When it comes to alcohol and drug addiction recovery, there is no one 'best' approach to recovering from an addiction and there is no single part of the process which works exactly the same for each person. However, group sessions have come to be seen as one of the best possible therapies for those in addiction recovery.
Group therapy sessions can be extremely helpful to many struggling with addiction. The types of groups we will be addressing are support groups (by which we mean self-help and support meetings, typically free of charge), and group sessions or groups which are educational in nature,which are moderated by professionals.
Group sessions, whether for support or as a clinical therapy have several benefits:
1). Learning that there are others who share your problems, or problems like yours. While their addictions may not be the same as yours, you'll find that there are a lot of similarities to how you and the other members of the group experience addiction - meaning that you can learn valuable coping strategies from each other.
2). You will probably have the opportunity to see someone with the same problems as you who has come farther along through the recovery process that you'll realize that there is hope for you; which will give you additional incentive to stay in recovery.
3). Being able to get some things off of your chest can be a big help towards getting you closer to recovery. We are by nature social animals and having a group to share your troubles with can make your burdens easier to bear.
4). Group sessions are a great way to build your social skills.
Addiction therapy groups which are guided or moderated by a therapist or other professional offer even greater benefits to those battling drug and alcohol addiction. These groups tend to be smaller. The information divulged in this context is far more likely to remain confidential. The therapist or other health professional moderating the group session will likely be very helpful in examining the dynamics of the group and helping the individuals in it to understand their own behaviors. Like any group sessions, the benefits are most readily apparent after having participated for some length of time, from months to as long as a few years.
Educationally oriented groups (also known as psycho-educational groups) do not offer all of the benefits of the other types of groups, but instead offer instruction on coping strategies for overcoming addiction. There will likely be a very limited amount of socialization and interaction involved. These groups are instructional, but unless the instructor is especially talented, can take on the feel of a lecture.
The best group sessions to help you break the bonds of addiction are the ones offered by a local alcohol and drug professional or drug rehab program with an excellent reputation. Support groups in your area can also be helpful and are usually free and offered at various times which can fit into your schedule.
