Therapy for substance abuse can come in different forms, some can be considered more effective than others depending on perspective, and this can be very subjective. At the end of the day, each person is different. What might be effective for one person, might not work so well for another. Group therapy is widely considered as an effective form of treating and helping with substance abuse. Here is some information about group therapy, and some topics that might be discussed during sessions. If you are someone who is looking for therapy options, or know someone who is, why not talk to us here at Open Minds.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy is exactly what it sounds like. It is a type of psychotherapy that involves more than one individual, as opposed to individual therapy. There are usually around 7 to 12 members in group therapy sessions, with one or two therapists. Members of the group will often introduce themselves, and will be encouraged to discuss their problems, experiences and progress. Like one to one therapy, all discussions and information is strictly confidential. 

Topics discussed 

Whilst attending group therapy sessions, you might be wondering what sort of topics will be brought up and discussed between group members and therapists. First of all, members will often introduce themselves, and then state what their problem or addiction is. Substance abuse of drugs or alcohol is a very common reason for attending group therapy. 

Identifying triggers

Part of trying to help with understanding and dealing with issues, such as substance abuse, is first identifying what triggers the problem, or what it was that caused the issues in the first place. If you can understand and clarify what it is that is triggering the addiction, that is a great step towards being able to deal with it. In group therapy, members will often discuss their triggers, which may help someone else identify their own. How to deal with and respond to triggers and urges will also be discussed.

Bad habits

Another topic you might expect to discuss in group therapy is bad habits. Bad habits are considered to be one of the primary focuses of group therapy talks, and how to replace them with good habits. Identifying bad habits, and then good habits to replace them with is a great achievement in group therapy, and a step in the right direction to recovery.

Experiences

Discussing bad and good experiences is a very healthy discussion topic in group therapy. Listening to other group members’ experiences can be comforting when it comes to dealing with your own. This can also help with building relationships with other members and therapists.

Negative thoughts 

Negative thoughts might be one of the culprits for triggers, so any negative thoughts that a member is feeling is encouraged to be discussed with the rest of the group. The impact these thoughts have and how you can suppress them is important to talk about.

Alternative sober activities  

One way to help deal with substance abuse is to find interesting and new activities that can be done to spend time that might otherwise be spent having negative thoughts, or practicing bad habits. Finding something that you enjoy will make you look forward to doing it, and will keep your mind occupied, and this is something that is pushed in group therapy sessions.

Does Group therapy work?

So, does group therapy work, and why is it considered successful? It is all subjective, group therapy has proven to work for lots of people, but is also not the right thing for others. People who enjoy and have been successful with group therapy, often feel so because of the sense that they can empathise with, and relate to other members in the group. Group therapy members might feel more comfortable talking to other people who are in the same boat, and are experiencing similar issues.