For many people, the thought of talking about their problems in a group setting is enough to keep them from enrolling in addiction group therapy. They would rather suffer alone than expose their problems to others and wrongly assume they can quit without support. A group therapy program is an important part of addiction recovery. It helps clients see how others are coping with addiction and gain valuable insight from other life perspectives.
Enrolling in a group therapy program gives men and women a better chance at reaching and maintaining their recovery goals long after completing a treatment program. When you first arrive at a treatment center, they will run a full assessment of your physical and mental health to place you in the appropriate program. Each program uses a combination of individual and group therapy sessions along with medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms. To learn how a group therapy can benefit your recovery, reach out to an addiction treatment center near you today.
Enrolling in Addiction Group Therapy
A group therapy program is just one part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program that focuses on building coping skills and a vast network of sober friends. Many people grew up being told to “keep it to yourself” and “no one wants to hear your problems.” Instead of talking about their feelings and working through them, they internalize them and will more than likely turn to drugs and alcohol to feel better.
Despite what many people think, using small amounts of drugs and alcohol will lead to an addiction that can cause significant mental and physical harm. With long-term abuse, addiction can cause serious medical problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver/kidney damage
- Certain cancers
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Brain damage
The longer someone abuses drugs or alcohol, the more complications they can expect. If left untreated, addiction can significantly reduce your quality of life and shorten your lifespan. Participating in addiction group therapy activities is an essential part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Clients will discover they are not alone in their struggles and how addiction can impact every person, no matter their background or personal beliefs.
Addiction Therapy Services
Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder when you enroll in a treatment program that offers individual and group therapy programs along with medical support. Treating addiction is not like treating the common cold. It requires a deep understanding of the person’s personal and family background and the specific cause fueling the addiction. The purpose of many addiction therapy services is to find out more about how a person’s background triggers and fuels addiction.
Group Therapy Activities
During group therapy, clients will participate in various role-playing games and activities that will develop their coping and communication skills, along with showing them how others are coping with this disorder. Some of the typical group therapy activities include:
- Role-playing
- Adventure/nature walks
- Group discussions
- Nutritional education
- Dance/music therapy
- Group meditation/yoga
- Other holistic activities
Addiction group therapy activities go a long way toward helping clients build a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol.
Individual Therapy
During individual therapy, therapists will create an atmosphere of trust and open communication, so clients feel comfortable talking about difficult or sensitive subjects. During the session, therapists guide clients toward uncovering the root cause of the addiction. They use various techniques to teach clients how to process those feelings without causing any negative behaviors or cravings.
Clients will develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and triggers and practice these skills during group therapy.
Medical Support
In addition to therapy, medical staff will administer medications that are proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, along with any depressive or anxiety symptoms that interfere with recovery. They will monitor each client for any adverse reaction to the medication and make any adjustments as necessary.
By the end of the program, most clients will be 100% drug-free. Those with severe addiction may need lifetime medication to treat the damage caused by the addiction.
Group therapy programs are an important part of the recovery experience. They show clients how addiction affects each individual differently and builds a healthy network of sober friends who will be a cheerleader for their continued recovery.
Finding Support Through a Group Therapy Program
You will find plenty of support in addiction group therapy from your peers who are struggling with addiction and trained therapists who want to see you healthy and sober. Each treatment program is tailored around the client’s unique symptoms and will include a combination of group and private therapy sessions. For those whose withdrawal symptoms are interfering with recovery, medication is available to reduce those symptoms.
If you are tired of letting your addiction control your life, choose an addiction treatment facility near you today to begin your recovery journey.
