Substance abuse can rip families apart, leaving individuals lonely and depressed. Many people who suffer from addiction feel alone even when they're surrounded by loved ones. Support groups and group treatment options can help substance abusers feel understood. Through group treatment, addicts can get advice from their peers, practice socially appropriate behavior and get honest feedback.
12-Step Programs
Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help individuals get sober and stay sober. Through these programs, individuals can come and go as they please. People suffering from substance abuse problems can attend multiple meetings a day or attend one meeting a week, based on their needs. The programs are based on anonymity, so all information is kept confidential. These organizations aren't affiliated with any religious or political groups, according to Alcoholic Anonymous. Both men and women are welcome at the meetings.
Women For Sobriety
After research stated that men recovered from alcoholism at a greater rate than women, Women For Sobriety determined that it wasn't due to women being harder to treat. They believed that women needed a different type of treatment program that encourages emotional and spiritual growth. Women For Sobriety self-help groups are found across the United States.
SMART Recovery
Some substance abusers are intimated by group treatment options. SMART recovery offers more than 16 online support groups per week, so anyone with an Internet connection can participate. This program works with people who struggle with all types of addiction ranging from alcohol addiction to gambling addictions, and they pride themselves on being different than 12-step programs. The SMART recovery approach focuses on self-empowerment and self-reliance.
Outpatient Therapy Groups
Outpatient substance abuse groups are run by mental health professionals in outpatient settings. There are outpatient groups specifically designed for teens who suffer from substance abuse issues in order to give them a developmentally-appropriate group treatment option. With many outpatient substance abuse groups, participants are required to participate in individual therapy. Some require members to participate in family therapy. Outpatient groups range from meeting once per week to meeting five times per week.
Inpatient Therapy Groups
Almost all inpatient treatment centers for substance abuse include group therapy as part of the treatment plan. Some people who attend inpatient treatment centers volunteer and others are mandated. In many inpatient treatment centers, each patient is paired with a therapist who helps the patient determine her treatment plan. The therapist and patient might determine that she should attend one group per day or multiple groups per day, depending on her individual needs. The group topics range in these settings. For instance, there might be one group devoted to new members and another group devoted to staying sober after leaving the inpatient setting.
