There are several approaches that may be beneficial for those in addiction recovery, and one that’s often used in various formats is group therapy. Why is this form of addiction treatment so valuable for many people, and should it be something you consider if you or a loved one is dealing with addiction?
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, group therapy sessions are often a part of both our outpatient and inpatient addiction recovery programs. Let’s define what group therapy is and how it works within an addiction recovery setting, plus go over some of the major benefits it often provides to those involved.
Defining Group Therapy For Addiction
Within the context of addiction recovery, group therapy sessions are typically led by a professional in the field – such as a licensed therapist or counselor – who works with multiple clients at once. In these sessions, individuals dealing with similar issues and struggles can come together to discuss their experiences, share advice and tips, help each other work through difficult emotions, gain insight into their own thought and behavior patterns, and identify new strategies for coping with cravings and triggers.
Group therapy sessions can be conducted with a small group of people or even larger groups depending on the recovery center’s preference. They often involve a combination of supportive talk as well as cognitive-behavioral exercises, meditation or relaxation techniques, or other activities that help participants gain insight into their own stories and learn new coping skills.
Our next several sections will go over some of the specific areas of value many people get from group therapy during addiction recovery.
Not Facing Challenges Alone
For many people, one of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is having support from people who are going through a similar process. It can be incredibly isolating to deal with addiction on your own, so having a safe and judgment-free environment to talk about struggles and experiences can make all the difference in terms of building confidence and finding empathy for oneself.
It also offers a unique opportunity for those in recovery to get honest feedback from others with similar struggles, which can prove invaluable during the process.
Learning From Others
Within a group therapy setting, participants are often able to learn not only from their own experiences but also from hearing about the stories of other people within the session. This can be extremely helpful in the recovery process, as it offers insight into how other people have been successful in their own journeys and highlights potential strategies that may work better for some than others.
Additionally, it provides an opportunity to gain a more holistic understanding of addiction and its effects on both individuals and society as a whole.
Breaking Negative Patterns
Group therapy can also be helpful in terms of breaking negative patterns and habits. Through engaging with the stories of others, participants can often start to identify their own detrimental behaviors and think more critically about how they can break these patterns and make changes that will better serve them in the long-term.
With the help of a therapist, group members can then work together to develop tools and techniques that may help them move past old mentalities and toward healthier, more positive behavior.
Improving Communication Skills
Some people struggle with communication, especially when it comes to talking about their own problems or experiences. Group therapy can help individuals practice effective communication in a supportive environment, encouraging participants to express how they’re feeling without fear of judgment or repercussion.
By engaging in open dialogue with others, people can start to build better relationships and learn how to communicate more effectively. For those in addiction recovery, this can be an invaluable skill to have as it can help them navigate difficult conversations and situation in the future.
Broad Array of Feedback
Another benefit of group therapy is the broad range of feedback that participants can receive. With a larger group, individuals have access to different perspectives and ideas that they may not have previously considered, which helps them think outside the box and gain new insight into their own recovery process.
In addition, people are often able to hear stories from those who have gone through the same experience as them, which can be helpful in terms of understanding the journey that lies ahead.
Overall, group therapy is an extremely valuable tool for those dealing with addiction and in recovery. With its combination of emotional support, practical advice, and different perspectives from others within the session, it’s a great way to learn more about the recovery process and find the help that’s needed to move forward.
For more here, or to learn about any of our addiction recovery programs or services, speak to our team at Moonlight Mountain Recovery today.
