Psychotherapy, or therapy for short, is a core part of recovery at a substance abuse treatment center in Florida or elsewhere. Therapy can take different forms, including cognitive-including behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (CBT). It can also be done as individual therapy or group therapy. In some cases, the benefits of group therapy are greater. As such, the therapist may proceed in a group setting.
What is Group Therapy?
Group psychotherapy during addiction treatment involves sessions where several recovering individuals engage with a therapist as a unit. The typical size is four to 12 people who meet weekly for 90 minutes. The group usually meets for cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, psychoeducation, skills development, and group support.
4 Important Benefits of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse
The advantages or benefits of group therapy and group counseling are well established. Let us explore four important ones:
#1: You will realize you’re not the only one
Those battling addictions tend to think they’re the only ones with this problem. Come to find out, there are millions of people just like you who are addicted to alcohol or some type of drugs. Addiction doesn’t have a face, name, color, or class. From laborers to doctors—rehabs have seen them all.
#2: It feels like a “we’re-all-in-this-together” journey
One of the biggest benefits of group therapy is feeling as if you have a safety net. Group sessions can be empowering, offering opportunities to give and receive support. The clients create a bond, an alliance, and use each other strengths and weaknesses to learn and grow. There will even be time to openly share personal experiences and publicly own up to your addictive behaviors.
#3: Stronger commitment to sober up
Relapse prevention is an equally important part of substance abuse treatment. As such, the more committed you are to leaving drug or alcohol abuse behind, the better your chance of lasting recovery. Seeing higher levels of commitment by your fellow friends in recovery can motivate you to sober up even more.
#4: Encourages you to open up
As an addicted individual, you may feel as if you don’t have a voice. You may feel ashamed, guilty, or unloved. But you’re a person with feelings who should have a chance to express how you feel, ask for help, and get honest feedback. In group therapy, you’ll likely feel safe amongst your peers and more willing to open up and share your story without feeling judged.
Find Out How Atlantic Recovery Center Can Help You
At the end of the day, the benefits of group therapy may be more powerful in certain cases. This is not to say that group meetings are better than individual therapy. It’s just that certain problems can be effectively addressed in the presence of recovering peers.
At Atlantic Recovery Center, group therapy is just one aspect of treatment but is just as important as other addiction treatment therapies. We have some of the most compassionate therapists who will work with you and your peers as a team. You may attend group sessions that are 12 Step focused, peer-focused, SMART Recovery focused, or psycho-educational.
Group sessions also focus on skills development or coping skills training. The aim is to give you the resources you’ll need to stay sober. For example, learning how to avoid substance use triggers or cope with cravings. Remember, however, that treating addiction is a process that starts with medical detox, followed by individual or group therapy. You’ll receive care in one of the following structured settings:
- Inpatient treatment program
- Outpatient rehab program
- Partial hospitalization treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Atlantic Recovery Center is located in Florida. We treat men and women longing to put addiction behind them. Contact Atlantic Recovery Center at 1-866-824-5193 to find out more about our programs, therapies, and aftercare services.