One of the most effective tools a recovering addict has to stay sober is group therapy. This form of therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for the addict to explore the underlying causes of their addiction with the help of a professional.
Group therapy sessions are a great place for addicts to share their experiences with others, discuss the challenges they face, and learn from one another.
How Does a Group Therapy Program Work?
In group therapy, addicts learn and practice recovery strategies, develop interpersonal skills, and reinforce and develop social support networks.
The goal of a therapeutic group is to facilitate change. In other words, you need to understand yourself and make changes within yourself. As a result, you can change the behavior that leads to addictions.
Typically, there are six to twelve recovering addicts who meet regularly with one or two group therapists.
While group therapy for addiction is not a substitute for detox and medical treatments, it still forms an invaluable pillar of support for recovering addicts. In fact, many treatment centers and recovery programs will provide group therapy services.
How Is LA Group Therapy Different Than 12-Step Programs?
Group therapy for addiction and 12-step programs have some similarities in their approach. Both provide addicts with strategies and support in their recovery in a group setting; however, they are not the same thing.
Group therapy’s main difference is that it’s facilitated by a professional therapist or counselor, whereas in 12-step groups addicts help each other directly. Professional counselors or therapists are paid for the services provided.
Other ways in which therapy groups differentiate from 12-step programs include:
- An interview process prior to joining the group
- Inability to just walk in and out of meetings
- Privacy contracts are signed
- Contact with other participants outside the meetings tends to be prohibited
- Therapy is more focused on each individual
- Group therapy is a paid service
Group therapy tends to be sought after by addicts at the beginning of their sobriety as its effectiveness in helping them transition to a sober life.
How to Find Addiction LA Group Therapy
Group therapy for addiction is readily available in Los Angeles. There are a number of LA group therapy sources that can help people with their addiction problems.
This form of treatment is mostly available in hospital units supervising withdrawal patients, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs, non hospital residential treatment centers, halfway houses, and continuing care groups.
There are a number of ways in which one can find a therapy group:
Primary Care
Contacting your primary care physician and asking for a referral to an addiction therapist is also another way in which you or your loved one can find LA group therapy.
Therapy Websites
There are many websites available that offer therapy services or where the therapist’s contact information is listed.
For example, a popular site to find therapists is Psychology today, the website lists therapists in all states and their contact information.
The most important thing to know about these websites is that patients must check the therapist’s credentials and ensure that they are both legitimate and adequate.
Inpatient facilities
Inpatient facilities, halfway homes, rehab, and detox centers are all places where group therapy is hosted.
Addiction facilities also host therapy groups as part of their treatment programs, asking your inpatient facility or recovery care provider about group therapy for addiction is a great way to be pointed in the right direction.
90210 Recovery offers inpatient services and an aftercare program to help you and your loved ones get the help they need to get sober and stay sober.
Contact 90210 Recovery to learn more about what you can do to help your loved ones receive the treatment they need.
