An important part of substance use disorder treatment is group therapy. This therapeutic method allows individuals to share their substance abuse issues while others listen in a non-judgmental, caring, and supportive environment. Group therapy in Dallas facilitates long-lasting recovery and sustainable sobriety.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is an interactive talk therapy session with a group of individuals all struggling with substance abuse. Sometimes, the group will consist of individuals who are at different stages of their recovery.
The group is led by a moderator, who could be a therapist, counselor, or peer support specialist. The objective of the moderator is to keep the flow of the group therapy moving along by prompting questions, thanking participants, and getting others to feel comfortable enough to want to open up and share their stories.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
There are several benefits of group therapy when used as part of treatment for substance abuse disorder. For starters, participants can find it easier to relate with their peers when they hear others speak about their struggles with drugs and alcohol.
Secondly, most people are unwilling to open up immediately and share their feelings and personal stories. However, by placing them in a group setting, they will become more comfortable with their peers. Eventually, they will get to the point in their recovery where they will feel more at ease about opening up and sharing.
Thirdly, group therapy provides a forum for the group to discuss a wide range of topics beyond drugs and alcohol, including:
Discovering and identifying one’s triggers.
When one person is sharing their triggers, it can help others think about their triggers and start to identify them. Furthermore, the group can explore constructive coping techniques for dealing with specific triggers.
What to do should one relapse.
The group can examine what could happen should someone relapse. The group may even have someone who relapsed who can share their own experiences and encourage others.
Relationships with family and friends.
Substance abuse affects everyone around you. In some cases, your family and friends could have contributed to the development of your addiction. In group therapy, the group can explore various relationship issues and whether it is worth making amends or ending the relationship due to the risks of relapse.
Sharing one good thing and one bad thing that happened during the week.
Examining what went well during the week and what did not can be beneficial because it shows participants that everyone in the group has good days and bad days. It also provides learning opportunities for the group as they talk about everyone’s high and low points.
Establishing new friendships and building trust.
It can be difficult for addicts to trust others. Group therapy can provide the foundation for participants to develop new friendships with their peers and start to build trust. Over time, life-long bonds can be formed, providing added support after rehab.
Talking about traumatic experiences and how to overcome them.
Some people develop an addiction from attempting to cope with a traumatic experience. Group therapy offers the opportunity for those that have gone through traumas to share their experiences. The group can also discuss different approaches one could use to overcome their past trauma so they can start to heal emotionally.
Provides added support and encouragement.
Group therapy provides a supportive environment for participants as they work on overcoming their addictions. As a result, even when someone is feeling down, they know their peers will be there to help motivate them to continue working on their sobriety.
Why Should I Choose Group Therapy for My Addiction Treatment?
Choosing group therapy as part of your addiction treatment offers you the many benefits discussed. It also provides you the opportunity to gain a better understanding of yourself and your addiction through others’ insights and perspectives.
What Does Group Therapy Look Like?
The structure of group therapy consists of small groups of participants, which usually is not more than 12 people. Groups are also made up of members that have commonalities and are gender-specific.
For example, here at Casa Colina, our groups consist of men. In some cases, the groups may be further defined by including men of a specific age range. As such, men of a similar age often find it easier to find something in common with one another. This plays a major role in getting everyone in the group to face their addiction.
Dallas Group Therapy and Addiction Treatment
Recovery is right around the corner. At Casa Colina, we offer a wide range of treatment options for men, including Dallas group therapy and addiction treatment programs that can be custom-tailored to fit your specific needs, objectives, and goals. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs for men, please feel free to call us or visit our contact form today!
