Group Therapy or Individual Therapy both are hard work. If you or someone you know has struggled with addiction and considered getting help, you are probably very familiar with the idea of therapy. Even those who have never gone through any kind of therapy know that this is a method of helping people recover from something. Such abuse is a hard thing to overcome. But, with the help of true therapy, successful recovery is definitely possible.
There Are Different Types of Therapy
Recovering from a problem with substance abuse is hard enough on its own. When you add all of the programs, groups, therapists, medications, and helplines out there, the whole process can seem overwhelming. How do you know what kind of help you need? How do you choose between them?
Let’s talk about therapy. This one word covers multiple methods of substance abuse recovery assistance. So, let’s make it simple by breaking this loaded term into two sections: individual therapy and group therapy.
What’s Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy for substance abuse recovery is a kind of therapy where a single person who is recovering from drug or alcohol dependence is paired with a therapist. This therapist is a trained individual who knows about the struggles of recovery. The recovering individual meets with the therapist according to their discussed schedule, maybe once or twice a week.
This type of therapy allows the client and therapist to dig deeply into the roots of the abuse issue in a way that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. The one-on-one communication this setting operates with can be beneficial for the client because they are able to share their thoughts and struggles in an environment free from the pressure of others.
Group Therapy For Substance Abuse
This type of therapy involves one or more therapists and multiple people who are all recovering from alcohol or drug abuse. Group therapy lets clients better support one another through the process. People respond to different settings differently. So, this type of therapy can be good for people who thrive when working in groups. Recovering drug users can develop lasting relationships with their peers that will continue even after the program ends.
Group therapy for substance abuse also offers a space where people can gain confidence to speak about the things they’re experiencing on their road to recovery. Hearing others speak openly and seeing that each journey is unique and presents obstacles can help those who have trouble opening up.
Is One Better Than The Other?
Both individual and group therapy for substance abuse have their own pros and cons. One disadvantage of individual therapy is the deep intensity that accompanies it. People who are in the process of recovery can feel a lot of pressure because there are no other peers in the meeting with the therapist(s). On the other hand, group therapy can be dangerous to those who hide behind the voices of others.
But, both kinds of therapy can also present great advantages. In addition to the benefits we’ve already talked about, there are really good qualities in individual therapy. This type of program is good those who are antisocial or shy. It also works better for clients who have demanding schedules; they can set the meetings at times that work for them.
Group therapy gives people the chance to learn from other people’s experiences and gather new information. It is a platform where people can offer different points of view and opinions about the recovery process.
Therapy at Asheville Recovery Center
You or your loved one may be in need of a therapy program that suits specific needs. Asheville Recovery Center offers both individual therapy and group therapy for substance abuse. We know all about the challenges that come up on the road to recovery. If you’re ready to start the process, contact us by phone or send us a message today.
