Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is often treated with a wide variety of techniques, including inpatient treatment, individual or group therapy, or medically supervised detox. How someone is treated for their alcoholism depends on the person and how receptive they are. For many, a combination of treatment methods proves to be the most successful. 

In the addiction space, group therapy is very prevalent. It’s offered by treatment facilities, in the form of Alcoholics Anonymous or other support groups, and by individual therapists. 

What is Group Therapy, and How Does it Help?

During group therapy, patients are encouraged to set goals, talk about the things that have held them back in the past, and cheer each other on. By providing alcoholics with a setting that allows them to freely speak their minds and communicate with other people who are going through the same thing, they’re set up for success throughout recovery. 

Group therapy also helps by providing a safe space for specific groups, like women, people of color, or LGBTQ+ people. There are so many individualized programs available to ensure that minorities get the tailored care that they need. 

These practices are used from diagnosis onward. Some may prefer to stay in group therapy for years after they became sober, while some may find that they only benefit from it for a short period of time. Because there are so many options for group therapy, it’s flexible and can work with whatever an alcoholic may need. 

Different Types of Group Treatment and Their Benefits

There are five different types of therapy that are used throughout group therapy facilities, including: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Skill development
• Interpersonal processing
• Psychoeducation 
• Support

Each type of therapy offers its own individualized benefits. Many therapy groups rely on more than one type of therapy. With these options, those with AUD are able to figure out which type of therapy works best for them and use that to their advantage. 

If they prefer to talk about their feelings and hardships with people supporting them throughout the process, they may enjoy being a part of a support group. If they want to learn more about how to unlearn past behaviors and grow as a person, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a great option. 

For those looking to involve their family in their therapeutic experience, psychoeducational groups are a great option. These types of groups help to raise awareness of the medical, behavioral, and psychological effects of alcohol use. This can help addicts and family members to become more aware of what’s going on. 

Skill development is another great option, especially for those looking for help dealing with triggers or urges that they may be experiencing. For many, skill development can help to decrease the need to drink, while other therapy types can help manage mental side effects. 

You Can Trust Knoxville Recovery Center

We at Knoxville Recovery Center understand that getting professional help for your alcohol addiction is a big step. It involves allowing yourself to become accountable to others, and making a commitment to do your very best to let go of what no longer serves you. Addiction is a disease.  Fortunately, Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling with this addiction. 

Services offered: 

Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of alcohol. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable. 

Addiction Treatment –  During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready. 

Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility. 

Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs.

 Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an addiction expert today.