Group therapy is a setting that has psychologists and a group of a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 individuals. A typical group session takes one to two hours in one week. Substance abuse group therapy facilitates interaction with people struggling with similar challenges. They share ideas on how to overcome different challenges that come with withdrawal from drug abuse.
When to Join Group Therapy
Most people prefer individual therapy where they feel confident to share with a psychologist. However, group therapy is equally recommended. Listening to people explain their struggles with addiction makes you have the confidence to face the difficult journey of drug withdrawal. You can join a group when your doctor suggests you do so, probably after a successful body detox. Detox is considered successful if you undergo all stages of detoxification. You can read more on drug detox here at https://www.ascendantny.com/detox-centers-new-jersey/ . You can also visit a group and evaluate if you are comfortable being a member of the gathering.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
You are probably wondering why you need group therapy, yet you have undergone treatment. You may also have started your individual therapy, but still, group therapy is paramount. Here are some reasons why you need to attend group therapy.
Support
You will need support if you quit drugs. Your group will help you with ideas on how to go through a difficult situation, probably because they have been through it. Many ideas help you choose what will work for you. You will also learn to be accountable, enabling you to be on your best behavior.
Putting Your Situation in Perspective
When struggling with withdrawal symptoms, you might feel lonely. Having people talk about their challenging journey and their struggle with the desire for drugs will change how you think about your problems. It helps you understand that people are going through difficult situations, and yet they are pushing on. Such inspiration gives you the will to continue staying away from substance abuse.
Diversities
The good thing with people sharing experiences is that you get multiple ideas on solving a problem. As you listen to more ideas, you can try out some of the strategies and see how they work with you. You might be surprised at how much you can learn from different people.
They Are Free
Joining a peer support group, especially community-based support groups, is free. You are probably required to make small donations to cater to the basic needs of a comfortable session.
You Might Help Someone
You may not know it, but your experience might help someone in your group. It may cause great turning points for a listener.
No One Is Judging You
The best thing about support groups is that no one judges you. No one cares who you were. All that matters is that you want to change, and you are doing something about it.
How Do You Join a Group?
The best way to find a group is through your physicians, or you can also inquire from your psychologist if you have one. You can also find out if your local hospital sponsors such groups. Determine if you prefer open or closed groups. Open groups have a chance for a new member to join. On the other hand, closed groups start with a fixed number of people, and new members are not added to the group, and they take the 12- week group sessions to the end. Closed groups are most preferred as people can share experiences at each stage uniformly.
Joining a support group is a crucial decision you need to consider after you are through detoxification. Combining all the necessary methods to recover may help you get better sooner. You will need your group for support, and you might help someone else in the process.