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How is Group Therapy Used in Addiction Treatment?

There are many approaches to addiction treatment, but one of the most effective treatment options is addiction group therapy. Addiction group therapy is used by practically all treatment centers to provide a support system and pressure system to abstain from substance abuse.

Although addiction group therapy can be stressful and embarrassing at first, addiction treatment in groups is effective and offers patients an opportunity to find support from individuals like themselves. With group counseling for drug addiction, you can get the support you need to continue with sober living.

What Is Addiction Group Therapy? 

Addiction group therapy is one form of therapy used for addiction treatment. The official definition of group therapy is any type of therapy that involves two or more people. Group therapy sessions are led by a trained leader so that the session flows smoothly.

Addiction group therapy is slightly different from family therapy in that the individuals participating in the therapy do not know each other beforehand. With family group therapy, the individuals in the therapy session know each other from regular life.

During the addiction group therapy, trained leaders will lead the conversation to help target a specific need related to substance abuse. Some common topics discussed in addiction group therapy include learning about substance abuse, skills for breaking free from addiction, and support topics, though the goal of the individual session will dictate discussion points. 

How Does Addiction Group Therapy Work in Addiction Treatment? 

In addiction treatment, group counseling for drug addiction and alcohol addiction are typically worked into the framework of the treatment. Addiction group therapy is typically assigned on a regular basis. Some addiction treatment groups happen once a week, whereas others happen every day.

How it works is that everyone who is participating in the addiction treatment will get together. They will sit down with a leader who will then lead the discussion. For some group sessions, education is at the center of the addiction group therapy so that the patients can learn more about the addiction and how to cope with it.

In addiction group therapy that takes a support group approach, the members work together in a forum so that they can help each other continue living sober and debunk one another’s excuses. That way, each individual gets the support they need from individuals in the same situation as them.

Is Group Counseling for Drug Addiction Effective? 

Group counseling is considered a highly effective treatment approach to addiction. In fact, some studies have found that group counseling can be as effective as individual therapy sessions. That being said, group counseling is most helpful in inpatient treatment programs.

It is still effective outside of inpatient treatment. Group therapy has become one of the most reliable ways to maintain sobriety after inpatient recovery. Some of the most common examples of group therapy after inpatient treatment is AA meetings.

There are some factors that will predict the effectiveness of a group therapy session. How the members work together and support one another, for example, is the biggest determiner of whether the group therapy sessions will be effective for the individuals.

Even so, addiction group therapy is considered one of the most effective methods for treating addiction. Whether you are in inpatient treatment or are continuing your road to sobriety outside of treatment facilities, group sessions can help you continue in your recovery.

To learn more about group therapy and how group counseling for drug addiction works, contact Hillcrest Recovery today at 855-242-0939. Our compassionate team will be happy to help you find the right treatment for your needs. 

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