Most substance abuse treatment programs offer both individual and group therapy. Individual therapy can be crucial in many cases, particularly if there is an underlying mental disorder that needs to be addressed, but group therapy is often highly rewarding. Humans are intrinsically social beings who tend to congregate, but addiction can lead to depression, shame, and isolation. Groups are an excellent way to overcome the feeling of being alone.
Groups can act as a support network, which is especially important if you don’t have friends or family that you feel comfortable sharing with. Other members of the group can help you come up with new ideas for coping with triggers or figuring out how to return to normal life. They will have had similar experiences but different perspectives. Everyone has different backgrounds and personalities, and by becoming part of a diverse group you will be exposed to a wide variety of beliefs and ideas.
Say for example that you’re thinking about going to Alcoholics Anonymous, but you’ve heard wild theories floating around about how it’s secretly a cult. It might sound silly, but if you’re already prone to anxiety or paranoia, this fear might hold you back from seeking help. By talking to other people who have already been to A.A., you can learn what the experience is really like and that there’s nothing to fear.
There are many different types of groups. Some might be led by a psychologist, while others might be staffed with counselors or social workers. Some, called psychoeducational groups, will focus more on education about substance abuse and recovery and are very structured. These might be more useful in early recovery, and can also include family members who want to learn more about addiction. Others are skill development groups, which exist to teach new behaviors and life skills. Cognitive–behavioral groups teach people how to alter their way of thinking, like learning anger management or overcoming feelings of failure or weakness.
There are also more specialized forms of group therapy, such as ones that focus on relapse prevention or those that are specific to a community or culture. For instance, since most groups in the U.S. are either secular or rooted in Christianity, a group of Native Americans who adhere to traditional beliefs might prefer to form their own unit.
12-step programs, although they do take place in a group setting, are not considered group therapy. These programs tend to be run by a peer (meaning an A.A. group might be led by a recovering alcoholic), whereas group therapy employs mental health professionals.
At Asana Recovery, we have a detox program to assist you in getting the drugs out of your system as comfortably and safely as possible. We also offer both residential and outpatient programs that provide education, counseling, and therapy. Our consulting physicians specialize in addiction and behavioral health, and our counselors and therapists are certified and licensed. Asana Recovery is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, which means you’ll receive the best care possible. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to find out how we can help.
