Since detox is the very first step in addiction treatment, in many situations, group therapy doesn’t even enter the picture. It is seen as a deeper aspect of recovery therapy. However, at SoCal Detox (an orange county detox in San Clemente, California) we have seen so many benefits to group therapy in detox that we make it part of our clinical program.

Because of this, along with getting rid of the substances in your system and breaking their hold on your physical body, you are preparing for long-term healing with a powerful treatment tool. In order to help you dig deep, we offer group and individual therapy in order to both kick-start your recovery process and to help identify the best next step for your recovery care.

What Does Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment Look Like?

In long-term addiction treatment, you will be presented with a variety of group therapy types. Knowing the facts about each one will better inform you on what you will be able to discover in each. We’re going to be going over the 5 main group therapies and how they are effective in your treatment.

1. 1. Psychoeducational Group Therapy

Psychoeducation teaches problem-solving and communication skills and provides education and resources in a supportive environment. In a group setting, it is cooperative and community oriented.

This treatment method is effective because it informs residents about disorders that they may have and the many ways that they can successfully manage them. For example, a therapy session could educate a heroin user about the harmful effects that the drug has on the body. Some of the things that the resident learns to manage are their feelings, handling conflict, overcoming abuse, keeping physically healthy, and engaging with family. This treatment is based on some of the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, which can also be a type of group therapy.

2. 2. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBT)

In short, CBT effectively treats health disorders by changing the way a user thinks then behaves about their addiction. In other words, the treatment’s goal is to change their pattern of thinking by making them aware when they are making negative choices. The result is a positive change in behavior through reinforcement.

For example, a therapist may use talk therapy (common use of CBT) to bring out a time of extreme negativity that the user experienced surrounding addiction. Together the group delves into the emotions and thoughts that contribute to the behavior and learn how to modify their actions and practice. This is just one of the many techniques used in cognitive group therapy.

3. 3. Skill Development Groups

This therapy is effective because it teaches users the skills that are needed to refrain from chemical dependency. In this therapy, psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral elements are incorporated for practical results. When people suffer from substance abuse, often they have a deficit in interpersonal skills. This is one reason a skill development group is so ideal. It naturally moves residents into working with one another, giving and receiving positive reinforcement, and generally building core proficiencies for returning to society.

4. 4. Support Groups

These groups are effective because they provide emotional sustenance that can help an addict make a lifestyle change to reach a long-term goal. Overall, they have the ability to strengthen positive emotions, which later provide positive outcomes over one’s life. As well support groups will form the bedrock for social support outside of treatment. In a rehab, a support group is training for long-term recovery in community.

5. 5. Interpersonal Process Groups

These groups effectively use psychodynamics to promote healing in a person’s life. Less focused on the content of a particular session, the purpose this type of therapy focuses on the present, noticing signs of people recreating their past in what is going on between and among members of the group. Overall, this technique overviews developmental issues and changes dysfunctional and destructive behavioral patterns.

Why Group Therapy for Detox?

Good group therapy is a foundational aspect of addiction treatment. In this environment, residents are able to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As well they are able to learn some foundational communication skills. There is also a certain amount of cooperation necessary and conflict resolution involved in group therapy. All of these contribute to a holistic recovery treatment method that makes up a solid program.

Find Recovery at SoCal

At SoCal Detox, our clinical program for residents is carefully crafted to offer multiple aspects of therapeutic care as well as offer individualized attention for each person. If you or a loved one are looking for addiction treatment that considers the whole person and is created for lasting recovery, call us today. Our addiction specialists are ready to answer your questions and give you real solutions: 888-590-0777.