Group therapy is a common component of many treatment programs for substance use disorders and other mental health issues. When participating in alcohol, benzo, or opiate detox programs, people may often find group therapy sessions as part of their rehab activities.
What is group therapy, and why is it so widely used in the rehab industry? What are the benefits of group therapy? These may be some of the questions you have if you or a loved one is seeking a treatment program for a substance use disorder or another mental health issue. It can be empowering and helpful to learn about the benefits of group therapy. To find out the answers to the previous questions and learn more about group therapy, contact DetoxLA by calling 818.616.7341 today.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a type of counseling that clinicians or peers can lead. During group therapy, peers discuss topics that are of mutual importance.
In the case of substance use disorder treatment or detox programs, groups might discuss topics such as “how to avoid relapse” or “what to do when you feel like using.” Sometimes peers do most of the talking, but other times, clinicians may guide the discussion to keep things productive and on track.
Group Therapy Benefits You Should Know
Counseling, sometimes called “talk therapy,” is a significant part of any addiction treatment program. Why is it so prevalent? Even though there are many physical components to substance use disorders, there are also strong psychological and behavioral components. Quitting alcohol or drugs can be more complicated than simply stopping. There may be mental health or trauma-related issues driving a patient’s urge to drink or use drugs, and if those issues are not addressed as well, relapse is nearly inevitable. The following are three benefits of group therapy that you should know.
1. Helps Patients to Develop a Supportive, Recovery-Focused Community
Often, patients new to recovery might feel isolated or lonely, having left former friends and communities behind to pursue recovery. Group therapy can create a feeling of togetherness that helps support sobriety.
2. Allows Patients to Share Advice and Tips with Each Other
Who knows better what will work or can help than others who have gone through similar experiences? It can also be beneficial to share ideas and thoughts with one another rather than keeping feelings and ideas bottled up inside.
3. Encourages Patients to Help Others
Part of growth and self-improvement is learning that you, yourself, have something to offer to others. Addiction and mental health issues can tear down self-esteem, and participating in group therapy can combat those feelings by allowing patients to learn and teach.
What Are the Types of Group Therapy?
Here are some types of group therapy that patients might encounter in the course of recovery from substance use disorders and mental health issues:
- Therapy in the context of an inpatient treatment program
- Therapy in the context of an outpatient treatment program
- Outpatient clinics can offer therapy groups
- Meetings such as DBSA or NAMI groups
- 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous
Group therapy can take many forms and occur at any level of care.
DetoxLA Offers Group Therapy as Part of Our Recovery Care
At our luxury treatment center, conveniently located in Tarzana, California, we offer a variety of treatments and therapies based on best clinical practices, including group therapy. Our patients enjoy access to a tight-knit, recovery-focused community that feels like family. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff at 818.616.7341 today.