5 Reasons Why Group Programs Work

Most people look at rehab as a place to get clean, sober, and back on track. While that’s true, there is far more to addiction treatment than hitting the reset button. Inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), and different types of group therapy options all share a common goal: helping you function in the real world. Getting clean and sober is the first step. Learning how to live again without substances is where the real work begins. A great way to help combat addiction’s reigns is through group programs. These programs come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re struggling or need support, there’s absolutely a group program out there for you.


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Types of Group Programs

Before we talk about why group programs work, let’s talk about the different types of programs to get a better idea of each environment and its purpose.

Inpatient/Residential

While every inpatient/residential program will have its own mission and structure, one thing they have in common is a residential stay at the facility for a specific period of time. These long-stay facilities offer beds/dorms and become a 24-hour support system for the individuals attending. The group eats together, learns together, and sleeps under the same roof, promoting healing and community support every step of the way.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

IOP is meant to supplement extra time in a person’s life to get them clean, sober and back on track. These programs are designed to be transitional, allowing those enrolled to continue working towards their recovery goals while also tending to responsibilities like school, work, and family. Typically, IOP settings offer a mixture of individual and group therapy, with the goal of educating their clients on resources like coping mechanisms, the psychology of addiction, and boundary setting. Schedules can be anything from 9-3 pm, 10-5 pm, or even 4-10 pm. Each facility is different and will work to cater to your needs.

Group Therapy

Group therapy involves consistent meetings with a group of individuals and learning together how to work through common issues. The goal of group therapy is to work on topics such as addiction education, life skills, and social skills to help you maintain better relationships and stay clean and sober long-term. Most groups are talk-based with one leader, but they don’t have to be. There are art therapy classes and music therapy classes that work to heal the participants while also helping them process their addiction and mental health issues.

  • Support Groups: Support groups such as AA/NA offer daily meetings where anyone can attend. The goal of these meetings is to build a sober community where people can share their stories, build healthy relationships, and come together to acknowledge growth and express gratitude. Support groups don’t focus on skills. Rather, they aim to offer additional support to anyone, regardless of how long you’ve been sober.

The goal of these programs is to build a sense of community, eliminating feelings of isolation while simultaneously fostering health and wellness through positive coping mechanisms. Beating addiction doesn’t have to be done alone. If you’ve been struggling for some time, a group program might be just what you need.

5 Reasons Group Programs Work

So, why should you jump on board the group therapy train? Here are five reasons why group programs are effective and worth trying:

1. Fostering Effective Communication

An integral part of group therapy is fostering communication skills. If you weren’t taught how to share your feelings and make compromises at a young age, chances are that you probably didn’t pick up those skills along the way into adulthood. Working as a group can give you real-life opportunities to learn effective tactics that will help you share your story and work through conflict safely in the future. If you can communicate your needs, it means that you have created a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you.

2. Creating Safe Spaces

Rehab programs offer a simulated version of real-life experiences that can help you work through our troubles in a safe space. These safe spaces allow for growth and healing without judgment or harsh consequences, such as job loss. Group settings can be a respite from a world that is scary, difficult, and fear-inducing. The group is a place to share your troubles and work with others towards bettering yourself. In doing so, you can grow in your recovery without fear, shame or embarrassment to hold you back.

3. Creating Self-Awareness

While we want to be cognizant of trauma bonding, connecting with others through group therapy can be deeply impactful when it comes to healing. Knowing that you are not alone in your struggles can empower you to work through difficult memories and experiences. Talking things out as a group can create self-awareness for yourself and others by sharing similarities, differences, and acknowledging the modeling of positive and negative behaviors.

4. Hearing Other Narratives

Listening to the stories of other people just like you can help you feel less isolated and remind you that you’re not alone in your fight against addiction. You may not realize how far down the rabbit hole you really are until you begin to hear the stories of others.

5. Long-Standing Proof

Group programs have been around for a long time. For example, AA is about 85 years old, if not more, and it continues to grow. From that beautiful seed grew NA, teen programs, and other similar models to help build a community for those looking to change their lives. While everyone is different and the way in which we all heal will vary, group therapy is a proven common denominator that is here to stay.

Call Admissions to Learn More

Renewal Lodge offers an array of group programs and residential options that can help you find a sense of community and inner control. Reach out today to learn about our treatment options, at 866-287-2877.

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Dear Renewal Lodge Visitors,

My name is John Bruna, co-founder of the Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute, and more importantly, a grateful member of the recovery community. I am incredibly fortunate to have found my recovery in 1984. Of course, I did not achieve continuous recovery through willpower or my own efforts, but through the guidance and caring support of countless others that selflessly taught me how to live through the 12 Steps.

My journey of recovery brought this once homeless, shame-based, traumatized, insecure young man to a life far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I discovered self-worth, the joy of helping others, the gifts of parenting and grandparenting, and most importantly the ability to live a meaningful and purposeful life with integrity.

One of the greatest gifts of recovery is that I have the opportunity to give back and help others discover their self-worth, dignity, and the skills to fully live lives that they find truly meaningful. This is the inspiration for developing the skills of Mindfulness in Recovery® (MIR) to meet the needs of new generations struggling with alcohol and other substance use disorders. MIR is a set of evidence-based skills designed to help people fully integrate their tools of recovery in ways that are personalized, practical, and in alignment with their deepest values.

While we train counselors and therapists throughout the United States and abroad, I personally have chosen to work directly with the amazing team and clients at Renewal Lodge to develop the model MIR 12-step program for the nation. I choose Renewal Lodge because of the vision of its mission and the dedication of its team. Renewal Lodge is an extremely rare environment in which the staff embodies the very mindfulness and 12-step practices and skills they offer their clients. The results have been beyond my expectations. It is an honor to be here and I treasure my personal time with every client I meet.

With Gratitude,

John Bruna
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John Bruna
Director of Mindfulness
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