Group therapy is one of the most effective approaches used in substance abuse treatment. The 2 types of groups commonly used in substance abuse treatment are support groups and interpersonal process groups. These methods allow individuals to share experiences, build accountability, and develop practical coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. Each type of group offers unique benefits that help people achieve recovery and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
At Rego Park Counseling, we provide mental health and substance use treatment for individuals, couples, and families across Queens and New York City. Our programs combine personalized care, group counseling, and evidence-based treatment models that support both emotional and behavioral change. We focus on helping clients strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and achieve lasting recovery through accessible outpatient and telehealth services.
Support Groups and Their Role in Recovery
Support groups are one of the most common forms of group therapy for addiction. They bring together people who share similar challenges related to substance use disorders in a structured, group setting. These sessions allow participants to discuss their progress, setbacks, and goals under the guidance of experienced group leaders. The supportive nature of these gatherings helps reduce isolation and promotes connection during the recovery process.
In a support group, group members can express emotions, discuss triggers, and share effective strategies for maintaining sobriety. These interactions provide emotional support and encourage mutual support, which strengthens motivation and accountability. Members also practice essential interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and boundary setting. By regularly attending sessions, participants develop healthy routines that replace drug and alcohol use with positive behaviors that support long-term wellness.
If you’re looking for group therapy for substance use in Queens or across New York City, we offer supportive, evidence-based sessions that help individuals build coping skills and stay motivated in recovery. Our programs create a safe environment where participants can share experiences, gain encouragement, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Join a community focused on progress and connection as you take the next step toward healing with Rego Park Counseling.
What Happens in Support Group Therapy
A typical group therapy session in a support group begins with a short check-in, where each participant updates the group on their week or current challenges. The group therapist guides the discussion, encouraging participants to share insights, discuss coping strategies, and celebrate milestones. These sessions promote active participation, allowing members to learn from one another while reinforcing accountability.
Support groups often focus on building coping skills, preventing relapse, and managing stress. Through shared experiences, members gain insight into recovery techniques that work in daily life. Discussions often center on managing cravings, avoiding high-risk situations, and maintaining healthy habits. The atmosphere is built on respect and empathy, ensuring that every participant feels supported and understood. This approach makes support groups a valuable part of a full treatment program that encourages progress and stability.
Interpersonal Process Groups and Their Purpose
An interpersonal process group focuses on understanding emotions, relationships, and behaviors that influence addiction. While support groups emphasize shared experiences, interpersonal process groups explore how a person’s relationships and emotional patterns impact recovery. These sessions allow members to reflect on how they interact with others in real-time within a group setting. This type of therapy helps participants recognize patterns that may contribute to substance use or emotional distress.
In these sessions, group members learn to communicate openly and respond to feedback in a healthy way. The group leader observes how members interact and helps them understand how these patterns relate to their recovery process. For example, someone who avoids expressing feelings may learn to speak up, while another person may practice listening and responding with empathy. These experiences help participants develop emotional awareness and self-control, which are key to achieving lasting recovery.
How Interpersonal Process Groups Work
During group therapy sessions in an interpersonal process group, participants share experiences and emotions connected to their recovery journey. The group therapist encourages open dialogue, helping members understand how their reactions to others mirror challenges they face in everyday life. This approach strengthens emotional insight and supports behavioral change by creating a direct connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Interpersonal process groups are especially beneficial for those managing mental health disorders alongside addiction, often referred to as dual diagnosis. Members gain support from others while practicing interpersonal skills that can improve relationships outside of therapy. This structure allows people to identify emotional triggers, practice stress management, and strengthen connections with others, all of which are essential to maintaining recovery. The group format encourages learning by doing, making it an effective component of addiction treatment.
Comparing Support Groups and Interpersonal Process Groups
Support groups and interpersonal process groups each provide different paths toward recovery. Support groups focus on connection, shared understanding, and accountability. They emphasize mutual support and the development of coping skills that help participants stay consistent with treatment goals. These groups are often structured and topic-driven, allowing participants to learn practical strategies to handle daily recovery challenges.
Interpersonal process groups, by contrast, focus on emotional insight and relational healing. They help members explore how personal interactions and emotions contribute to patterns of substance use. This format encourages self-awareness, empathy, and healthier communication habits. Many substance abuse treatment professionals recommend using both types within a single treatment program. Support groups offer stability and community, while process groups promote emotional growth and lasting behavioral change.
Other Common Group Therapy Models
In addition to the two main types, other group treatment modalities play a key role in substance use treatment. Psychoeducational groups focus on teaching members about addiction, recovery strategies, and relapse prevention. Participants learn about triggers, stress responses, and healthy coping methods. This form of psychoeducational group therapy provides practical knowledge that complements other therapeutic approaches.
According to research, a psychoeducational group helps participants gain a clear understanding of addiction and how it affects the brain, body, and daily life. These sessions cover the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, including triggers, cravings, and their connection to mental health conditions. Through education and guided discussion, members learn to recognize patterns, strengthen self-awareness, and apply coping strategies that support lasting recovery.
Skills development groups and cognitive behavioral groups focus on learning and applying specific tools to manage cravings, avoid risky situations, and handle stress. They often integrate cognitive behavioral therapy techniques such as cognitive restructuring, which helps members challenge negative thought patterns. Other group formats, like relapse prevention groups, teach members how to maintain progress and identify early signs of relapse. Together, these treatment groups form a complete support system that addresses different stages of recovery.
What to Expect in a Group Therapy Session
A group therapy session follows a structured routine that helps create a safe and supportive environment. Each meeting begins with an introduction and a reminder of confidentiality. The group therapist then presents a discussion topic related to the recovery process, such as managing cravings, building confidence, or improving communication. Members share their thoughts and experiences while receiving constructive feedback from others.
The structure of these group settings encourages collaboration and self-reflection. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes and may occur once or several times per week, depending on the treatment program. Many participants also receive individual therapy alongside group work to address personal challenges. By combining both, clients develop a balance between personal reflection and social learning, which supports steady progress in addiction recovery.
The Value of Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Group therapy works by offering both structure and support during the recovery journey. It allows people to practice healthy communication, gain encouragement from peers, and reinforce what they learn in individual therapy. Through consistent participation, individuals strengthen their resilience and confidence in maintaining recovery. The shared accountability found in group treatment helps members manage triggers, avoid relapse, and stay focused on positive goals.
Group counseling is also flexible. It can be used in inpatient treatment, residential treatment, or outpatient settings. Each session provides a supportive network that continues to motivate members long after formal treatment ends. Whether through support groups or interpersonal process groups, group therapy remains a cornerstone of substance abuse treatment, promoting emotional balance and long-term stability.
Conclusion
Support groups and interpersonal process groups are the 2 types of groups commonly used in substance abuse treatment. Support groups help individuals build community and accountability, while interpersonal process groups foster self-awareness and emotional healing. Both approaches give people the tools they need to replace unhealthy habits, strengthen relationships, and maintain long-term sobriety. Group therapy offers structure, purpose, and connection, key ingredients for sustainable recovery.
At Rego Park Counseling, we offer group therapy programs designed to help clients improve mental health, develop coping skills, and achieve lasting recovery. Our outpatient and telehealth options make care accessible across Queens and New York City. Contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how our group therapy sessions can support your recovery goals.
FAQs
What are the two types of groups commonly used in substance abuse treatment?
The two main types are support groups and interpersonal process groups. Support groups focus on shared experiences, while process groups help people understand emotions and behaviors that affect recovery.
How do support groups help in substance abuse treatment?
Support groups create a supportive environment where members share experiences, build accountability, and practice coping skills that strengthen their recovery.
What is the focus of interpersonal process groups?
Interpersonal process groups help members explore emotional and relational patterns that influence substance use. They teach communication and emotional regulation within the group setting.
Why is group therapy important in addiction treatment?
Group therapy provides connection, structure, and practical tools that promote healing and lasting recovery. It supports individuals through shared learning and consistent peer encouragement.