Group Therapy

In addition to one-on-one talk therapy, group therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for lasting addiction recovery. Do you ever wonder what takes place in these groups? Moreover, how can something as simple as sitting in a circle with others yield life-changing lessons?

Group Therapy vs Support Groups

You’re probably familiar with the portrayal of alcohol recovery support groups in the movies. Someone stands up and says, “Hi, my name is Tim, and I’m an alcoholic.” Everyone responds with “Hi Tim.” Overall, this is reminiscent of your typical support group setting.

The support group encourages you to share your success and failures with others. Typically, people decide to attend. Some meetings welcome dozens of people, which makes it somewhat difficult for everyone to share. However, group therapy is much different.

The main difference between group therapy and support groups is that group therapy is often part of a comprehensive rehab program. A therapist puts the group together and leads the session. They also select members they think will work well together. Group therapy sessions are small and typically consist of no more than five to ten program participants.

Additionally, there’s collaboration between group members, but overall the therapist sets the tone for these meetings. S/He models the correct way to interact and expects members to follow. Outcomes vary, depending on the specific group therapy session’s focus.

What You Learn in Group Therapy

Sometimes, a group therapy setting doesn’t help people with addiction reach significant breakthroughs – although they can. Typically, individual psychotherapy helps many people get to the root of their addictive behavior. However, the group setting does allow you to build healthy social skills. Group therapy is vital for the individual who isolated themselves once their drug use got out of control.

Many users isolate themselves which often leads to lack of empathy and loss of self-esteem. Fortunately, in a group setting, it’s possible to regain both. You’ll learn how to show your peers respect. Likewise, you’ll form higher expectations for how they should speak and interact with you.

In the process, you’ll create healthy boundaries. You’ll form lasting personal relationships with group members in recovery. As you move forward and consider participating in support groups, you’ll have the necessary tools for building lasting friendships. You’ll also build life skills for re-integrating into family life and the workplace.

How the Experience Fits into Rehab Overall

Just like individual talk therapy, the group setting is only one part of inpatient rehab. Therefore, it can’t stand alone. Multiple treatment approaches work together to heal your mind, body, and spirit. The diverse holistic therapy methods quality addiction treatment centers provide include:

• Reiki
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Yoga
• Animal therapy

Group meetings that become part of a more extensive treatment plan treat addiction from a different angle. However, all methods work together. Sometimes, they result in positive connections between therapies that would be impossible to accomplish without diverse treatment.

Reaching Out for Help Is Always Possible

Cravings and substance abuse are a vicious cycle you need help to escape. There’s no shame in seeking assistance from professionals who fully understand addiction. At Hawaii Island Recovery in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii friendly therapists help you heal and start your journey to lifelong sobriety. Call 866-390-5070 today to schedule an intake interview.