Some substance abusers don’t really recognize their habit is a problem. When confronted about their habit, their defense is that they have everything under control. It is usually a bold move for drug or alcohol abusers to admit they have a problem or need help. One of the ways substance abusers can get assistance is through group counseling. Here are eight things they will learn during these sessions.
Accountability
Although one-on-one sessions with therapists are necessary for substance abusers, these sessions usually lack accountability. The situation is different when substance abusers enroll in a partial hospitalization program in Florida that offers group therapy. In these sessions, group members work together and hold each other accountable for their actions. This helps those working on their recovery to push forward toward achieving their goals.
They Are Not Alone
Some people with substance use disorder have a history of sexual or physical abuse. Others have done things they were ashamed of as a result of their addiction. Therefore, they usually feel like they are the only ones who have faced such issues. However, when they get to group therapy, they learn that others have had similar experiences, and it relieves them to know they are not alone.
Learn From Others
The nature of group therapy is that it involves people from different backgrounds, sexes, beliefs, and ages. In these sessions, people share their various life experiences and how they handled them. The others can learn ways to incorporate different strategies to address their substance use problem.
First-Hand Evidence
It is not uncommon to find recovering addict being skeptical of their therapy sessions. Some do not believe these sessions are effective. However, they meet people in different stages of recovery when they join group therapy. This allows them to witness first-hand the progress people have made. This encourages them to advance toward their recovery goals.
Encourages Vulnerability
It is not easy for anyone to show vulnerability in front of strangers. The situation is worse for people with an addiction as they feel that people will judge them harshly for sharing theirvulnerability. However, new patients witness others opening up and sharing freely in group therapy. In the process, they learn there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable.
Improve Communication Skills
Many people claim they have good communication skills, but that is not usually the case. Building good communication skills takes time and practice. Recovering people with an addiction in group therapy are all engaged in the project of listening and understanding. In case something is not clear, someone else jumps in to clarify. In the process, patients learn how others misinterpret what they say and learn to communicate clearly.
Self-Recovery
Some people with addiction disorders have a blind spot that holds them back from effectively addressing things at the root of their problems. In group therapy, members are encouraged to share honest opinions. Thus, individuals with an addiction get to see their reflections from other perspectives. That way, they learn about the situations where they need assistance.
Widens Perspectives
In group therapy, the only thing that all participants have in common is addiction and its consequences. Beyond that, each person has a diverse perspective to bear. By sharing these experiences, substance abusers learn from each other’s failures and successes while being challenged to think about their struggles from different perspectives.
These are eight things substance abusers could learn from group therapy. Though some do not value these sessions, the benefits they get from them can be quite useful. However, these therapy sessions should be facilitated by competent professionals.