Power of Group Therapy

Group therapy used in the treatment of addiction is powerful and effective for several reasons. The power of group therapy generates compassion and creates a bond among the group participates. This compassion and bonding leads to the transformational idea that the addict in treatment is not alone. One of the problems with addiction is shame and the sense of failure, of being flawed, different and strange, unwanted, uncared for, etc. Shame leads to all kinds of self esteem problems that undermine recovery efforts. When an addict in treatment is exposed to power of group therapy, the person realizes others have the same problem and that they can help one another get better and manage recovery.

I’ve witnessed amazing changes in groups of recovering addicts. Group therapy also helps a person get over any fear of groups or of being vulnerable and truthful about addiction. When a person sees others talking openly about addiction and the problems associated with addiction, it gives the person courage to share their own feelings, thoughts and experiences that they’ve hidden for years. This newfound ability to open up and talk about problems without fear of condemnation helps the addict in treatment get past shame and allows a person to look for solutions.

Intensive Outpatient Programs offer group therapy 4 to 5 times a week for 2 to 3 hours, along with at least one individual session. Individual sessions are necessary for comprehensive treatment, but, in my opinion, treatment and the recovery happen mostly in group settings with other recovering addicts. This positive change that comes about in group therapy in an addiction treatment setting prepares the recovering addict to attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, church groups that deal with addiction, or any other support group a recovering addict might choose. One thing NewDay stresses as vitally important in the treatment of addiction is recovery management, which is long term and holistic and addresses exercise, nutrition, spirituality, hobbies, creative interests, intellectual pursuits, relationships, and so forth. When an individual sees other in their support group getting better and becoming successful, they want to emulate this success, and addicts help addicts to manage recovery. Believe me, the power of group therapy is real.