Two of the most important experiences you’ll have in rehab include individual and group therapy. In individual therapy, you’ll examine the experiences, feelings and triggers that lead to using. In group therapy, you’ll explore relationships, listen to feedback and connect with peers who understand what you’re going through. Both types of therapies offer profound opportunities for personal growth.
The Benefits of Individual Therapy for Addiction
Just as every person has a unique background, every individual’s path to addiction is comprised of a different combination of experiences, feelings, mental health and more. It can even be lifesaving during detox. That’s because individual treatment prevents withdrawal complications, including relapse overdose. Once detox ends, that’s only the beginning — one-to-one treatment gives you the attention you deserve during what will probably be one of the most challenging times of your life.
Past experiences often influence addictive behavior. Individual therapy allows you to dive deep into your history without the interruption or loss of focus that sometimes occurs during group sessions. You’ll keep the focus squarely on you during one-to-one therapy, where you’ll explore and confront your feelings without fear of judgment. Your therapist will also tailor a plan that helps you prevent and cope with the negative thought patterns and events that lead to substance abuse.
In many cases, substance abuse results when an individual self-treats the uncomfortable symptoms of depression or anxiety. Through one-to-one therapy, you can find out if a preexisting mental health condition contributes to your addiction problem. Mental health or behavioral issues — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD and bipolar disorder — are treatable with talk therapy and sometimes non-addictive medication. In some cases, a traumatic experience or family conflict, leads to abusing drugs or alcohol. Individual therapy offers you a safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings.
The Benefits of Group Therapy for Addiction
Did you know feeling isolated or alone is one of the most common feelings expressed by individuals with addiction? Group therapy helps recovering individuals connect with peers. Although these peers may not share the same background as you, they know what it’s like to disappoint themselves and others because of substance abuse. A small group of supportive, understanding peers can welcome you to the recovery community with warmth and sincerity. You’ll develop your relationship-building skills, give and receive feedback and learn to share uncomfortable emotions in a safe environment.
At 12 Keys Rehab, we understand group therapy can feel overwhelming and frustrating. We keep our group therapy sessions small — no more than five clients at one time. This makes connecting with others and sharing thoughts and fears less intimidating. You’ll find that learning you’re not alone is incredibly comforting. You’ll discover how self-destructive behaviors harm those you care about. And you’ll also connect with your counselor, who may share personal experiences that reveal why getting sober is the only way to live.
When You Need Individual and Group Therapies
12 Keys Rehab provides individual and group therapies at our small residential rehab center. Our large, qualified staff of counselors and therapists provides evidence-based and 12-step care. If you’re not sure you’ll benefit from both therapies, ask yourself:
- Have I tried to quit using before? Relapse often means you haven’t yet uncovered or learned to cope with the reasons you use alcohol and/or drugs. More individual treatment enhances your opportunity to explore these reasons — instead of ignoring them.
- Have I lost the support of family members and friends? Isolation is a key driver of addiction. Group therapy reminds you that you’re part of a new family of recovering addicts. This family can provide you with the loving support you need to take sobriety one day at a time.
- Do I suspect that I may have a preexisting condition, such as depression or anxiety? Did you know many people with addiction also have an undiagnosed, co-occurring mental health disorder? Individual and group therapy can resolve these issues and prevent relapse.
- Have I abused drugs or alcohol for a long time? The longer you drink and/or use drugs, the more you need rehab.
Contact 12 Keys Rehab for More Information
12 Keys Rehab conducts individual counseling and group therapy sessions at our small waterfront residential rehabilitation center. For more information about addiction, or to learn about our holistic treatment program, contact 12 Keys today.