Group Therapy

Types of Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment

In regards to addiction treatment, group therapy is by far one of the most impactful and powerful forms of therapy that patients can receive. The work that is done during group therapy can take a person from an extremely low point in their lives to a place where they are feeling motivated and empowered in their recovery. Treatment providers conduct various different group therapies to help elicit that positive change in all participants, including psychoeducational groups, skills development groups, cognitive-behavioral groups, and support groups. 

Psychoeducational Groups

Psychoeducational groups are designed to help educate and inform participants about addiction. Even though those in group therapy sessions have had first-hand experience with substance abuse, it is not uncommon for many of them to have little background information about the disease that they are struggling with on a personal level. Psychoeducational groups bring recovering addicts and alcoholics together to learn about their disease and how it develops, sustains itself, and can be kept in remission. 

Skills Development Groups

Learning how to manage a disease is imperative in order to live a happy and healthy life. As with other diseases, it is important for those who have substance use disorders to develop skills that can help them manage their disease. Skills development groups focus on that specifically, as participants in this type of group therapy setting will work to learn new skills and utilize them on a regular basis. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Groups

Based on the evidence-based treatment cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive-behavioral groups address negative patterns of thinking in an effort to alter subsequent behaviors. Little is different between receiving cognitive behavioral therapy in an individual therapy session and in a group therapy session, but one of the greatest benefits of this type of group is that it can be done among others who are looking to accomplish the same goals in recovery. Working on something as challenging as changing deeply-rooted behaviors is often easier when done alongside others who are going through the same thing.

Support Groups

Both in treatment and outside of it, support groups are readily available to those who are in recovery from drinking or abusing drugs. These groups are designed to help participants establish a connection with one another in an effort to grow in their recovery. Support groups like AA and NA support this partnership by encouraging participants to share their experiences, listen to the experiences of one another, and lift each other up throughout their recoveries.

Benefits of Group Addiction Therapy

Our group addiction therapy in Lexington, KY is multi-faceted and always led by one or more trained, experienced, and compassionate professionals. We pride ourselves on being able to offer several different group therapy approaches that can positively change the lives of those who need it most. 

When participating in group addiction therapy, patients who put forth effort and dedication to their recovery can benefit in a number of various ways. The very first benefit that patients receive from participating in our group therapy in Lexington, KY is the support from others in the group. Conducted amongst others who are also in recovery, addiction group therapy can offer everyone the opportunity to build strong relationships with one another, lean on each other as needed, and champion one another when success is achieved. Making attempts to get sober and stay sober without the help or support of others is nearly impossible, which is why group therapy is viewed as a vital part of a person’s addiction treatment. 

Additional benefits of addiction group therapy can include:

• Getting the opportunity to role-play, which can, for example, allow for resolution and closure regarding specific events
• Improving communication skills
• Developing insight into one’s own life as well as into others’ 
• Becoming accountable for one’s actions in an effort to stay on par with the group and its progress
• Obtaining comfort through relating with others and vice versa

Group therapy, regardless of what approach is being provided, can be as beneficial as a person makes it. In order to get the most out of therapy, we encourage all patients to come to every single session and come prepared to participate. 

Getting Professional Help in Lexington, KY

If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, know that you are not alone. We understand how painful your addiction has been in your life, and with resources like group therapy, we can help you stop your active addiction and begin a life of recovery.

Do not wait. Call us right now. We can help.