Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Substance Abuse Group Therapy

You will need a solid support group in your journey to a sober life. In order to prepare yourself, you need to be aware of the benefits and challenges of group therapy in substance abuse. Being involved in group therapy is something that you cannot skip. Take note of the following so that you may be able to fully grasp the reality of living a drug-free lifestyle with the help of group therapy.

The Benefits of Attending Substance Abuse Group Therapy

1. You will get mutual support.

Support is essential to your sober journey. As you are just beginning to develop your skills in facing life’s daily challenges without having to escape, you will need all the support you can get from other people. This is something that you will definitely have during group therapy. You will get to build a relationship within the group. You will also get to build a solid connection with your therapist. As you will be in the company of people who share the same experience with you, you will get meaningful support from people who truly understand you and who truly know what you’re going through.

2. You will feel less isolated.

Isolation can be triggering and psychologically damaging to people, especially ones who are recovering from addiction. Attending group therapies will remove the feeling of isolation. You will feel less isolated as you will get to connect with others. The journey to being sober can sometimes feel so lonely. With group therapies, you will feel less lonely.

3. Social learning at its best.

Interacting with people who share their experiences and successes will allow you to gather information on effective coping skills and strategies. You’d get to explore methods that worked out for other people and you’d get to see if they will work out with you as well.

4. You will have access to diverse perspectives.

You will get to interact with people from different walks of life. Knowing how it is on their end will give you precious insights into your journey and everyone’s journey.

5. You will learn accountability.

You will have no choice but to think differently and be altogether better as being a member of a group therapy will teach you accountability. All members will hold each and every individual accountable. This in turn will make everyone ever motivated and committed to recovery.

6. Skill building.

You will learn to cope in a healthy manner. In group therapy, you’d get to practice essential life and coping skills with no judgment. You will have everyone’s support and understanding.

7. Normalization.

The stigma of recovering from addiction will be removed. You will know and feel that your experience is a perfectly normal human experience. You will fully understand that there is nothing to be afraid of.

8. You will be encouraged to change.

You will have people who will instill a positive outlook in you. You will be encouraged to make positive changes in your life by zoning in on your behavior and thought patterns.

9. You will receive feedback.

Fellow members will get to give constructive feedback on your issues and how you’re handling them. As all will be done in a safe space, you will be able to fully reflect and grow as a person.

10. Therapeutic alliance.

You will experience a therapeutic alliance that will enable you to face the struggles of life while remaining sober. You will not feel alone and forsaken. You will always have a group to ask for help. You will always belong. You will always be supported.

The Challenges of Attending Substance Abuse Group Therapy

1. Resistance

You may initially feel reluctant to join one as it can feel uncomfortable and too much to share your experiences with people who do not belong to your close circle.

2. Confidentiality

You may be concerned when it comes to maintaining confidentiality. There will be fears of trust being breached.

3. Dominant Personalities.

Some group members may have dominant personalities that can inhibit you or others with quiet demeanors from sharing.

4. Emotions

Sessions can be emotionally intense. Some individuals can be triggered or overwhelmed.

5. Divergent Goals

Every member may have different goals. They may also be in different stages in their healing.

6. Triggers

Sessions where other people share their experiences and insight may unintentionally trigger you or others. This is why it’s important that you are aware of your personal triggers.  Knowing them will allow you to zone in on yourself and check if you need to step back from a certain session or discussion. Self-awareness is necessary as you will be dealing with a group of people with very different lives that come with their own traumatic experiences.

7. Dependency

The feeling of support may be new to others, so much so that there is a tendency to become overly dependent. This becomes a problem as it can hinder personal responsibility.

8. Dropout Rates

Individuals can drop out of group therapy due to conflicts or discomfort.

9. One-on-one time.

You will receive less attention as other members would want to share their stories as well. This is why you will need to have a dedicated separate time where you can be alone and one-on-one with your own therapist.

10. Boundaries

Setting boundaries may be challenging as what can be comfortable for others may be uncomfortable for some. This is why consistent and continuous continuation is key.