Introduction
In spite of all the backlashes that therapy gets, it is by far one of the best methods to understand the inner workings of the human mind. So, when we are talking about addiction, it can be caused by external sources.
However, it is always something in our subconscious mind which pushes us towards addictive substances. Therapy can be the first step of recovery for all patients since they will analyze all the dimensions of the addiction and give solutions accordingly.
Today the subject that we will be covering is called group therapy. Feeling isolated can be a crucial reason for failing recovery. In group therapy, the patient can feel a sense of collectivism and get motivated by the success stories of others. So, opting for a medical emergency that will work in the area of concern is actually a great choice.
What Is Group Therapy?
Before we discuss the credible benefits of group therapy, it is important to discuss the definition of group therapy.
What exactly happens in group therapy?
Group therapy is generally used to induce collectivity. It is also known as one of the most effective psychological treatments. In group therapy, as the name suggests, people coming from different backgrounds have a shared issue.
They can talk to one therapist, share their stories and find relatability among all the other patients. The therapist gives suggestions for treatment, but at the same time, they can become a life coach giving advice beyond the problem.
Group therapy has always been an essential part of addiction recovery, and here are the seven most prominent reasons you should consider group therapy during an addiction problem.
1. The Patient Doesn’t Feel Isolated
Isolation is the worst thing for a patient suffering from addiction. They always end up thinking that their issue is one in a million and no one else would be understanding. In the case of single therapy sessions, the professional can be somewhat of a help, but it is not enough.
Rather than feeling isolated, they have to know that they are not alone. This is the first problem that will be resolved once you enroll them in group therapy. There are people who are suffering from the same addiction, and the patient will find their first sense of belonging.
2. Inducing Hope
Hope is never lost in a group session. Because it is not just the professional telling what the patient can do next, it is also about the other patients telling them what worked.
It is credibility that brings upon hope. A person who is suffering is seeing others and eventually learning the ways that can help them.
3. Collective Recovery
We are always safe around a group. Group of same cultural background, ethnicity, etc. There is collectivism in a group, and this is essentially helpful for an addiction patient.
Once they realize that they are not alone, they will be witnessing the recovery of others. In turn, this will motivate them, especially when they see other fellow patients recovering; they would want to reach the other side as well.
These recovery centers conducting the group therapy sessions always have a logbook for all the patients. These recovery milestones are collectively shared, which gives the individual some sense of positivity.
4. Patient-Patient Motivation
We never know how bad our addiction is until someone else suffers from the same thing. Then, when we hear tales of suffering and painful withdrawal symptoms during group therapy, we subconsciously try to help the other person.
The same happens to you when you share your stories. The patient sitting beside you is feeling empathetic and trying to uplift you. These words will motivate not only you but also the other individual.
These group therapies will create a halo of high spirits and holistic recovery.
5. Motivational Feedback & Stories
In group therapies, it is not about talking about the problems and the therapist giving the right solution. It is also about talking about successes and motivational stories. For example, patients can share about their good days and how they have personally motivated their minds to stay away.
It is about the small steps and the tiny rewards for the efforts of bettering their lives. Patients can feel a sense of success in sharing them, and it is a source of collective motivation.
6. Relationship Skills Getting Better
A patient’s socializing and relationship skills go down the drawing they catch the hold of addiction. They will generally isolate themselves from everyone and dwell in the bubble of addiction.
The anger and frustration also increase with the level of addiction. Losing friends and the support of family members are commonly occurring. This is why group therapy is so important.
Along with the addiction recovery, they are also taught the different ways in which they can build a relationship again. How to create harmony with others and how to socialize normally again are some common lessons of a drug recovery center.
7. Relapse Prevention
Withdrawal from any addiction has relapsing tendencies. At one point, you will get this strong urge to give up and go back to your old habits. Group therapy is the best solution for these issues, and thus they are common in most recovery centers now.
Relapses can be prevented when you are among people going through the same thing. It is odd to think that patients who want to relapse themselves are motivating others, but this has been seen in group therapies.
Patients are talking to other patients to stop them from recovering.
If you are planning on enrolling yourself or a loved one in a recovery center, remember that group therapy will be mandatory in some. Do not get scared with the exposure.
Remember, no other soul can understand your pain more than these patients. Because they are suffering from the same addiction and mental health issues, and they are all here to recover.
