Group Therapy for Drug Addiction vs Individual Therapy
Although millions of Americans are struggling with drug addiction, only 10 percent of individuals ever receive the treatment they need. That said, treatment is available, and it can be life-changing. Both individual and group therapy for addiction provide people with the hope, skills, and resources they need to build a sustainable life in recovery. Read on to explore the key differences.
What Is Group Therapy For Addiction?
Group therapy offers a safe and supportive space for like-minded individuals to gather and discuss their struggles, fears, and successes. From the collective strength of the group, you learn that you never are alone in your battles. Likewise, you learn how to lean on people, accept feedback, and take new risks.
Group therapy for addiction tends to focus on specific topics related to relapse prevention, self-esteem, managing triggers and cravings, and implementing healthy and positive coping skills. Group addiction therapy activities can integrate all kinds of mediums including open-ended processing, writing, art, reading, and meditating.
While mental health clinicians facilitate group therapy for addiction, many people also benefit from specific support groups including:
- 12-Step Groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous)
- SMART Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
- SOS
- LifeRing
These peer-led groups provide support and guidance for individuals in all stages of recovery. The meetings are run on donations, and they are usually open to anyone who shows the willingness for change.
What is Individual Therapy For Addiction?
Unlike group therapy for addiction, your individual work focuses exclusively on you. Regarding your addiction, therapy helps you identify the potential barriers that can affect your recovery. Therapy also helps you navigate healthy ways to cope with stress as it arises.
You and your therapist work on your addiction, but you will also address underlying issues potentially related to trauma, co-occurring mental illness, and other life stressors.
Individual therapy provides a nonjudgmental space for exploring your innermost thoughts and feelings. For this reason, the therapy experience can be incredibly profound and powerful. You will build a special relationship with your therapist built on trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
Can You Blend Both Therapy Approaches?
Many people benefit from taking an eclectic approach in treating their addiction. Therefore, it is common for clients to attend both individual and group therapy for addiction.
This blending approach serves many useful purposes. On the one hand, group therapy for addiction allows you to share, learn, and build positive peer support with fellow members. On the other hand, you also have your individual therapist to explore sensitive issues that you may not feel comfortable expressing in a group setting. Both therapies can provide you with the valuable opportunity of learning more about yourself. They can also encourage you to push through your comfort zone and make positive changes in your life.
Seeking New Jersey Addiction Help
Asking for help can be challenging, but it is often the step you need to take to get your life back on track. Lumos Counseling offers both individual and group therapy for addiction. Look no further for the best NJ addiction help. Click to schedule a free consultation today.
Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
The statistics are harrowing. Over 100 Americans die every day from drug overdoses. Many of these deaths result from the misuse of prescription medication. Unfortunately, these numbers only appear to be climbing every year.
Despite the statistics, overcoming prescription drug addiction is possible. Addiction therapy can help you learn the tools and coping strategies needed to stay sober. It can also provide you with a safe place for support, compassion, and nonjudgmental feedback.
Even when legally prescribed, misusing prescription medication can be fatal. Likewise, prescription medication can cause serious problems in your relationships, mental health, and overall functioning. Read on to learn more about what you need to know in overcoming prescription drug addiction.
Understanding and Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
Did you know that drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental and preventable deaths in New Jersey? Rather than suffering another day, consider how NJ addiction help can get your life back on track.
Not sure if you actually have an addiction? Do you go back and forth debating whether your problem is bad enough? Consider the following questions:
- Have you tried cutting down or abstaining from your prescription?
- Are you consistently taking more than the prescribed amount?
- Are you stealing, lying, or manipulating others to get more of the substance?
- Do you experience withdrawal effects when stopping use?
- Has your drug use prevented you from enjoying normal activities that you like?
- Have you tried overcoming prescription drug addiction in the past?
Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions may indicate a substance use problem. At this point, it is essential to realize that most addiction problems do not get better on their own. Furthermore, getting sober without addressing underlying issues can increase the chance for relapsing.
Because substance use can be so multifaceted and insidious, overcoming prescription drug addiction may require professional intervention.
Group Therapy For Drug Addiction
Group therapy provides a unique experience for like-minded individuals to learn, grow, and support one another. People struggling with substance use tend to isolate from loved ones. This isolation can perpetuate feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Groups provide a united sense of community in overcoming prescription drug addiction.
Group therapy activities for drug addiction vary, but they may include:
- Expressive therapy via creative mediums (i.e., art or writing)
- Relapse prevention classes
- Process groups (talking about here-and-now emotions and experiences)
- Identifying triggers
- Social skills
- Family dynamic support
- Learning new coping skills
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Specific therapy techniques (CBT or DBT interventions)
- Support for other issues like chronic pain, depression, or anxiety
- Life skills (i.e., finding a job, budgeting money)
These addiction therapy activities are intended to help you learn more about yourself when overcoming prescription drug addiction. The group, however, provides a powerful sense of camaraderie and friendship that can motivate you to push through your fears and obstacles.
Seeking New Jersey Addiction Help
The idea of entering treatment may feel overwhelming. It’s normal to fear failure or “wasting your time.” It’s also typical to doubt whether you really need the support.
Whether this is your first or tenth time working on overcoming prescription drug addiction, Lumos Counseling PC provides a secure and open space for your healing journey. Contact us today to get started with your therapy journey.