Group therapy has been a staple of addiction treatment for decades. The benefits of a group therapy program for addiction treatment are so powerful that it has been part of nearly every program and group trying to help people overcome a substance use disorder, from professional treatment to 12-step support groups and much more. Call 844.470.0410 to learn more about starting a group therapy program with Vertava Health and begin your road to recovery today.
History of Group Therapy
Group therapy had relatively humble origins. In the beginning, the idea of delivering therapy in groups was a financial decision. Therapists wanted to help more people, but the cost of therapy was too much for most people to afford. They reasoned that they could deliver treatment in groups at a reduced price, increasing their accessibility and letting them reach more people.
They quickly realized that the benefits of group therapy went far beyond reduced costs. Members of the groups began to help each other as much as or more than the therapists themselves, and many people made progress with all types of mental distress.
How Group Therapy Works
The structure of group therapy is simple. The format typically includes:
- Groups of people with a shared problem
- Therapists to help guide discussions and share expertise
- Basics set of rules to keep the group focused and give everyone the opportunity to be heard
Group therapy sessions usually last between one and two hours and emphasize collaborating on how people can work through their difficulties. Each member of the group is free to share their experiences, struggles, or advice, and the therapist enforces the rules and keeps the group on task.
The Benefits of Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment
There are several benefits of group therapy for addiction treatment. The first benefit is learning that you are not alone. During addiction, many people feel as though they cannot be understood by others. They think that they are unique and that nobody has experienced what they have.
Group therapy can dispel this notion by showing people that there are others just like them with similar problems and feelings.
The next benefit is support. In an addiction treatment group, all of the group members are working toward recovery together. Group members can help each other when they are struggling by providing emotional support when people are having difficulties and sharing what worked for them when they had a similar problem.
Social support is a strong indicator of lasting recovery, and group therapy helps build this sense of social support while encouraging group members to give back to others.
Finally, group therapy offers an essential benefit for people with a substance use disorder – social proof that recovery is possible. Addiction can feel overwhelming and unstoppable.
Many people believe that they will never be able to achieve recovery for one reason or another and that only someone who feels the way they do would understand. In group therapy, they meet people who felt like they did but are now sober and enjoying their lives. This discovery shows that recovery is possible and provides the essential element of hope.
Starting a Group Therapy Program at Vertava Health
Our compassionate and understanding staff can help you determine which treatment plan is best for you, and they’ll be there to support you every step of the way. You can overcome addiction, and the team at Vertava Health will be there to help. When you’re ready to beat your addiction with the help of trained professionals, reach out to the team at Vertava Health by calling 844.470.0410 or using the online form.
