group therapy Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

5 Fun Ideas for Group Therapy

Posted on August 1, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

Addiction is a battle that cannot be fought alone. Group therapy is an evidence-based tool that can be immensely beneficial for people in addiction recovery. Because of its collaborative nature, it can be especially helpful for individuals who lack support systems outside of treatment. Group therapy can help break down the sense of isolation and loneliness that often accompany addiction and provide individuals with a supportive and caring community. Patients can learn from one another’s experiences and garner new perspectives and coping strategies. Trying out different ideas for group therapy can make group sessions fun and engaging, allowing patients to explore the recovery process in a safe and supportive environment.

Staying engaged and motivated through the treatment process can be difficult, and that’s where different activities come in handy. Participating in fun and engaging activities can help individuals progress in their recovery journey by keeping them invested and energized.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers group therapy in Colorado that can help you reach your goals. Call 833.448.0127 today to get started.

Ideas for Group Therapy That Are Fun and Engaging

Everyone in recovery has different needs and preferences, which is why group therapy should keep it engaging and fun to keep the momentum going. Here are five ideas for group therapy that have proven to be both exciting and effective.

1. Art Therapy

Art therapy can be helpful for people in addiction recovery by providing a safe and creative outlet to express their feelings. It can improve emotional management, self-awareness, and self-esteem. Art therapists can offer a wide range of mediums to work with, including paints, clay, and markers. Regardless of the medium, the primary objective is to spark creativity and encourage a healthy emotional release.

2. Yoga and Mindfulness

Yoga and meditation can be helpful for recovery as well. People in recovery may need to learn how to manage their stress and anxiety in ways that do not involve drugs or alcohol. Yoga and meditation practices can teach breathing techniques that can assist individuals in gaining control of their racing thoughts. Yoga and mindfulness can increase self-esteem, improve mood, and reduce drug cravings.

3. Comedy Therapy

Laughing is the best medicine. Comedy therapy is an innovative approach that involves laughter as a healing method. In group therapy, participants can watch comedy shows and movies and brainstorm humorous and witty captions. Comedy makes people feel good, stimulates the brain, and helps them develop more positive attitudes.

4. Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy involves outdoor activities like:

Hiking
Rock climbing
Kayaking
Camping

These experiential therapy activities can help the group bond and develop trust among members more quickly. It can also allow individuals to explore their boundaries and push themselves out of their comfort zone in a therapeutic environment. Adventure activities may provide an opportunity to break away from negative habits and create new objectives for healthy living.

5. Music Therapy

Music therapy can help people in recovery by increasing self-awareness and improving mood. Listening to or playing music can initiate emotional and physical changes in people, and it can also act as an emotional outlet. There are different models of music therapy, and the focus is on creating a musical environment that encourages expression, communication, and engagement.

Contact CMAR Today for the Best Group Therapy Ideas

Group therapy can be a powerful tool for addiction recovery. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide evidence-based group therapy to help individuals build a sense of trust and community. Our approach is designed to empower patients with the tools they need for long-term success in sobriety. Contact us today by calling 833.448.0127 or reach out online to learn more about our services and how they can help you on your recovery journey.

3 Benefits of Recovery Groups

Posted on June 13, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

If you are addicted to opioids or other substances and are beginning the road to recovery, it can be challenging to face your substance use issue head-on instead of hiding from it. Speaking to a stranger alone is not easy, and the thought of group therapy can keep others away from treatment. However, recovery groups can offer the support you need as you work to overcome addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in individual therapy and group therapy for addiction in a safe and encouraging environment. You are fighting a disease, and there is no shame in that. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please our team at 833.448.0127 and speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.

6 Key Benefits of Addiction Recovery Groups

Once you enroll in an addiction recovery group, it may take some time to feel comfortable sharing. However, once you begin to open up, you’ll find that these groups can help you heal.

1. Encouragement From Other Group Members

In one-on-one sessions, the only person encouraging you to interact is your therapist. While individual therapy sessions can be the right setting to work through deeply personal issues, in a group setting, you will be encouraged by everyone to share your story after hearing others in your group share theirs.

Hearing others speak up about their experiences will make it easier for you to follow suit.

2. Opening Yourself up to a New Perspective

You have a strong view of how you see the world and how others see you. However, by telling your story to your group, you hear how others react and give feedback. You will have an easier time trusting them because you know they are in the same boat. This beneficial technique helps you see through your disease and begin to heal.

3. A Sense of Belonging

The stigma of addiction still keeps many people from seeking treatment, leaving them feeling alone and afraid to ask for help. When you share your struggles with others in your group, you form a deep bond that only these shared experiences can build.

By surrounding yourself with your group and interacting with them, you build a powerful shield against your addiction.

4. An Opportunity to Practice New Coping Skills

When you share your story with the group, they can offer suggestions on how to better handle your triggers and thoughts. This is an invaluable opportunity to try out different coping skills in a safe environment before putting them into practice in real-life situations.

5. Receive Positive Reinforcement

Addiction recovery groups allow you to learn from the successes of others. In a group setting, you will receive positive reinforcement from other members when they see how far you have come. This can help to boost your self-confidence and motivate you to continue on your path of recovery.

6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels

By actively engaging in a group setting, your stress and anxiety levels will be reduced. You’ll have the opportunity to form connections with other people going through similar experiences which helps create an emotional support system for yourself.

The Five Stages of Recovery

As you begin the journey to recovery, it can be helpful to know what to expect.

Pre-contemplation – The addiction has negative effects on your life, and you have yet to recognize the problem.
Contemplation – Recognizing the problem is a significant step.
Preparation – Deciding to start a group therapy program can require planning if you need to remain at a treatment center. It’s best to have someone help you prepare.
Action – Following up on your decision and actively working on your recovery takes effort.
Maintenance – After your treatment program ends, it is vital to avoid old triggers until you are more comfortable with your recovery.

A successful addiction recovery group involves action. One of the hardest things to do is openly talk about your disease. Being in a group of others going through the same problem can help make you feel more comfortable opening up.

How Can Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Help You?

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe addiction recovery should involve group therapy sessions along with individual therapy to better treat the mental and physical aspects of this terrible disease.

Addiction recovery groups have many beneficial effects on your recovery that you would not get with individual therapy. Once you begin, you will quickly realize the benefits of your group therapy sessions as you start to gain control of your addiction. If you or someone you know is ready to begin the recovery process, call 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment.

The Importance of Group Therapy in Opioid Treatment

Posted on February 28, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

A group therapy program is one of the most important factors in any successful opioid addiction recovery program. Unlike an individual therapy program, group counseling involves feedback from peers, accountability, and a community of support. Group therapy can provide an environment for people to talk and share as well as learn coping skills together, which can be incredibly beneficial for opioid addiction recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer group therapy programs as part of your individualized addiction treatment program. The importance of group therapy in opioid addiction recovery cannot be understated, and our experienced professionals are here to help you find a group that will work best for you.

Why Group Therapy Is Important

Group therapy is one of the most powerful forms of addiction recovery because it promotes accountability and provides a peer support system. In group counseling, individuals can share experiences, ideas, and advice with others who have experienced similar struggles. This gives them the opportunity to learn from one another and develop healthier methods of dealing with their addiction.

In addition to providing peer support, group therapy can also provide an opportunity for members to learn from professionals. An experienced therapist can provide useful guidance on topics like:

Stress management
Coping strategies
Healthy communication skills
Conflict resolution

It’s clear that group therapy has many benefits for those recovering from opioid addiction. It’s a powerful tool in helping individuals stay accountable, develop healthy coping skills, and gain support from their peers.

The Benefits of Group Therapy in Opioid Addiction Treatment

For clients in recovery from opioid addiction, group counseling in integrated care settings can provide a myriad of benefits. Consider, for example, the opportunity to learn from each treatment team member and the opportunity to build community in the journey to achieve recovery and accountability.

CMAR’s group therapy sessions involve all of the following:

Psychoeducational and medical education – Knowing more about the disease of addiction can help you maintain your sobriety
Interpersonal processing opportunities – You’ll gain perspective as you share your struggles with others
Help for clients as they work through problems – As you face challenges on the road to recovery, you’ll have a network of support to lean on
Feedback and accountability – You’ll learn from your peers in recovery

Being in a support group has essential advantages because you’re with people who are going through what you’re experiencing and understand how you feel. They’ve been where you are right now and have walked the same path as you. There’s no judgment; this approach allows you to talk openly and honestly about your struggles.

One of the key benefits of group therapy is that it gives clients a safe space to learn from and support each other, allowing them to form long-lasting relationships with peers in recovery.

What to Expect in Group Counseling Sessions

Your group therapy sessions will be made up of others with shared issues of concern. You’ll come together with the help of a trained, experienced therapist to provide each other with various types of help and support. During sessions, you’ll talk about specific topics, share coping strategies for empowerment, and provide a sense of community for one another.

In group therapy sessions, participants relay their personal experiences with addiction, listening, accepting, and learning from one another without judgment. They also provide a judgment-free environment for their members that affords them a sympathetic understanding of their issues and helps them to establish useful social networks.

It’s common for participants to feel unsure at first about openly sharing their experiences. However, not only will your group therapy sessions be a judgment-free zone, but they’re also a safe place where you can share personal issues. You’re guaranteed to have privacy.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment Today for More on the Importance of Group Therapy

We address both addiction and mental health concerns as well in our addiction treatment therapies. We also provide resourcing, skills training, and other forms of relapse prevention. If you or a loved one needs help with treatment for opioid addiction, CMAR provides Colorado’s most comprehensive opioid-specific addiction treatment program.

Medication can help you focus on your journey to recovery without the distraction of cravings. We offer both in-person and remote addiction treatment programs. We serve as a resource to our community and help those who are struggling with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders rebuild their lives in recovery. We do this because we care. Learn more about the importance of group therapy by connecting with us online or by calling our team today at 833.448.0127. If you’re ready for restoration, CMAR is here to help.

5 Exciting Group Therapy Activities

Posted on September 29, 2022 by cmarnew

Addiction is a mental health disorder that is treatable through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Patients participate in individual therapy sessions along with group therapy activities that are very beneficial in helping patients recover from addiction. A group therapy program also gives patients a chance to see they are not alone in their struggles and gain valuable perspectives from peers from all walks of life.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other harmful substances. When you first arrive at our discreet facility, therapists will perform a full assessment of your health to place you in the right program based on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. For more information about our beneficial group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our friendly staff about beginning your addiction recovery.

Why Is Group Therapy Important for Addiction Recovery?

For some men and women, group therapy is a scary proposition. They think that sharing their struggles with others is embarrassing and something you should never do. This unhealthy point of view is why so many people continue to struggle with addiction alone instead of seeking help. Many people are taught to keep their feelings to themselves instead of talking about them and minimizing their effect on their physical and mental health.

Group therapy is important for addiction recovery as it allows patients to gain new perspectives on their struggles and what techniques they use to manage their symptoms. A group therapy program also gives patients a chance to practice coping skills, improve communication skills, and build a strong support network of peers.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer outpatient support for men and women throughout Colorado to aid them in their recovery process. We also offer telehealth options for patients whose schedule makes it hard for them to attend in-person therapy.

5 Exciting Group Therapy Activities to Benefit Your Recovery

Boredom is one of the leading causes of relapse for patients just out of recovery. That is why during a group therapy program, patients will participate in a number of group activities that will benefit their recovery and open their eyes to new interests and hobbies to fill their days.

Here are five group therapy activities that patients will participate in with their peers:

Role-playing – This activity is a great way for others to understand how their addiction is affecting others. Take turns role-playing different scenarios, such as talking about addiction to family or friends and coping with situations that trigger cravings.
Nature hikes – Getting out in nature is very therapeutic and a good way to get some exercise and clear your head. At the mid-point of the hike, sit down in a comfortable spot and have a conversation about the recovery journey or other topics.
Charades – This game is an excellent way to practice expressing yourself non-verbally and a fun way to bond with your peers.
Make a vision board – Create a collage of images and objects that inspire you to reach your recovery goals. Plan a fun sober vacation for you and your peers to celebrate completing the program and reaching your sober goals.
Write a letter to your future self – Write a letter to your future self and share some of the inspirational messages you tell yourself with others in the group.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Offers Beneficial Group Therapy Programs for Addiction Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our patients will participate in group therapy activities that will benefit their recovery now and in the future. We offer a full range of beneficial therapies, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Group and individual therapy
Family therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

Today to the perfect time to stop letting addiction rule your life. Call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form for more information about our outpatient treatment facility.

Finding the Right Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

Posted on July 6, 2022 by cmarnew

Group therapy is an important step in the addiction recovery process. It allows men and women to gain a new perspective on the recovery experience from people with different backgrounds and life circumstances. A group therapy program gives patients an opportunity to hone their coping skills and gain confidence in maintaining their sobriety at home and in public. Group therapy is a necessary step for anyone looking to reach their sobriety goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Therapists and medical staff will evaluate your current physical and mental health to develop an effective treatment program to meet all of your recovery goals. If you are ready to accept help with your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to learn how our private outpatient treatment facility is the best place to start your addiction recovery.

How Can a Group Therapy Program Help with the Recovery Process?

For some men and women, sharing their addiction struggles with others is enough to dissuade them from participating in an addiction treatment program. They feel embarrassed and ashamed of their condition due to the stigma of addiction that our society has created. Addiction is a mental health illness that is treatable through the combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy in group and one-on-one sessions.

During group therapy, patients will find that sharing their stories is very therapeutic and can give them new insights into how others face similar struggles. This goes a long way in helping patients realize they are not alone in their struggles, which is a common symptom of substance abuse. They feel the only solution to their problem is through continued substance abuse, especially when they try to quit on their own.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide our patients with a wide range of therapies and programs to aid in their goal of sustainable recovery. Patients will participate in several therapies during private and group sessions where they can develop their coping skills.

What to Expect from Group Therapy

Each person’s experience with addiction treatment is unique and requires a tailored treatment program that includes group and individual therapy. The cause of addiction has a lot to do with behavior, and patients can learn a lot by sharing their stories with others and listening to feedback from a different perspective.

Here is just some of what you can expect during your group therapy program:

Separate men’s and women’s group rehab sessions – Group therapy is available in a gender-specific environment. This removes any distractions caused by the opposite sex and allows for open and honest communication.
Practice coping skills in a safe environment – Patients can gain confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety by practicing their coping skills with their peers in a supervised environment.
Work on improving communication and relationship skills – Group therapy is also beneficial for teaching men and women how to effectively communicate their feelings. They learn how to calmly express themselves and how to become a better listener.
Develop healthy friendships with your peers – The relationships you develop with others in group therapy will become a strong support system to help maintain your sobriety long after you complete your treatment program.

Finding the right group therapy program can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term sobriety.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Providing Men and Women with an Effective Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life through group and individual therapy through our private outpatient treatment center. We offer a wide range of therapies to benefit your recovery process, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dual diagnosis treatment
Family therapy
Group and individual therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

For more information about our outpatient group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to begin leading a healthy and sober life.

How Community Activities Can Boost Recovery

Posted on July 6, 2021 by cmarnew

For those in recovery from addiction, finding new healthy hobbies should be a priority. Addiction can cause physical and mental health issues that different activities can help participants recover from. Additionally, addiction can be isolating. Those who are struggling with substance abuse can benefit from connecting with others in recovery in a safe, supportive environment. This is why many addiction treatment centers offer recreational outings and community activities. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, community activities are a way for our patients to connect with others and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

The Importance of Community in Recovery

We offer community activities for the same reason that we offer group therapy. Addiction thrives in isolation. When you have the support of others who understand the experiences you’ve been through, it’s easier to focus on your recovery.

Other benefits of having a network of support in recovery include:

Perspective – You’ll be able to see your struggles in a new light
Accountability – Knowing that you’ll be sharing your experiences with others can keep you from relapsing
New habits – Your peers in recovery can introduce you to new healthy habits
Encouragement – Challenges in recovery are inevitable, but your peers will be able to cheer you on

Don’t overlook the purpose of group therapy and activities that involve others. Instead, lean into the experiences and find out what they can teach you.

Community Activities at CMAR

Many outpatient addiction treatment centers only offer therapy and medication management. However, Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment recognizes that clinical services alone will not help patients heal in body, mind, and spirit. Meaningful social connection and support, however, is a defining element of sustainable recovery. That’s why our recovery center offers opportunities for our patients and alumni to develop a network of support. Recovery groups are one way that those in recovery can get to know each other, as well as alumni events. However, we’re also building more opportunities for recreational activities into our treatment programs.

Hikes with Mike is our newest recurring outing. Clinical director Michael Damioli leads an outing once a month on a weekend into the beautiful Colorado outdoors. During these excursions, the CMAR community can have a chance to connect outside of the clinical setting. Social connections, fresh air, and physical activity are just some of the reasons why we offer these outings.

As we grow our offerings, we’ll continue to involve our alumni. Even after you’ve completed a formal treatment program, maintaining your connections with others in recovery is vital. To prevent relapse, avoid isolating yourself. Instead, stay connected with our treatment center through events, activities, and recovery groups.

CMAR’s Addiction Treatment Programs

We offer high-quality addiction treatment that fits your schedule. With both remote and in-person options, you’ll be able to participate in treatment while keeping up with responsibilities at work and at home. Medication-assisted treatment is highly effective in helping patients focus on working through the underlying cause of addiction without experiencing cravings.

Additionally, we offer dual diagnosis treatment in our Colorado addiction treatment center. Many of those who struggle with addiction also face co-occurring mental health issues, and this approach allows patients to work through both issues simultaneously. Through both individual and group therapy sessions, patients can discover how things like past trauma, a family history of addiction, and even stress from work can make it more difficult to break the cycle of addiction.

Learn more about our programs today. We invite you to connect with our team by calling 833.448.0127 or by reaching out online. If community activities, evidence-based therapies, and the highest quality in clinical care are what you’re looking for, then CMAR can help.

CBT Program in Colorado

Posted on June 30, 2021 by cmarnew

Many people who struggle with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues like depression or anxiety can benefit from a cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT). This type of therapy has helped many get back to living healthy and productive lives. The stigma of needing therapy is long gone as millions in the US suffer from stress and anxiety, leading to more severe problems like depression and suicide.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer CBT programs to help you get back on your feet and build healthy coping skills for sustainable recovery. Our certified therapists will work with you to get to the root cause of your addiction and help you stop turning to drugs and alcohol. When you are ready to help yourself or a loved one with their addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychological treatment with proven results in helping patients deal with a wide range of behavioral issues. These include:

Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Eating disorders
Marital troubles
Social anxiety

If someone is suffering from addiction, it is from an underlying issue and not simply because they want to drink or smoke. The temporary high is a big draw for those looking for an escape. Therapy programs that treat physical addiction often fail because they only treat one side of the addiction.

Benefits of CBT

Through a combination of individual therapy and group sessions, your therapist will work you through finding that first moment that started your addiction by looking at what drove you to this coping device. You might have experienced trauma in the past or might have turned to drugs and alcohol to feel relief from mental health conditions.

When you begin a cognitive-behavioral therapy program and begin dealing with what is driving your addiction, you will start feeling many positive benefits. These include:

New coping mechanisms
A calmer self
Improved communications skills
Improved mental clarity
New supportive friends that you can count on

The goal of any CBT program is to help you find ways to deal with triggers in a healthy way. These coping skills are helpful tools that you will use throughout your life.

Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Right for You?

Finding the right therapy program can be difficult if you don’t know the underlying issue. You try to quit on your own, only to fail a few days or even months later, sometimes with challenging results as a relapse tends to try and make up for lost time. Your tolerance levels have dropped, but you still think you can handle as much as you once did.

Other treatment centers only focus on the addiction itself and isolate you from your regular life, but don’t do anything to find the root cause of the issue. Their method is to treat the addiction, then send you off to treat the underlying reason for the addiction. This type of single-sided treatment often leads to a half-baked approach to your therapy.

A cognitive-behavioral therapy program will treat both the physical side of addiction and the mental side.

Finding the Right Therapy Program at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When you are ready to help yourself, a friend, spouse, or family member with their addiction, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is available to assist in your recovery. With specialized programs that deal with addiction and mental illness, we can get you healthy and back to a productive life with a cognitive toolkit that will be a powerful shield against the outside world.

We offer telehealth options for those who are unable or uncomfortable leaving their homes, as well as in-person and outpatient programs. If you or someone you care about is suffering from addiction and mental illness, please call 833.448.0127 today and speak with a supportive therapist.