Recovering from alcoholism is a difficult task but the good news is that there are plenty of options available. Every individual is unique and everybody responds differently to the various treatment options available. What works for one person might not necessarily work for another so it’s important to choose the method you think you will respond best to.
Below we have highlighted the pros and cons of both individual and group therapy for alcohol addiction.
Group therapy
Advantages
* Group therapy for alcoholics has long been a proven and effective method of treatment. It allows people to share their experiences, understand the disease and help others recover. A lot of people find a group environment much more motivational than trying to recover on their own.
* When recovering from alcoholism a good support network is crucial. Group therapy allows you to meet people who are going through the same thing as you and can therefore offer guidance, a shoulder to cry on and extra support when you need it.
* When battling an addiction, it’s very easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world who feels the way you do. A group setting reiterates the fact that every single person in the room is trying to overcome the same thing.
* Being able to share coping mechanisms provides different perspectives in handling the addiction. This is a crucial part of recovery for alcoholics because it enables the addict to try out different methods that they probably otherwise wouldn’t have thought of.
* Addicts have difficulties with true intimacy (the ability to know and to be known in a close relationship). Group therapy is often the first place that addicts learn what true intimacy is which is necessary for long term success.
Disadvantages
* A group setting may feel more daunting than a one-on-one session when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment. This is especially the case when you’re the new member of the group and may feel like you’re behind everyone else in terms of the progress you’ve made.
* You may feel that you would benefit from a more individual and personal approach. If you’re introverted for example, you may find it difficult to speak up in group situations and therefore feel like your therapy could suffer as a result. If you’re speaking to a counsellor on a one-on-one basis, you can guarantee that you will have your say.
Individual therapy
Advantages
* Individual therapy is very personal and is focused entirely on you. This means that you get the undivided attention of the therapist and are free from other distractions. You will spend the whole time talking about you, your addiction, causes, triggers and how to prevent relapses.
* If you’re at the beginning of your journey you may not feel ready to discuss your situation openly with others – especially strangers. With individual therapy you know that everything you say to your therapist is strictly confidential and you only have to discuss your feelings to one person as opposed to a whole group.
* When you have your own demons you’re trying to deal with, listening to other people’s problems may become a bit overwhelming.
* You can arrange a time that suits you and you don’t have to co-ordinate your diary with other people and available group therapy slots.
Disadvantages
* Battling an addiction is a lonely time and there’s every possibility that you will have lost friends and family along the way. At a time when you need to change habits and cut yourself off from the people who were encouraging you to drink, it’s important to create a new support network. Group therapy enables you to meet people who can help you whereas with individual therapy, you’re isolated.
* Individual therapy is more intense than group therapy because it penetrates deeper into your problems and the whole time is spent focused on you. When you’re ready for this, it is of course a good thing but it can be a very daunting prospect if you’re only just coming to terms with your addiction.
Please keep in mind that most of the “disadvantages” mentioned in this post can actually be turned into advantages. We only grow and make real change from getting out of our comfort zone. This list was meant to help you make your decision for beginning treatment. It is strongly encouraged that you discuss the “disadvantages” with your therapist because you may be surprised as to how what seemed like a disadvantage turned out to be something that helped you most.
If you would like more information about alcohol addiction treatment and whether you would be better suited to group or individual therapy, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.
