Why Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders Is Not for Everyone
Group therapy is a standard treatment option for individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Many rehabilitation programs with group therapy require mandatory attendance. However, not everyone benefits from participating in group therapy.
Individuals with co-occurring disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain personality disorders, and specific phobias, may respond better to other forms of therapy. Next Level Recovery Associates provides a variety of alternatives to group therapy to ensure you feel comfortable with the therapeutic method and level of support.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a cornerstone of peer support, and most rehabilitation programs require clients to attend some form of group therapy. Most sessions involve the following:
Guided discussions about topics related to substance misuse, recovery, and mental health
Readings of educational materials or guest speakers
Peer support through sharing personal experiences and active listening
Therapeutic exercises to develop essential coping skills
Group therapy provides many valuable tools and resources for individuals in recovery. However, some people have difficulty feeling comfortable in a group setting due to mental health disorders, severe symptoms, or disabilities that interfere with their ability to join a group comfortably.
Group Therapy Is Not Effective for Everyone
Some clients do not feel comfortable in a group therapy setting. Co-occurring disorders, severe symptoms, and concerns about the discretion of group members can contribute to the discomfort some people feel when they consider joining a group.
In addition, research has shown that group therapy is not an effective form of treatment for some mental health disorders. According to The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, “Persons with severe character pathology (narcissistic, borderline, or schizoid) appear at particular risk for poor outcome” when attending group therapy.
Group therapy may not be effective for some individuals due to the following:
Privacy Concerns
Privacy concerns might cause some people to feel uncomfortable engaging with a group of strangers. Recovery associates can help you find a therapy approach that will protect your privacy while ensuring you receive individualized support.
Trauma-Related Triggers
A history of trauma can make group therapy a minefield of potential triggers. Some alternatives for individuals with a history of trauma include trauma-focused therapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other experiential therapies.
Disruptive Personalities and Behaviors
Some people have difficulty containing disruptive behaviors due to mental health disorders or a lack of interest in group treatment. Disruptive behaviors can affect the mental health of an entire group, and it is encouraged that clients use alternative treatment options if they feel unable to control themselves during group therapy.
Agoraphobia and Other Specific Phobias
Specific phobias exist along a spectrum, and certain situations may cause more severe symptoms. Common phobias that can make group therapy uncomfortable include:
Agoraphobia: Fear of crowded spaces or areas you cannot easily escape
Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking
Social phobia or social anxiety disorder: Fear of social interactions
Severe phobias related to everyday items or situations can also make interacting with peer groups feel unpredictable and unsafe. Your therapist may encourage exposure therapy if you have phobias related to social situations.
Group therapy for SUD is rarely an appropriate space for exposing yourself to higher levels of stress. The topics discussed can trigger anxiety, cravings, and other symptoms that might increase the severity of phobia response.
Alternatives to Group Therapy
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “[G]roup psychotherapy is typically based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles.” During group sessions, clients are encouraged to identify and challenge irrational or maladaptive beliefs and find healthy solutions to current problems. The benefits include:
Decreased symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
Improved communication skills
Increased self-awareness, self-control, and self-efficacy
Lower risk of relapse
Development of social skills
Although group therapy is an excellent forum for change, some people do better in individual or alternative therapy sessions. You can get the same benefits from the following:
Art or music therapy
Animal-assisted therapy
EMDR or other trauma-focused therapies
Peer-led community groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Healing Without Group Therapy
You do not need group therapy to heal from the effects of SUD. Your recovery associate will help you identify a better option that allows you to avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort.
Next Level Recovery Associates facilitates personalized care and targeted treatments to ensure you get the best results. You can find peer support in many other areas that do not involve group therapy. Self-help and 12-Step groups are often less structured and can make accommodations in some cases to help people feel more comfortable attending meetings.
Treatment for SUD often includes individual and group therapies. However, some people do not benefit from attending group therapy. Next Level Recovery Associates can assist clients with identifying issues and finding solutions, including alternatives to group therapy for clients who do not feel comfortable attending group sessions. Alternatives can include trauma-focused or experiential therapies like EMDR. Recovery associates encourage clients to attend therapy that addresses their unique needs and fits best with their lifestyle. Group therapy is not the right option for everyone; many alternative therapies can provide the same benefits with more personalized sessions. Your Next Level Recovery Associates companion can provide details on local recovery services and therapies they offer that might fit your needs. We ensure that every treatment plan and therapy is individualized and relevant to your situation and current recovery goals. To learn more about our services, contact us today at consult@nextlevelra.com.