1. Utilizing Group Therapy to Overcome Addiction
May 15, 2013
| Last Updated on Friday, 17 May, 2013 12:22
There are many steps that take place when developing a strategy to overcome substance abuse. The
hardest part for most people is admitting that they have a problem. In most cases you will find that the
abuser will continuously make excuses in order to validate the fact that they use drugs. In other cases
instead of validating their reasons they begin to argue that they don’t abuse the drugs, they use them
recreationally and on a occasion, in way trying to convince the person they are speaking with and
themselves that they are in complete control of their use and can stop whenever they want.
The problem with many of these cases is that the listener is more than likely a loved one who does not
actually understand firsthand what the abuser is going through because they themselves aren’t drug
abusers. Through much research it has been proven that a very helpful progression to a clean recovery
is through group therapy. There are many facilities who offer group therapy for both the drug abuser
and their loved ones. When deciding to take the first step in admitting your problem you will then
realize how many options and resources are at arms reach.
Having Support
Group therapy is one of the most successful ways for people to overcome many things. In a group
setting you will find that you are not the only one struggling in this battle between yourself and your
addiction. This helps to relieve some of the stress and overwhelming feelings of being judged and
embarrassed about your issues. Finding that you have similar issues in common with others in a group
setting will naturally make you want to open up and discuss your own issues more openly, a great
beginning to a hopeful ending.
There is much importance in finding a group therapy program that works best for you, as previously
mentioned there are many options when considering group therapy. Family therapy could be a great
option for those who are struggling with substance abuse and have their family as a support system, this
will help keep the bad influences away and ensure that your family is still included in your life helping
to strengthen your ability to overcome your addiction.
Group Therapy Session
There are some people who unfortunately have no family or a supportive group of good influential
people to help them with their substance abuse treatment issues, for you there is another great option.
Finding a group therapy session that others in similar situations go to can also be of great help and
importance to getting sober. Understanding that you are now there for one another helps tremendously
because you are all held accountable for your actions and the groups success.
In group therapy there are many activities that are put into place in order to help each individual as well
as the group as a whole achieve a successful goal of becoming sober. Storytelling has a major impact in
group settings, while listening to other’s stories you begin to realize how much you can relate to the
rest of the group. This builds rapport and a sense of familiarity and togetherness, which will then leave
everyone feeling more inclined to sober up together as a “family.”