When the time comes to face rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment, many addicts face the same fears. The apprehension of confronting friends and family, the dread of detoxification, and the pressure of group therapy. Group therapy gathers many similar individuals—in groups large or small—to share their experiences and cope together with addiction.
Among the most effective and important steps in recovery, group therapy is a portion where many develop cold feet. Addicts become understandably nervous about group therapy and sharing their thoughts and feelings with strangers, afraid to confront their problems.
What many addicts in treatment find in group therapy however is a strong and effective road to recovery. Recovery carries difficult choices and moments of hesitation, yet lead to a greatly improved life of emotional growth.
What to Expect from Group Therapy
Preparation can be one of your greatest tools in recovery and therapy, easing many fears and anxieties. The better planned you are for a group therapy session, the less distress you will carry beforehand. You can prepare for group therapy in many ways, from reading about it online to even watching other therapy sessions.
At the start of group therapy, you will be asked to introduce yourself and explain your purpose. You do not need to detail or explain your experiences right away, but it is highly encouraged to speak openly. For the less outspoken, it is important to still listen to others and the experiences that they share.
Listening to others can actually help you identify your own problems and discover the experiences you share with others. Sharing universal experiences in addiction is quite common and finding these connections may help you seek and find comfort. By growing more comfortable with group therapy, you become more inclined to participate and make the most out of it.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy appears intimidating to many at first and can be daunting for beginners but, in truth, provides several benefits. As mentioned previously, group therapy helps identify problems, bring relief, and encourages developing outspokenness. Though professionals do not discourage individual therapy or counseling, group therapy provides new lessons and opportunities to learn among others.
Group therapy does not limit itself to just strangers either; there are also programs that focus more on the healing of families and repairing relationships between them. You may also find a greater sense of support in group therapy, where people can relate and encourage one another. For those who lack support from family and friends, group therapy also serves as a support system to build upon.
Moreover, many people find emotional health benefits in socializing and relating to other people. Human beings are pack animals by nature, and function better and find comfort in working with people of likeness. By making connections with others, addicts can find solace in interacting with others and adjust to a life of sobriety.
The Long-Term Effects of Group Therapy
After surpassing the initial anxieties and discomfort that come with group therapy, there stand long-term benefits in
group therapy. At first, group therapy may seem to be a one-and-done deal, but it also provides benefits moving forward. Not only do addicts build a foundation for new friends, they also discover new tools to utilize in the future.
These tools include coping mechanisms and soothing techniques that not only help in sobriety but in stress for the future. Though addiction may go away, the stress and triggers of it may not. By preparing for the future, bringing closure to the past, and building strength in the present, addicts can lead a path of peace and happiness to enjoy with others.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Discovery Place’s Treatment & Rehab alternative in Tennessee. You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment center alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.
