Group Therapy for Substance Abuse, Depression, & Other Co-Occurring Disorders in Fort Lauderdale
Finding Strength in Shared Experience
Breaking Isolation, Building Community
For many who are impacted by addiction, words alone cannot express their pain. How is it possible to articulate the impact of trauma, the impact of relapse, or the feeling of anxiety in your chest? That is why, many times, the most significant healing takes place when we stop using words and begin creating.
At Agape Treatment Center, we offer art therapy for addiction recovery as a vehicle to connect your inner world to your outside world. You don’t need artistic ability to benefit from this, only the willingness to be open to exploration. Using color, shape, and texture will allow you to bypass the “reason” or thought process used to rationalize your addiction. This allows you to ultimately access deep emotional feelings in a safe and humane way.
What is Group Therapy for Substance Abuse?
Group therapy for substance abuse is where a small group of people in recovery come together for therapy with a licensed therapist or clinician who facilitates meaningful discussion and therapeutic work.[1] Unlike individual therapy where you work one-on-one with your therapist, group therapy allows you to harness the collective wisdom and support of other peers who understand addiction from the inside.
Generally, our groups are formed of 6-10 participants who meet for 60-90 minutes in one of our comfortable therapy rooms at our Fort Lauderdale-area treatment center. Sessions are led by licensed counselors or mental health professionals who are experienced in treating addiction. Our group therapeutic approach is used at all levels of care at Agape.
How Group Therapy Works for Addiction Recovery
Whether it’s group therapy for depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, or alcohol use, the goal is to simultaneously address the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of addiction. Multiple studies show that participating in peer support groups greatly increases the likelihood of successful long-term recovery. When you hear someone describe a struggle you have experienced but didn’t have the words for, something significant occurs. The feeling of shame is diminished, and hope is cultivated.
The Therapeutic Process
The evidence-based group therapy curriculum we offer incorporates various therapeutic approaches, including:
- Process groups where you share current challenges and learn about the challenges of other participants.
- Psychoeducation groups that teach you the neuroscience behind addiction and recovery.
- Skills-building groups where you will practice coping skills for distress tolerance and emotional regulation to improve your overall well-being.
- Relapse prevention workshops where you will identify triggers and create strategies to prevent relapse.
This “mirroring effect,” where you hear your own story shared by another member of the group, is nothing short of magical. Once your story is shared, the feeling of shame is diminished, you have validation for your struggles, and you realize you are not alone. Furthermore, by supporting other group members on their recovery journey, you reinforce your own recovery path and rebuild self-esteem eroded by addiction.
The Power of Peer Connection
Multiple studies indicate that group therapy for depression and substance abuse produces equal or better outcomes than individual therapy alone.[2] We believe this occurs as a result of:
- Connection breaking isolation: Addiction tells you to hide, keep secrets, push people away. Group therapy creates authentic human connections that counter this behavior.
- Accountability increasing commitment: You’re more likely to follow through on your recovery goals if your group will check in with you.
- Different perspectives offer a wide variety of solutions: Ten people offer ten different ways of handling problems. Just because something hasn’t worked for one person does not mean it won’t work for you.
- Seeing the progress of others creates hope: Watching another participant in your group grow and develop, where just last month they were struggling, demonstrates that recovery is possible.
Efficacy of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse
There is overwhelming evidence that group therapy is one of the most effective types of treatment for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).[3] Research has shown that individuals participating in group therapy have outcomes similar to those in individual therapy, and results are even stronger when both types of therapies are used together.[4]
Key findings include:
Lower relapse rates
A significant body of research demonstrates that group therapy results in lower relapse rates than treatment without peer support.[5] The social connection experienced in group settings stimulates the reward centers of your brain, which have been damaged by addiction.
Less shame and isolation
The “universality” effect—or the realization that you are not the only one experiencing SUD—contradicts the shame and isolation often associated with the addiction.[6]
Better outcomes for dual diagnosis
Group therapy works well with individuals with a co-occurring disorder (i.e., depression and substance abuse) by allowing clients to better understand the connection between their mental health and their substance use through working on both issues simultaneously.[7]
Greater self-efficacy
Research in social learning theory has demonstrated that witnessing a peer successfully navigate the recovery process drives an individual’s self-belief in their ability to remain sober.[8]
What to Expect from Group Therapy
A typical group therapy session lasts 60 to 90 minutes with 6 to 12 clients in recovery and a licensed therapist or addiction counselor facilitating the session. Each group session follows a structured format designed to incorporate sharing, skill-building, and peer support.
Most sessions include:
01
Check-in
Each member of the group participates in a check-in by sharing how they are feeling or discussing any challenges they have experienced in the past week.
02
Therapeutic focus
The facilitator of the group presents a theme or skill development, like managing triggers, processing emotions, or communication skills.
03
Group discussion
Group members share their personal experiences, discuss the theme being presented, and provide feedback to other members.
04
Closing reflections
Participants reflect on what they learned during the session and how they will use that information moving forward.
Agape Wide Range of Treatment
Group Therapy at Agape Treatment Center
Your first visit to a group therapy session is often intimidating: “What will everyone think of me? What if I cannot think of anything to say? Will I be forced to share before I am ready?”
At Agape, we create a warm, supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can actively participate at a pace that feels comfortable to you. At the beginning of each session, facilitators will go over the ground rules for the group (confidentiality, respect, and avoiding cross-talk) to ensure that every member feels safe. You will never be forced to participate in a way that makes you uncomfortable, but you will be gently encouraged to do so as you feel ready.
Transforming Pain into Art
Your artwork will be a representation of the healing journey you have embarked on while in our care. Whether you are expressing anger through painting or hope through drawing, your Agape therapist will be present to help you channel your creative expression into sober strength. Healing is not solely about stopping the use of drugs; it is rediscovering who you are as an individual and allowing yourself to be creative, feel, and flourish.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Group therapy at Agape Treatment Center provides you the opportunity to establish a sense of connectedness, hope, and the healing benefits of shared experiences. Our Fort Lauderdale center is a community that will walk beside you on your journey to long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Group Therapy at Agape Treatment Center
What if I'm not comfortable sharing in front of others?
That is very normal. You are not required to say anything in front of another person until you feel comfortable doing so. Many clients begin listening to the other members of the group and eventually find their voices. The staff creates a safe and supportive environment around each member so that they are able to participate at their own pace.
How is group therapy different from support groups like AA?
Both forms of groups can be beneficial, but the primary differences are: 1) facilitation by a licensed mental health professional and 2) the utilization of evidence-based modalities in group therapy as opposed to the peer support format of support groups like AA or NA.
Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Always. Confidentiality is the foundation of group therapy. The information that is shared in group stays in the group! We review the confidentiality agreement with each member before the treatment begins, and any breach will be taken very seriously.
What if I don't relate to the other people in my group?
You may be surprised. Many clients find that while everyone in the group has different histories regarding past employment, drug of choice, etc., the emotions tied to their addiction are similar to one another. You may end up making connections with clients that you never expected to.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
Yes. Coverage for group therapy is part of the accepted standards of health care for the treatment of addiction and should be covered by your insurance. Our admissions department can verify how much insurance you have available for group therapy.
Sources
[1] [2] [3] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, White, K. D., Kopstein, A., & Currier, C. (n.d.). Substance abuse treatment: group therapy. In Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series (No. 41). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma15-3991.pdf
[4] [5] [6] American Psychological Association. (2019). Group therapy: How it works and why it’s effective for addiction. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy
[7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders research report: Part 1: The connection between substance use disorders and mental illness. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
[8] [9] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance abuse treatment: Group therapy (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64223/
