Is Group Therapy a Staple of Most Types of Rehab Center Treatment?

Behavioral therapy and other types of counseling are the most commonly used treatment options for addiction recovery, and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Many therapeutic settings use group therapy to capitalize on the social reinforcement offered by peer discussion and to help promote drug-free lifestyles.” Especially in rehab centers, group therapy is often used as a part of a larger, well-rounded treatment program for recovering addicts.

Why is Group Therapy Often a Part of Rehab Center Treatment?

This option is often used as a part of rehab center programs for many reasons.

• Group therapy helps individuals confront their issues in a group setting, which can be sobering and allow for personal reflection later.
• Peer discussion has been known to be beneficial to addicts, like in the instance of popular support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery.
• Social reinforcement of sobriety and recovery can be incredibly beneficial to a person’s long-term health and wellness.
• The program also focuses on teaching patients coping skills that do not involve further substance abuse and other dangerous behaviors.
• Hearing the experiences of others and finding similarities in one’s own experiences can open up a new avenue of understanding for recovering addicts.

How Else Can Group Therapy Be Used in Rehab?

Group therapy helps teach recovering addicts how to cope with daily life without using substances.

Group therapy, while providing many of the same benefits of individualized therapy, allows patients to also meet one another and come together with a common goal. It also helps individuals make friends, which is highly beneficial during rehab, and if nothing else, to feel less alone in their journey.

According to the NIDA, “Some of the more established behavioral treatments, such as contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy, are also being adapted for group settings to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.” This could mean better access to treatment for more patients and the use of many different types of behavioral therapies in one setting. Group therapy is currently being adapted in many ways to create a better, more effective rehab program for patients and to make the entire experience more beneficial and readily available for larger groups of people.

What are the Issues Associated with Group Therapy?

The main issue is especially prominent within adolescent rehab programs, but it is possible that adults could experience it too. “Sometimes group members can reinforce drug use and thereby derail the purpose of the therapy.” It is the task of the counselor to watch for any behaviors of this type and any issues experienced by the members of the group that may be diverting them from the correct path. Still, the benefits gained from group therapy are many, and if the program is led by a licensed and experienced counselor, patients are often able to benefit immensely from it.

Do You Want to Learn More About Group Therapy?

Or would you like to find a treatment center in your area? Call 800-256-3490. We will help you find the program that will best fit your needs and begin your addiction recovery today.

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