8 Things You Might Discuss in Group Therapy

Most people who have finished a recovery program at drug treatment centers will often benefit from joining a regular support group. While medical detox and regular individual sessions with qualified therapists are a critical part of recovery, group therapy can be critical for reducing the feelings of isolation that recovering individuals may experience.

However, group therapy sessions can be awkward initially, especially if the individual still struggles with shame over their past substance misuse. Some people are also introverted or intensely private, which means they may be less inclined to proactively share details of their lives with others.

Knowing what to expect can help take away some of the dread of attending group therapy. If you’re scheduled for your first group therapy session or are considering joining one, here are some topics that you might be expected to discuss.

1. Destructive habits

Self-defeating behavior is not likely to go away after an individual attends a recovery program in drug treatment centers. For many, it takes months or years of group and individual therapy to overcome. However, before one has to identify a negative behavior before they can attempt to correct it.

This isn’t always easy for someone who has been doing things the same way for years. However, when destructive habits are shared in a group setting, participants may be better able to contextualize and identify them, especially when someone else in the group brings them up.

2. Relationships

Peers and therapists can get a better insight into past or present substance use through the state of a person’s relationships. Participants may be expected to discuss relationships with your significant others, parents, siblings, employers, friends, professional colleagues, as well as people they may have taken drugs or alcohol with.

3. Triggers

Circling back to number one, triggers are things or events that cause someone to experience specific emotions or engage in negative behaviors. Many people with substance use disorders have triggers that make them start craving drugs or alcohol. It’s not always easy to deal with triggers without the aid of a therapist of a support group, and each person’s experiences can help others in the group understand their own issues better.

4. Traumatic events

While not always easy, sharing past traumas is a common part of group therapy participation. Sharing traumatic events can often lay the foundation for all the participants to learn different positive coping techniques that may apply to their own recovery.

5. Positive news

Many support groups will ask participants to share a bit of positive news that’s happened since they’ve gone on the path to recovery. This is to keep things in perspective, as recovering individuals may have a tough time seeing their situation in a positive light. Sharing good news can also help lighten the mood, which can be necessary as support groups tend to discuss very serious topics.

6. Ambitions and motivations

While it’s true that participants often spend a lot of time bringing up the past, the goal of any recovery support group is to help improve everyone’s future. Telling others about future plans and what keeps you going is a great way to stay clean and motivated. It can also be a good opportunity to learn from other people about making better choices in one’s career and relationships.

7. Role models

Most people don’t think much about it but many of our life’s decisions have been influenced to a large degree by our role models. Knowing who a person’s role models are can also give insights into different parts of their personality, including the things they value and what they aspire to become. Sharing one’s personal heroes can give therapists and participants a more rounded appreciation of the ideas that guide a person.

8. Healthy coping techniques

Even though drugs and alcohol can all have a similarly destructive effect on people’s lives, the path to becoming and staying sober is very much an individual path. One of the goals of group therapy sessions is to allow participants to share tips and healthy coping strategies that they’ve found to help them stay clean. While not all the advice shared in group therapy may work in every case, it’s always good to have options.

Parting Words

While every support group is different, most will have participants share the topics above. Not everyone may necessarily be all that comfortable sharing such intimate parts of their lives, especially if the support group doesn’t have the right vibe or is just a little bit too close to home.

Thankfully, the Dallas area has a wide selection of support groups and rehab centers suited for every recovering individual’s needs. Drug treatment center directories can help you find groups that are close to home, or even in another neighborhood if you want a bit more privacy.

Whichever group you choose, or wherever that group is, the important thing is to stay on the path to recovery. Good luck!