the sense of isolation imposed by addiction. Group therapy is an effective tool in connecting people to sources of support and mutual accountability. People who regularly experience recovery together become lasting friends whose relationship extends beyond treatment.
Improved Communication Skills
Another area of life impacted by addiction is the ability to communicate effectively. Diminished communication skills affect every aspect of life, from work to family to friendships. Group therapy offers a venue to practice and relearn communication skills. People attending mindful therapy groups grow their listening skills and develop empathy as they are exposed to other peoples’ struggles and perspectives.
Skill Development
Building healthy lifestyle habits is a natural part of recovery. Group therapy provides regular opportunities to practice coping mechanisms, learn from others, and receive feedback. Group therapy is a safe place to fail and try again as everyone works together to achieve their recovery goals.
Group Therapy Activities and Topics
Group therapy covers a range of topics. Many times, these are informed by the needs and backgrounds of the group participants. It should come as no surprise that a major topic of discussion is substance abuse. People in recovery are encouraged to talk about why they are there in the first place. But group therapy covers far more ground than just substance abuse. A few common group therapy topics are:
- Family issues
- Mental health
- Emotional wellness
- Grief
- Trauma
- Self-care
- Phobias
The list of possible group therapy activities is practically endless. Activities are often designed to match the topics the group needs to cover. For instance, one group therapy activity discusses fears by writing them down anonymously and having the therapist share them. This activity helps participants understand that fear is natural and common. Fears may overlap between participants as well, which shows people in recovery that others share similar concerns to them and that they are not alone. Another group therapy activity is to have group members collage a series of positive affirmations. Self-affirmation and finding things to be proud of are critical to recovery.
Find Group Therapy Near Me
Have you struggled to achieve your recovery goals? Are you looking to try something different? Group therapy may provide the setting and guidance you need to transform your outlook. Midwest Detox Center can help you find group therapy options that fit your recovery needs.
Reach out to 833.647.0392 to find mindful therapy groups and other foundational group therapy offerings.
