Group treatment provides many benefits to those who may be in addiction treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated in 2008 that “people who abuse substances often are more likely to remain abstinent and committed to recovery when treatment is provided in groups.” SAMHSA indicates that those in addiction treatment benefit from identification, affiliation, confrontation, support, and gratification which can be provided in the context of group treatment. And it has been found that group counseling is effective at addressing “depression, anxiety, isolation, denial, shame, temporary cognitive impairment, and character pathology.” These factors and the benefits provided by group treatment appear to provide an excellent opportunity to provide effective and efficient treatment to those in addictions treatment.
Intensive Group Psychotherapy at PACE Recovery Center
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| Group therapy session at PACE |
PACE Recovery Center recognizes that Group therapy has been a core aspect of drug and alcohol addiction recovery for several decades, and it has proven to be very effective. Clients that participate in group therapy have a higher rate of accountability regarding their own behaviors. Members of these groups are able to challenge irrational belief systems by sharing similar struggles and solutions. PACE Recovery Center recognizes the importance of our Clients learning to develop relationships that are meaningful to help promote long term-sobriety. Working in group therapy is a great way to experiment with new behaviors. Clients can try new ways of thinking and relating in a safe environment before going out into the real world. Suffering from addiction and behavioral health issues can create a sense of loneliness. Participating in group therapy allows individuals to develop healthy relationships and challenge old self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.
SAMHSA outlines efficacy of professionally lead groups
Professionally lead groups offer those in addiction treatment:
- Peer support and pressure to abstain from substances of abuse
- Groups reduce the sense of isolation which is often associated with addiction treatment
- These groups enable those in treatment to witness the recovery of others
At PACE Recovery Center we understand clients who are able to observe others as they cope with stressful situations are then better able to integrate these observations into their own lives. These groups provide hope, support, and encouragement to the individual in substance abuse treatment.
Additional information available…
If you would like to read more about this topic, we invite you to read Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy, available from The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
