Group Therapy for Addiction

Addiction group therapy has been shown to be an effective approach in treating the underlying issues of substance use disorders. Group therapy is a powerful tool for many people in recovery because it allows them to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. These sessions provide individuals in addiction recovery with a safe space where they can share their achievements and hardships. As a drug and alcohol treatment center in Chicago that offers various forms of group therapy activities, we understand the efficiency of these sessions in treating substance use disorders.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy for addiction treatment is when one or more therapists lead a group of people in a discussion regarding their mental health and addiction. The number of people in group therapy sessions varies, but the goal of these sessions is the same. Group sizes can vary between 16 and 24 people, but these groups are usually held with the same members and therapists to promote trust and peer support. Individuals typically remain in the same group anywhere from six months to a year. The purpose of group therapy is to help patients recover from addiction by sharing their struggles and achievements in recovery in a safe and encouraging environment. Members in group therapy also have the opportunity to connect with others who are also in recovery, reminding them that they aren’t alone.

Some benefits of group therapy include:

• Support network
• Increased confidence
• Opportunity to make friends and interact with others who are also in recovery
• Learn healthy ways to cope with relapse triggers and other challenges
• A safe, judgment-free zone
• Opportunity to support others in recovery
• Development of camaraderie and community with other group members
• Increased self-awareness and self-esteem
• Development of skills in interacting with others outside of rehab

At Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago, we offer various forms of group therapy, including psychoeducational group therapy in Illinois, to promote healing and recovery from addiction.

Types of Group Therapy for Addiction

There are several types of group therapy utilized in substance abuse treatment and the most common kinds include:

• Psychoeducational Group Therapy: This form of group therapy focuses on teaching members about addiction and its link to mental health. Topics in these group sessions are centered around understanding addiction as a disease, mental health, trauma, relapse prevention strategies, and other contributing factors of a sober lifestyle.
• Interpersonal Process Groups: These groups focus on members’ issues, their ability to problem-solve in recovery, and group dynamics. This is a great type of group where members are actively offering solutions to common problems addicts face in recovery. These groups offer great practice in interacting with others as you would in your relationships with others outside of rehab.
• Cognitive/Behavioral Groups: Cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy are two common problem-solving groups that focus on helping members recognize negative thinking and behavioral patterns and how the two contribute to addiction. These are great groups in which members can learn how to problem-solve and manage triggers.
• Skill-Development Groups: These groups teach members relapse prevention strategies and practical skills for life outside of rehab. Some things that members in these groups may learn are communication skills, anger management, relaxation techniques, and coping with addiction triggers.
• Support Groups: Support groups are usually for individuals who have already completed addiction treatment and need assistance in maintaining their sobriety on their own. Our alumni program at Banyan Chicago is a type of support group for patients who received treatment at our facility.

Common Questions Asked In Addiction Group Therapy

Below are some questions that are commonly asked or discussed in group therapy sessions:

• Has your relationship with drugs or alcohol changed since you first started using?
• How did your ability to function at work or school change after you started using?
• How do you think sobriety would change your ability to function in school, work, or at home?
• What are some rituals or activities linked to your drug or alcohol use and how do you feel about giving them up?
• Do you think getting sober is possible without changing your lifestyle?
• What are some other choices you have (aside from drug or alcohol use) when confronted with painful thoughts or emotions?
• What thoughts or emotions might lead you to use drugs or alcohol?
• Do you think addiction is a disease and why?
• Have you done things under the influence of drugs or alcohol that you wouldn’t have done while sober?
• Have you noticed any patterns of behavior that only occur when you’re not sober?
• Identify some things that trigger your desire to use and why.
• What are you grateful for and why?
• How do you think negative thoughts influence our behavior and actions?

Our special programs and therapies incorporate a variety of group sessions that discuss these topics to help patients have a better understanding of how to sustain their sobriety on their own.

Common Topics Discussed in Group Therapy Sessions

Below are some topics that are often discussed in group therapy sessions for substance abuse treatment:

• Addiction education
• Anger management
• Codependency
• Conflict resolution
• Enabling
• Financial management
• Impulse control
• Mental health educatio
• Problem-solving
• Recovery goals
• Relapse Prevention
• Relationships
• Self-care
• Self-esteem
• Stress management

Do’s and Don’ts of Group Therapy For Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

Group therapy is meant to offer a safe and accepting space where everyone can be honest without fear of being judged. Here are some dos and don’ts of group therapy that you should keep in mind to maintain a comfortable environment.

Dos of group therapy for addiction treatment:

• Share both your achievements and your struggles in addiction recovery
• Offer support to other members, even if you haven't experienced that specific struggle
• Be open to different views and ideas
• Listen to others when they’re sharing their experiences or asking any questions
• Reflect on your thoughts and emotions during group

Don’ts of group therapy for addiction treatment:

• Do not talk over or interrupt others when they’re speaking
• Do not laugh at someone when they’re sharing
• Do not share any personal information about another member of the group
• Ignore other members’ feelings
• Do not discourage other members from speaking (whether with words or with actions)

During groups, members will discuss the emotional, physical, and even environmental factors of addiction to better understand how they can stay sober. All topics mentioned in groups are delicate and should be discussed with care. Do your part in maintaining a safe and comfortable space where members can receive and give support.

If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment or counseling, call us now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our addiction treatment services in Illinois.