Group Therapy For Substance Abuse At Ohio Recovery Center

When recovering from a mental health disorder or substance use disorder, you can benefit from hearing other people talk about life experiences that are similar to yours and then receive feedback from a therapist. 

This is what group therapy provides: a space to connect in a positive way with peers, learn from their experiences and perspectives, share and gain insights into your own experiences, and feel less alone.

Talking about your experiences in a safe, confidential space can also help you let go of any shame you may feel about your condition. Witnessing people make breakthroughs can be inspiring and bolster your own recovery efforts.

Process Groups At ORC

On a typical day at Ohio Recovery Center, most of your time will be spent in group therapy sessions, or process groups.

These sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes, with time in between for breaks. Each session focuses on a different aspect of recovery and is led and moderated by a master’s-level health care professional.

Some groups at ORC are separate for people in recovery from addiction and people in recovery from mental health disorders, in order to address more specific needs.

Mental health groups may be further separated into sessions focused on the following: 

• major depressive disorder (depression)
• anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD

We also offer process groups for first responders, LGBTQ+ people, and more.

Types Of Group Therapy At ORC

All group therapy sessions at ORC focus on helping our clients strengthen their mental health. However, the specific topics and strategies discussed depend on the type of group you attend. 

Psychoeducational Groups

In a psychoeducational group, you learn about the mental health or substance use disorder you’re facing alongside other people with the same diagnosis. 

The therapist may cover a variety of topics related to the condition, including causes, symptoms, and coping strategies. This may include trauma’s potential role in the development of the disorder. In general, the more you learn about your condition, the easier it is to manage.

Skills Development Groups

In a skills development group, you learn important life skills that will help you succeed in recovery. The therapist will provide instruction and may give you a chance to practice these skills as a group.

Examples of life skills you can learn or strengthen at ORC include:

• interpersonal skills (social skills)
• mindfulness (the ability to stay grounded in the present moment) 
• nutritional meal-planning
• job-seeking skills
• financial literacy
• anger management skills

Cognitive Behavioral Groups

These process groups allow participants to experience the evidence-based benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a group. CBT addresses negative core beliefs, thoughts, and assumptions so that they can be changed, leading to positive behaviors.

For instance, you might believe that you will never recover from drug addiction. Your therapist can help you identify why you believe this and adopt a more realistic belief, such as “There are proven-effective methods for recovery from addiction, and I am learning them so that I can recover.”

Relapse Prevention Groups

During the course of recovery, people with a mental health or substance use disorder may relapse. In a relapse prevention group, you will learn strategies for preventing a relapse as well as what to do if it occurs.

This includes identifying personal triggers, which are the people, places, or other things that “trigger” your desire to use drugs or alcohol or stop engaging in the positive behaviors that promote your recovery.

If a trigger can’t be avoided, it can be handled in a healthy way, such as by:

• getting enough sleep
• exercising
• journaling
• meditating 
• expressing yourself through a creative activity, such as painting, writing, or playing an instrument
• spending time in nature
• spending time with supportive loved ones

This process group will help you gain confidence in your ability to handle stress and provide resources for getting help when needed.

Benefits Of Group Therapy

Like individual therapy, group therapy has been shown to provide many benefits for people recovering from mental health and substance use disorders.

A Sense Of Community 

When you live with a mental health or substance use disorder, it’s easy to feel alone. Group therapy helps you realize that many other people face similar struggles, providing a sense of community, understanding, and acceptance. 

In this safe and confidential environment, you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This type of self-expression is essential to good mental health.

Improved Social Skills

Many people with mental health concerns have trouble socializing. In group therapy, you can practice your social skills in a structured, moderated setting. 

The therapist can provide you with personalized feedback on how to improve your communication skills so that you can resolve conflicts and build healthier relationships.

The Ability To Learn From Your Peers

Although individual therapy plays a key role in treatment, it is limited in its ability to provide diverse perspectives and experiences.

Group therapy allows you to learn from your peers’ experiences and knowledge, gaining new insights that make your own recovery journey easier. Knowing that you are also helping your peers in the same way can boost your self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.

Begin Your Recovery Journey At Ohio Recovery Center Today

To learn more about group therapy and other treatment options at ORC, please reach out to us today.