Find an Addiction Support Group

Group therapy can play a critical role in addiction recovery by providing a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others in recovery, develop coping strategies, and maintain accountability. Many participants find that group therapy fosters empathy and shared learning, helping to reduce isolation and build healthy relationships—key factors in preventing relapse. Additionally, some groups focus on developing specific skills, such as those taught in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), equipping individuals with coping tools beyond interpersonal support. Group therapy can also serve as a bridge between higher and lower levels of care, such as between residential treatment and outpatient settings, thus helping individuals adjust back into their community.

Group therapy for addiction differs from individual therapy in several key ways. Most notably, the group setting offers individuals the opportunity to receive support from peers who are also in recovery, which can help them feel less alone in the process and increase accountability for maintaining their progress. Depending on the type of group, group therapy may also provide a more structured approach to therapy than individual therapy; groups specifically aimed at developing certain coping skills, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, tend to be particularly structured in nature.

In contrast to individual therapy, which is facilitated by a licensed therapist, some therapy groups are peer-run. As a result, group therapy is often a more affordable alternative to individual therapy, and some people may see attending a group session run by a peer as a more accessible starting point for recovery than one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist. Furthermore, the prevalence of addiction therapy groups, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or similar 12-step groups, in communities across the country often makes them more accessible than finding an individual therapist who specializes in addiction.

The most common therapeutic approaches used in group counselling include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. CBT and DBT focus on developing coping skills that help reduce stress and build resilience in recovery. In contrast, Motivational Interviewing supports individuals in navigating the lifestyle changes associated with recovery, emphasising a person-centered approach that meets individuals where they are and helps them set future goals. In addition, many groups will incorporate psychoeducation and process-oriented approaches, which increase knowledge of addiction and promote group discussion as a lever for change, respectively.
Before joining a group for addiction support, it may be helpful to contact the group facilitator to learn about the therapeutic approaches used. This can provide insight into the structure of group sessions and help determine whether the approach will be a good fit.