How the Different Types of Group Therapies Work

Group therapy is an integral part of addiction treatment. Many times a group setting can help addicts understand that they are not alone and that they can work with others on their recovery. Many groups have specific purposes to help those attending them. According to the National Library of Medicine, groups have a special significance in substance abuse treatment. Therapists use a few common types of groups to help their patients recover.

Expressive Groups

Many of these groups use dance, art, and other forms of therapy to help those who have difficulty expressing their thoughts using words. Expressive groups allow patients to express their thoughts, feeling, and stories of drug abuse.

Although patients are not required to talk in these groups, many of them listen to the stories and find that they are extremely similar to their own. They find that sharing helps them process their situation and move towards recovery. Each group member benefits from the others expressions of guilt, trauma, and drug use.

Relapse Prevention Groups

Relapse prevention groups discuss different ways to deal with triggers.

Relapse prevention groups are almost self explanatory. They focus on preventing relapse and developing a support structure that can help you remain drug free. These groups usually discuss:

• dealing with triggers
• seeing old friends
• going home and facing family
• developing a positive support system
• developing positive habits after treatment
• how to get help if you feel you are going to relapse

If you feel as if you are going to relapse regardless of your group therapy, we can help. Simply call 800-256-3490. We can find you a treatment center to help prevent relapse or to help you if you already have relapsed.

Support Groups

These are simple support groups for those who are recovering addicts. The general belief in a normal support group is that there is no agenda; just addicts helping other addicts survive their addiction. Many of these support groups meet frequently and you can attend as many as you like, per day, per week, or multiple times a day. These groups help provide a support structure for those that have none.

Specific Problem Groups

Some groups focus on specific addictions and specific problems. Many of these groups help people who are:

• in abusive relationships and suffer from addiction
• have multiple addictions
• are dual diagnosis
• have issues other than just the addiction
• have PTSD from a traumatic event that triggered the addiction

Problems specific support groups help patients deal with both issues while providing peer support.

Addiction Rehabilitation Treatment Modalities: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Individually Focused Groups

Individually focused support groups start with a group leading speaking to one person about their addiction and problems. Then the rest of the group weighs in on the troubles that the person is experiencing. This happens with all of the group members sequentially.

This allows each person to be heard and gain valuable opinions from others in the same situations. Most people have slightly different ways of coping and sometimes hearing the ways other people cope is extremely helpful.

Finding a Support Group and Treatment Center in your Area

Finding a support group and treatment center that uses these types of groups is not difficult. All you have to do is call us at 800-256-3490. We can help you find the treatment you need before it is too late.