Group Outpatient Counseling for Opioid Addiction

One of the main types of psychotherapy implemented at CTCs is group counseling . As the term implies, group counseling sessions involve several individuals in treatment, along with at least one professional who leads the session. The number of participants in a group counseling session can vary, with the American Psychiatric Association suggesting that group counseling should typically involve 5 to 15 patients.

Group counseling sessions may address a variety of addiction- and recovery-related topics, and may be structured in a variety of ways. For example, some groups are designed to be educational in nature; within the parameters of an opioid addiction treatment program, educational groups may be designed to provide information about the disease of addiction, the ways that opioids impact the body and mind, or the basics of relapse prevention. Other groups will be designed to encourage personal introspection and to facilitate healthy interaction among group members. These groups may have pre-established topics, such as anger management, conflict resolution, or navigating early recovery, or they may be set up to address issues that are brought up by group participants.

For individuals who have never participated in group counseling before, the thought of addressing personal and potentially unpleasant topics in a group environment may sound like an odd or even intimidating concept. However, group counseling has proven to be an extremely effective means of helping individuals who are healing from an addiction to opioids. The following are among the many benefits of participating in group counseling as part of a medically monitored opioid addiction treatment program at a Comprehensive Treatment Center:

• Groups provide an opportunity for participants to learn from the insights and experiences of others who are struggling with similar problems, and who may be at different stages in their recovery.
• Group counseling provides a safe and supportive environment in which individuals can address issues and discuss personal matters that they may be hesitant or unwilling to speak about with friends or family members.
• The trained and experienced counselors who lead groups at CTCs have specialized knowledge in the issues and challenges that are common in early recovery from opioid addiction, and they are skilled at providing meaningful guidance and feedback.
• Group counseling sessions provide excellent opportunities for participants to practice the productive interpersonal communication skills that can play an essential role in their efforts to achieve and maintain long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
• Having a strong support network can be crucial for individuals who are recovering from opioid addiction. Group counseling can help CTC patients to form healthy interpersonal relationships with individuals who can become a part of their post-treatment support network.
• Groups provide participants with the opportunity to support others who are in recovery, and to learn how to trust and be worthy of the trust of others.
• Group counseling sessions help to end the isolation that can often accompany substance abuse and addiction, and can help participants to develop new perspectives on their struggles and new strategies for pursuing a healthier, drug-free future.
• Groups can help participants to build positive self-esteem and improved confidence.

Recovering from an addiction to prescription painkillers, heroin, or another opioid is a complex challenge that resists simple solutions. At the Comprehensive Treatment Centers within the Acadia Healthcare network, we understand the necessity of providing a variety of methods, techniques, and interventions to ensure that our patients have the support and guidance they need to end their dependence upon opioids and resume their pursuit of healthier drug-free futures. Group counseling has proven to be an extremely beneficial component of treatment, and we are proud to be able to provide this service to the men and women who choose to heal with us.

For more about group counseling , or to get additional information about any aspect of treatment at a Comprehensive Treatment Center, please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you to make the most informed decision for yourself or for a loved one.