Types of group therapy

Types of group therapy we can conduct on substance use

1. Psychoeducation Groups:
 Provide information about the effects of substances and the process of addiction.
 Educate participants on coping strategies and treatment options.
2. Support Groups:
 Facilitate peer support and encouragement among individuals with similar challenges.
 Examples include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics
Anonymous (NA).
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups:
 Address distorted thinking patterns and behaviors associated with substance use.
 Focus on developing coping skills, relapse prevention, and goal-setting.
4. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) Groups:
 Aim to enhance motivation and commitment to change.
 Use motivational interviewing techniques to explore and resolve ambivalence.
5. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups:
 Combine cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies.
 Focus on emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
6. Art or Expressive Therapy Groups:
 Use creative outlets to explore emotions and experiences related to substance use.
 Can include art, music, or drama therapy.
7. Life Skills Groups:
 Focus on developing practical skills for daily living.
 Cover topics such as employment, financial management, and communication
8. Family Therapy Groups:
 Involve family members in the treatment process.
 Address family dynamics, communication, and support.
9. Relapse Prevention Groups:
 Identify triggers and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
 Emphasize coping skills and creating a sustainable recovery plan.
10. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Groups:
 Incorporate mindfulness techniques to increase self-awareness and reduce impulsive
behavior.
 Enhance coping skills and stress management.
11. Trauma-Informed Groups:
 Cater to individuals with a history of trauma and substance use.
 Integrate trauma-focused interventions with addiction treatment.
 Psychoeducational Group for Substance Use Patients

Understanding Substance Use and Building a Path to Recovery

Objective: To provide participants with comprehensive psychoeducation about the effects of

substances, the nature of addiction, and practical strategies for initiating and sustaining recovery.

Group 1: Introduction and Building Trust

 Welcome and introductions.
 Establish group norms and guidelines.
 Icebreaker activities to foster a sense of community.

Group 2: The Science of Addiction

 Overview of how substances affect the brain and body.
 Discussion on the development of tolerance and dependence.
 Explanation of the concept of withdrawal.

Group 3: Types of Substances and Their Effects

 Classification of common substances and their specific effects.
 Group discussions on personal experiences with different substances.

Group 4: Stages of Change

 Introduction to the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change).
 Assessment of participants' readiness for change.
 Identifying and addressing ambivalence.

Group 5: Understanding Triggers and Cravings

 Exploration of internal and external triggers for substance use.
 Coping strategies to manage cravings.
 Role-playing exercises to practice refusal skills.

Group 6: Impact on Mental Health

 Discussion on the relationship between substance use and mental health.
 Recognizing and addressing co-occurring disorders.
 Introduction to self-help resources.

Group 7: Relapse Prevention Strategies

 Identification of personal high-risk situations.
 Developing a personalized relapse prevention plan.
 Group sharing of effective coping mechanisms.

Group 8: Building a Support System

 Exploration of the importance of social support.
 Identifying and involving positive influences in recovery.
 Communication skills for seeking and providing support.

Group 9: Life in Recovery

 Goal-setting for a substance-free life.
 Discussing the importance of routine and structure.
 Celebrating successes and achievements.

Group 10: Resources and Continuing Care

 Overview of community resources and support groups.
 Creating a plan for ongoing recovery.
 Closing remarks and reflections.
 Support Group for Substance Use Patients: "Path to Recovery"

Objective: Facilitate a supportive community where individuals with substance use concerns can
share experiences, provide mutual encouragement, and explore strategies for sustained recovery.

Group 11: Welcome and Introductions

 Icebreaker activities to promote group cohesion.
 Establishing a safe and confidential environment.
 Introduction to the purpose and structure of the support group.

Group 12: Sharing Stories and Goals

 Participants share their experiences with substance use.
 Identifying personal strengths and resilience.
 Setting individual short-term and long-term recovery goals.

Group 13: Understanding Triggers and Coping Strategies

 Group discussion on common triggers for substance use.
 Sharing coping mechanisms and strategies that have worked for participants.
 Introduction to mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Group 14: Peer Support and Accountability

 Discussing the importance of accountability in recovery.
 Pairing participants for accountability partnerships.
 Setting personal goals for the upcoming weeks.

Group 15: Relapse Prevention Strategies

 Sharing relapse prevention plans developed individually.
 Discussing warning signs and early intervention strategies.
 Exploring the role of social support in preventing relapse.

Group 16: Celebrating Milestones

 Recognizing and celebrating achievements and milestones.
 Reinforcing positive behaviors and progress.
 Group encouragement and positive affirmations.

Group 17: Family and Relationships in Recovery

 Exploring the impact of substance use on family dynamics.
 Sharing experiences related to rebuilding relationships.
 Strategies for effective communication with loved ones.
 Group 18: Self-Care and Wellness
 Discussing the importance of self-care in recovery.
 Exploring various self-care practices.
 Group activity: creating personalized self-care plans.

Group 19: Building a Supportive Community

 Discussing the value of ongoing community support.
 Exploring local support groups and resources.
 Group activity: brainstorming ways to give back to the community.

Group 20: Reflection and Moving Forward

 Reflecting on the journey of the support group.
 Sharing insights gained and lessons learned.
 Discussing plans for continued support and connections.
 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group for Substance Use Patients:
"Breaking the Cycle"

Objective: Facilitate a CBT-focused group to help individuals with substance use concerns
identify and modify distorted thought patterns, develop effective coping skills, and create a
foundation for sustainable recovery.

Group 21: Introduction and Group Norms

 introduction.
 Overview of the purpose and structure of the CBT group.

Group 22: Understanding the Cycle of Addiction

 Psychoeducation on the cognitive-behavioral model of addiction.
 Identifying automatic thoughts and beliefs related to substance use.
 Group discussion on the role of cognition in the addiction cycle.

Group 23: Functional Analysis of Substance Use

 Introduction to functional analysis.
 Identifying antecedents, behaviors, and consequences of substance use.
 Group activity: participants analyze personal substance use patterns.

Group 24: Cognitive Restructuring

 Introduction to cognitive restructuring techniques.
 Identifying and challenging irrational thoughts related to substance use.
 Role-playing exercises to practice cognitive restructuring.

Group 25: Coping Skills Training

 Teaching and practicing coping skills for dealing with cravings and triggers.
 Role-playing scenarios to apply coping strategies.
 Developing individualized coping skills plans.

Group 26: Managing Negative Emotions

 Identifying emotions associated with substance use.
 Teaching emotion regulation strategies.
 Group discussion on alternative ways to cope with difficult emotions.

Group 27: Goal Setting and Behavioral Activation

 Setting realistic and achievable short-term and long-term goals.
 Behavioral activation techniques to increase positive behaviors.
 Group activity: creating individualized goal-setting plans.
 Group 28: Relapse Prevention
 Recognizing and managing high-risk situations.
 Developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan.
 Role-playing exercises to practice relapse prevention strategies.

Group 29: Communication and Assertiveness Skills

 Teaching assertiveness techniques for effective communication.
 Discuss ways to assert needs and boundaries in relationships.
 Group role-plays to practice assertiveness skills.

Group 30: Reflection and Moving Forward

 Reflecting on the progress made during the CBT group.
 Discussing individual insights and skills acquired.
 Developing a plan for continued application of CBT techniques in daily life.
 Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) Group for Substance Use
Patients: "Empowering Change"

Objective: Facilitate a Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) group to enhance

participants' intrinsic motivation for change, explore ambivalence, and promote a positive shift
towards sustainable recovery.

Group 31: Welcome and Establishing Trust

 Overview of MET principles and the purpose of the group.

Group 32: Exploring Personal Values and Goals

 Group discussion on individual values and life goals.
 Identifying how substance use aligns or conflicts with these values.
 Encouraging participants to articulate personal motivations for change.

Group 33: Stages of Change and Decisional Balance

 Introduction to the Stages of Change model.
 Conducting a decisional balance exercise.
 Group discussion on ambivalence and the benefits of change.

Group 34: Developing Discrepancy

 Identifying inconsistencies between current behaviors and future goals.
 Group activities to highlight the impact of substance use on personal aspirations.
 Reflective exercises to promote awareness of the need for change.

Group 35: Enhancing Self-Efficacy

 Building confidence in participants' ability to change.
 Group discussions on past successes and strengths.
 Setting small, achievable goals for the upcoming weeks.

Group 36: Recognizing and Overcoming Barriers

 Group brainstorming on potential barriers to change.
 Collaboratively problem-solving and developing strategies.
 Role-playing exercises to practice overcoming obstacles.

Group 37: Feedback and Reflection

 Sharing positive feedback within the group.
 Reflecting on the changes observed since the start of the MET group.
 Encouraging participants to express their evolving motivations.
 Group 38: Personalized Change Plans
 Participants create personalized change plans.
 Setting short-term and long-term goals.
 Group discussion on the importance of commitment to change.

Group 39: Support Systems and Social Networks

 Identifying supportive individuals in participants' lives.
 Discussing the role of social support in maintaining change.
 Group activity: developing strategies to strengthen support systems.

Group 40: Celebrating Progress and Closure

 Recognizing and celebrating individual and group achievements.
 Final reflections on the MET group experience.
 Providing resources for continued motivation and support.
 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group for Substance Use Patients:
"Balancing Change"

Objective: Facilitate a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group to help individuals with
substance use issues develop skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal
effectiveness, and mindfulness, creating a foundation for lasting change.

Group 41: Introduction to DBT and Mindfulness

 Overview of DBT principles and the structure of the group.
 Introduction to mindfulness skills and a brief mindfulness exercise.

Group 42: Emotion Regulation Skills

 Identifying and understanding emotions related to substance use.
 Teaching emotion regulation strategies such as opposite action and checking the facts.
 Group discussion on applying these skills to manage cravings.

Group 43: Distress Tolerance Techniques

 Introduction to distress tolerance skills, including ACCEPTS and IMPROVE.
 Role-playing exercises to practice crisis survival strategies.
 Group discussion on applying distress tolerance in high-risk situations.

Group 44: Interpersonal Effectiveness

 Teaching interpersonal effectiveness skills (DEAR MAN, GIVE, FAST).
 Group role-plays to practice effective communication in challenging situations.
 Discussing the impact of improved interpersonal skills on relationships and substance use.

Group 45: Mindfulness in Daily Life

 Expanding mindfulness skills to everyday activities.
 Guided mindfulness exercises and group reflections.
 Discussing the role of mindfulness in maintaining recovery.

Group 46: Behavior Chain Analysis

 Conducting behavior chain analyses for substance use episodes.
 Identifying triggers, thoughts, feelings, and consequences.
 Group discussion on breaking the chain and implementing alternative behaviors.

Group 47: Building Mastery and Coping Ahead

 Introducing building mastery and coping ahead techniques.
 Group activities to set and achieve small goals.
 Discussing the role of mastery in enhancing self-esteem and reducing reliance on substances.
 Group 48: Radical Acceptance
 Exploring the concept of radical acceptance.
 Group discussions on accepting difficult emotions without judgment.
 Practicing radical acceptance through mindfulness exercises.

Group 49: Peer Support and Validation

 Group sharing on the challenges and successes in applying DBT skills.
 Peer support activities and validation exercises.
 Encouraging participants to reinforce positive behaviors in one another.

Group 50: Integration and Moving Forward

 Reviewing key DBT skills and principles.
 Creating a plan for ongoing skill practice.
 Discussing resources for continued support, including individual therapy and community
services.
 Art or Expressive Therapy Group for Substance Use Patients: "Creative
Healing"

Objective: Facilitate an art or expressive therapy group to provide individuals with substance
use concerns a creative outlet for self-expression, exploration of emotions, and a therapeutic
means for processing their recovery journey.

Group 51: Introduction to Expressive Therapy and Group Building

 Explanation of the therapeutic benefits of art or expressive therapy.
 Icebreaker activities to build group cohesion.

Group 52: Art as Self-Expression

 Introduction to various art mediums (drawing, painting, collage, etc.).
 Guided exercises to encourage self-expression through art.
 Group sharing of created artwork and reflections.

Group 53: Exploring Emotions through Music

 Incorporating music as a form of expression.
 Group discussion on emotions associated with the recovery journey.
 Using musical instruments or playlists to evoke and share emotions.

Group 54: Writing and Journaling for Reflection

 Introducing writing and journaling as expressive tools.
 Guided prompts for reflection on personal experiences.
 Group sharing of written reflections (optional).

Group 55: Movement Therapy

 Exploring movement as a means of expression.
 Gentle movement exercises to encourage body awareness.
 Group discussion on the connection between movement and emotions.

Group 56: Poetry and Spoken Word

 Encouraging creative writing through poetry or spoken word.
 Writing prompts to explore feelings related to substance use and recovery.
 Group performance or sharing of written pieces.

Group 57: Collage and Vision Boards

 Creating collages or vision boards to represent personal goals.
 Discussing the symbolism in participants' creations.
 Group sharing of collages and reflections.
 Group 58: Guided Imagery and Visualization
 Incorporating guided imagery and visualization exercises.
 Using art or writing to represent visualized scenes.
 Group discussion on the emotions and insights generated.

Group 59: Reflection, Integration, and Closure

 Reflecting on the expressive therapy group experience.
 Discussing the impact of creative expression on the recovery process.
 Closing activities and group expressions of gratitude.
 Life Skills Group for Substance Use Patients: "Building Foundations"

Objective: Facilitate a life skills group to equip individuals with substance use concerns with
practical skills for daily living, promoting stability, and supporting a successful recovery.

Group 60: Introduction and Group Building

 Icebreaker activities to build a sense of community.
 Overview of the purpose and structure of the life skills group.

Group 61: Goal Setting and Time Management

 Setting short-term and long-term goals for recovery.
 Time management techniques for prioritizing tasks.
 Group discussion on the importance of goal-setting in the recovery process.

Group 62: Effective Communication Skills

 Teaching assertive communication techniques.
 Role-playing exercises to practice effective communication.
 Group discussions on applying communication skills in various life situations.

Group 63: Stress Management and Coping Strategies

 Identifying sources of stress and triggers.
 Teaching stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness.
 Group activities to develop personalized coping strategies.

Group 64: Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

 Exploring healthy relationships and setting boundaries.
 Discussing the impact of relationships on recovery.
 Group role-plays to practice setting and maintaining boundaries.

Group 65: Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

 Importance of nutrition in recovery.
 Group discussion on making healthy food choices.
 Practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Group 66: Problem-Solving and Decision Making

 Teaching problem-solving techniques.
 Group activities to practice decision-making in real-life scenarios.
 Reflection on the connection between effective decision-making and recovery.
 Group 67: Personal Reflection and Future Planning
 Reflecting on the life skills group experience.
 Individual goal reflections and future planning.
 Group discussions on sustaining and applying life skills in the long term.
 Family Therapy Group for Substance Use Patients: "Healing Together"

Objective: Facilitate a family therapy group to enhance communication, address relational

dynamics, and support both individuals with substance use concerns and their family members in
the recovery process.

Group 68: Introduction and Establishing Safety

 Overview of the purpose and structure of family therapy.

Group 69: Understanding Substance Use and its Impact

 Psychoeducation on the effects of substance use.
 Open discussion on family members' experiences and concerns.
 Introducing the concept of family systems and dynamics.

Group 70: Communication Skills and Active Listening

 Teaching and practicing effective communication skills.
 Role-playing exercises to enhance active listening.
 Group discussions on improving family communication.

Group 71: Boundaries and Codependency

 Discussing healthy boundaries within the family.
 Identifying signs of codependency and enabling behaviors.
 Group activities to establish and reinforce healthy boundaries.

Group 72: Empathy and Understanding

 Facilitating empathy exercises between family members.
 Sharing personal experiences and perspectives.
 Encouraging mutual understanding and validation.

Group 73: Impact of Substance Use on Relationships

 Exploring the ways substance use affects family relationships.
 Group discussions on rebuilding trust and repairing relationships.
 Introducing the concept of forgiveness and acceptance.

Group 74: Role of Family in Recovery

 Discussing the essential role of family support in the recovery process.
 Developing a family support plan.
 Encouraging family members to actively participate in the recovery journey.
 Group 75: Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
 Teaching conflict resolution skills within the family context.
 Role-playing exercises to address common issues.
 Group discussions on problem-solving strategies.

Group 76: Setting and Supporting Recovery Goals

 Collaboratively setting goals for both individuals with substance use concerns and their family
members.
 Develop a plan for mutual support in achieving these goals.
 Group reflections on the progress made within the family.

Group 77: Closure and Future Support

 Reflecting on the family therapy group experience.
 Sharing insights and expressing gratitude.
 Providing resources for ongoing support, including community resources and additional therapy
options.
 Relapse Prevention Group for Substance Use Patients: "Building Resilience"

Objective: Facilitate a relapse prevention group to empower individuals with substance use
concerns with the skills and strategies needed to identify and manage triggers, prevent relapse,
and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Group 78: Introduction and Establishing Goals

 Setting group expectations and goals for relapse prevention.
 Overview of the purpose and structure of the group.

Group 79: Understanding Relapse and Its Warning Signs

 Psychoeducation on the relapse process.
 Identifying early warning signs and triggers for relapse.
 Group discussion on personal experiences with relapse.

Group 80: Recognizing High-Risk Situations

 Identifying and discussing common high-risk situations.
 Group activities to map out potential triggers.
 Role-playing exercises to practice effective responses in high-risk situations.

Group 81: Developing a Personalized Relapse Prevention Plan

 Collaboratively creating individualized relapse prevention plans.
 Setting short-term and long-term goals for recovery.
 Group sharing of personalized strategies for preventing relapse.

Group 82: Coping Skills for Cravings and Urges

 Teaching and practicing coping skills for managing cravings.
 Role-playing exercises to apply coping strategies in real-life scenarios.
 Group discussions on the effectiveness of different coping techniques.

Group 83: Building a Support System

 Discussing the importance of social support in preventing relapse.
 Identifying and involving supportive individuals in participants' lives.
 Group activity: developing strategies to strengthen support systems.

Group 84: Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques

 Teaching stress management techniques.
 Guided relaxation exercises and mindfulness practices.
 Group discussions on incorporating stress management into daily life.
 Group 85: Lifestyle Changes for Lasting Recovery
 Exploring the role of lifestyle changes in relapse prevention.
 Setting goals for healthy habits, including nutrition and exercise.
 Group reflections on the impact of positive lifestyle changes.

Group 86: Addressing Co-Occurring Issues

 Recognizing and addressing co-occurring mental health concerns.
 Exploring the connection between mental health and substance use.
 Group discussions on accessing appropriate dual-diagnosis support.

Group 87: Closure and Future Planning

 Reflecting on the relapse prevention group experience.
 Sharing insights and expressing gratitude.
 Discussing future plans for maintaining relapse prevention strategies.
 Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Group for Drug Abuse Patients:
"Present and Resilient"

Objective: Facilitate a mindfulness-based relapse prevention group to help individuals with drug
abuse concerns develop mindfulness skills, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate resilience in
their recovery journey.

Group 88: Introduction to Mindfulness and Group Building

 Explanation of mindfulness and its application in relapse prevention.
 Icebreaker activities to build a supportive group environment.

Group 89: Mindful Breathing and Body Awareness

 Guided mindfulness exercises focusing on the breath.
 Body scan meditation to enhance awareness of bodily sensations.
 Group sharing of experiences and reflections.

Group 90: Acceptance and Mindful Observation

 Introduction to acceptance as a mindfulness principle.
 Mindful observation exercises to cultivate non-judgmental awareness.
 Group discussions on applying acceptance to cravings and triggers.

Group 91: Urge Surfing

 Exploring the concept of "urge surfing" in mindfulness.
 Guided exercises to navigate and ride through cravings.
 Group reflections on the challenges and benefits of urge surfing.

Group 92: Mindful Movement (Yoga or Tai Chi)

 Incorporating mindful movement to enhance body awareness.
 Gentle yoga or Tai Chi exercises suitable for all levels.
 Group discussion on the connection between movement and mindfulness.

Group 93: Mindfulness in Daily Activities

 Applying mindfulness to everyday activities (eating, walking, etc.).
 Group exercises to practice mindful awareness in daily life.
 Sharing insights on integrating mindfulness into routines.

Group 94: Loving-Kindness Meditation

 Introduction to loving-kindness meditation.
 Guided meditation exercises focused on self-compassion and compassion for others.
 Group discussion on cultivating a compassionate mindset.
 Group 95: Mindfulness for Emotional Regulation
 Teaching mindfulness techniques for managing emotions.
 Mindful breathing and visualization exercises for emotional balance.
 Group sharing on applying mindfulness during emotionally challenging moments.

Group 96: Values and Mindful Decision-Making

 Exploring personal values and their alignment with recovery.
 Mindfulness exercises to clarify values and make mindful decisions.
 Group discussions on integrating values into the recovery process.

Group 97: Reflection, Integration, and Future Mindfulness Practices

 Reflecting on the mindfulness-based relapse prevention group experience.
 Discussing the impact of mindfulness on participants' recovery journey.
 Developing a plan for incorporating mindfulness into future practices.
 Trauma-Informed Group for Substance Use Patients: "Healing Connections"

Objective: Facilitate a trauma-informed group to address the impact of trauma on substance use,
promote safety, and provide support for individuals navigating both trauma and addiction.

Group 1: Introduction and Establishing Safety

 Creating a safe and trauma-informed environment.
 Setting group norms emphasizing respect and confidentiality.

Group 2: Understanding the Interconnection of Trauma and Substance Use

 Psychoeducation on the link between trauma and substance use.
 Group discussions on personal experiences and the role of trauma in addiction.
 Introducing the concept of trauma-informed care.

Group 3: Building a Foundation of Safety

 Exploring the importance of safety in the recovery process.
 Teaching grounding techniques for managing trauma-related distress.
 Group activities to practice grounding exercises.

Group 4: Identifying Triggers and Coping Strategies

 Group discussion on common trauma triggers and their relation to substance use.
 Teaching coping strategies for managing triggers.
 Role-playing exercises to practice assertive communication and boundary-setting.

Group 5: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

 Introduction to mindfulness practices for trauma recovery.
 Guided mindfulness exercises focusing on self-compassion.
 Group discussions on incorporating mindfulness into daily life.

Group 6: Narrative Therapy and Trauma Stories

 Introduction to narrative therapy techniques.
 Providing a safe space for participants to share trauma stories if they choose.
 Facilitating group discussions on reclaiming personal narratives.

Group 7: Building Healthy Relationships

 Exploring challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships post-trauma.
 Group discussions on communication skills and setting boundaries.
 Role-playing exercises to practice assertive communication.
 Group 8: Resilience and Strengths-Based Approaches
 Identifying personal strengths and resilience.
 Group activities to focus on positive aspects of personal histories.
 Encouraging participants to recognize their resilience in the face of trauma and addiction.

Group 9: Integrating Trauma-Informed Approaches into Recovery

 Discussing the application of trauma-informed principles in the recovery journey.
 Collaboratively developing trauma-informed recovery plans.
 Group reflections on progress and challenges.

Group 10: Closure and Future Support

 Reflecting on the trauma-informed group experience.
 Sharing insights and expressing gratitude.
 Providing resources for ongoing trauma-informed support, including individual therapy and
community resources.