BLOG | Addiction

6 Benefits of Finding Group Therapy Near You

Written by Steve Carleton | Updated on Feb 18, 2023

Steve Carleton Headshot

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patrick J. Gallus, DO

Humans are by nature social creatures with an inclination to gather in large and small groups. This biologically determined need to be a part of groups can be advantageous to people seeking recovery from substance use disorders because group therapy can be an extremely beneficial tool no matter where they are in their recovery. The groups a person is a part of will shape thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and mental and physical health. This aspect makes formal therapy groups a compelling source of persuasion, stabilization, and support. 

Group Models Used in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Although many groups hold the potential to be therapeutic, the models used in substance use disorder treatment have trained leaders and the intention of healing individuals from substance use. The group models used in substance use disorder treatment are:

  • Psychoeducational Groups: In these groups, teaching about substance use disorders is provided.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Groups: The thinking and behavior patterns that lead to addiction are examined, challenged, and rearranged in these types of groups. 
  • Support Groups:  Support groups are a safe place for members to provide support and hold one another accountable.
  • Interpersonal Process Groups: This group is less commonly used due to the intensive training required for group leaders. Members are given a chance to recreate their past and rethink the past problems that they have avoided by using substances. 

The 6 Benefits of Group Therapy in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Although group therapy can have some disadvantages, it should be noted that any modality can have risks if used inappropriately or by a poorly trained therapist. When used properly and done by well-trained therapists, using group therapy to treat people with substance use disorders can have numerous benefits and advantages.

Six advantages of group therapy in substance use disorder treatment are:

  1. Positive peer support and pressure to remain abstinent: Group therapy implies a commitment from each member to attend, be on time, and treat this time as special. Failure to do this disappoints the group and makes it less effective, making the support and pressure to remain abstinent strong and powerful.
  2. Reduction in the feelings of isolation that many people experiencing substance use disorders feel: Group therapy provides time for sharing, and for many people, the more formal nature of participation in group therapy, as opposed to self-help groups, increases their feelings of security and enhances their ability to share openly.
  3. People using substances are allowed an opportunity to see the recovery of others: Seeing the recovery journey of others provides hope and inspiration to those who are using substances and want to stop.
  4. An opportunity to learn or relearn needed social skills to cope with everyday life instead of turning to substance use: Group members can learn by watching others and practicing social skills in a safe and supportive space.
  5. Effective confrontation of individual members about their substance use and harmful behaviors: Confrontation is necessary at times since many people who use substances may not be able to see some of the problems in their lives. The confronting members speak with authority since they share common experiences and problems with the person being confronted. This can also help other members recognize the denial in themselves and manage it more effectively.
  6. One professional can help multiple people at a time: Group members can even become informal leaders themselves and help extend the influence of the therapist.

What About Introverts and People with Social Anxiety?

Can people who are more introverted or who have social anxiety benefit from group therapy? There is no one size fits all treatment modality, and different treatments work will vary in effectiveness depending on the individual. However, group therapy for substance use disorder can be helpful even for introverts and people with social anxiety. 

Group therapy for substance use disorder, especially CBT-based groups, can be beneficial for people who also have social anxiety. CBT is focused on changing thought and behavior patterns, and these principles used in substance use disorder groups can be adapted and used to help decrease social anxiety. Small therapy groups for the treatment of substance use disorder can also provide members a safe space for positive social interactions with others. Introverts are generally more comfortable in small groups, which may help them open up in group therapy. The small size of many therapy groups may make it easier for introverts to get to know the other members better. Since introverts are often more comfortable talking to people they know, a small therapy group can be a safe place for them to open up and share.

Substance use disorder treatment should not be cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all. On admission to Gallus Medical Detox Centers, an individualized treatment plan is devised based on each patient’s unique needs. We do not fit our patients into our care model; we tailor our care to fit the patient. Detox is an important first step in the recovery process and we want to reduce the fear around it. Our staff of experts utilizes evidence-based IV and oral medication protocols, allowing each patient to detox from substances comfortably and safely. With our focus on dignity in healing, you will receive state-of-the-art medical detox services delivered with empathy and compassion. Patients at Gallus Medical Detox Centers will also benefit from massage therapy, mindfulness, and an aftercare plan, ensuring a smooth transition to the next level of care.

If you or a loved one is ready to start a life in recovery, medical detox may be your best first step. Call us at (720) 669-8178 for information about our upscale facilities in Phoenix and Denver.

Steve Carleton

Steve worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs for 10 years. He is a PTSD and substance use disorder expert with over 14 years of experience in and around addiction. Steve is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social work. He teaches cognitive behavioral therapies, Motivational Interviewing, assessment skills using DSM-5, amongst others.

Last medically reviewed on June 02, 2021

Starting Over Can Start Today. Reach out to our team at 720-809-7780.

Send us a message. We’ll be in touch.


Continue Reading

Dr. Patrick J. Gallus, DO
Mar 25, 2024
Dr. Patrick J. Gallus, DO
Mar 20, 2024
Dr. Patrick J. Gallus, DO
Feb 13, 2024

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, call Gallus at
(888) 306-3122.