You build stronger recovery foundations when you lean on the understanding and encouragement of others. At MERIT, we help you find that connection through group therapy sessions. Ready to see how it can help you? Let’s explore what group therapy to support addiction recovery looks like:

What is Group Therapy to Support Recovery?

Group therapy is a form of counseling where a small group of participants meets regularly with one or more trained counselors. These sessions are fully confidential and structured to provide safety and respect for everyone involved. In group therapy for addiction, you’ll often take part in:

• Guided discussions: Counselors lead conversations on important recovery topics. Common topics include managing cravings, identifying triggers, setting healthy boundaries, and handling stress.

• Peer conversation: Group members share their experiences, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s progress. This sense of connection can help you stay motivated and supported.
• Skill-building exercises: You will have opportunities to learn and practice important skills like effective coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and ways to improve communication.

• Recovery-focused activities: Sessions may include role-playing, setting personal goals, or group problem-solving exercises. These activities build confidence and reinforce new skills. 

5 Ways Group Therapy Supports Addiction Recovery

At MERIT, we have seen firsthand how group therapy supports recovery as an effective tool for creating a sense of belonging, encouraging open dialogue, and improving motivation. Here are a few ways it can make a difference in your recovery journey:

1. Peer support: Addiction often leads to isolation, but group therapy surrounds you with people who “get it.” This sense of connection can reduce feelings of shame and loneliness.

2. Accountability: Regular check-ins with your group encourage you to stay focused on your goals. Hearing about others’ progress can strengthen your commitment to recovery.

3. Learning from other perspectives: Listening to how others handle setbacks and celebrate milestones can inspire new strategies and encourage your own growth.

4. Building social and communication skills: By expressing yourself and listening actively, you develop skills that can help you build healthy relationships outside of therapy.

5. A sense of belonging: Experiencing acceptance and understanding from others on a similar path creates a strong foundation of support and hope for recovery.

Outpatient Addiction Recovery Services in Central Washington

MERIT is committed to improving access to high quality, evidence-based addiction recovery services in Central Washington. Our outpatient programs support you at every stage of your recovery, whether you are just starting out or building on the progress you’ve already made. We also offer a full range of behavioral health therapies for co-occurring disorders that may be contributing to your addiction:

Interested in learning more? Read about our substance abuse and behavioral health programs:

• Alcohol abuse treatment
• Drug abuse treatment
• Stimulant abuse treatment
• Detox support
• Mental health counseling
• Behavioral health therapy
• Online mental health therapy
• Anger management
• Family counseling

Group Therapy to Support Recovery: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Am I required to speak during group therapy?

• While we encourage participation in group therapy sessions, you are always in control of how much you share. Many people find they become more comfortable over time as they build trust with the group.

Q: Are group therapy sessions confidential?

• Yes, all members of group therapy sessions agree to maintain confidentiality. Our therapists also enforce strict privacy guidelines to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Q: How do I know if group therapy is right for me?

• Group therapy is a good fit for many people in recovery, but everyone’s needs are different. Our intake and assessment process will help our team determine if it can be a helpful part of your treatment.

Q: Do you offer group therapy and addiction recovery services in Spanish?

• Yes, we offer group therapy and addiction recovery services in both English and Spanish. We recommend attending sessions in the language that feels most comfortable for you.

Q: Where does MERIT offer group therapy to support recovery?

• Group therapy to support recovery is available at all six of our locations in Yakima, Ellensburg, Toppenish, Sunnyside, Kennewick, and Pasco. Our Yakima office also serves clients from Wapato.

Q: Are MERIT’s programs covered by insurance?

• Yes, we partner with major insurance providers to improve access to our addiction recovery services. If you do not have insurance or are facing financial difficulties, we offer flexible payment plans to help you. Connect with us and we’ll walk you through your options.

Still wondering how group therapy builds stronger recovery foundations? Contact us online or call MERIT at 877-789-3344 to book a group therapy session in Central Washington.

It can be difficult to maintain sobriety when old habits or emotions start to resurface. Knowing where to turn can help keep you on track and be more resilient when cravings threaten your recovery. In this guide, the alcohol and substance abuse team at MERIT shares effective strategies for relapse prevention that actually work and help you feel more confident about the road ahead.

Five Strategies for Relapse Prevention That Can Help You Maintain Sobriety

Stress Management

You can’t avoid every trigger, but you can learn healthy ways to face them when they show up. Simple techniques like urge surfing, grounding exercises, and meditation are easy to practice on your own and can make a real difference in stressful moments. The key is to learn these skills ahead of time, so they feel familiar and easy to use when you need them.

Mental Health Counseling

For many, cravings are tied to things like anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Working with a therapist can help you identify these challenges and develop ways to overcome them, such as setting boundaries, increasing self-awareness, and practicing healthy communication. Therapy also provides a safe space to discuss setbacks and learn how to handle high-risk situations.

12-Step Facilitation Programs for Relapse Prevention

Twelve-step facilitation programs are a great way to stay accountable, even on days when motivation is low. In these group sessions, you can share what you’re going through, hear how others handle similar challenges, and learn new coping strategies for relapse prevention. One of the biggest benefits is connecting with a sponsor; someone who’s been there, understands the ups and downs of addiction, and can offer guidance when things get tough.

Family Therapy

The effects of addiction can ripple through a family, leading to mistrust, resentment, and the loss of encouragement from loved ones. In family therapy, everyone has the opportunity to talk openly about their experiences, approach difficult topics, and learn healthy ways of being there for each other. This can make home life more stable during recovery.

Support Networks

Building a network of friends, family, and mentors is a valuable resource for times when you’re feeling lonely or unsure of where to turn. Don’t know how to form a support group? Start simple by setting up regular check-ins with loved ones, letting them know what warning signs to watch for, and being specific about the kind of support you find useful.

Reach Out to Central Washington’s Relapse Prevention Experts

If you’re in recovery and finding it hard to stay on track, there’s no shame in asking for help. MERIT is here to provide the support you need to navigate difficult moments and prevent relapse. Here are a few ways we can assist you with strategies for relapse prevention that actually work:

• Mental health counseling: Learn new ways to manage stress, emotions, and daily pressures that can impact your sobriety.

• Online counseling and telehealth services: Connect with experienced substance-abuse counselors from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

• 12-step facilitation therapy: Explore evidence-based recovery principles and receive guidance alongside others who are on the same path.

• Family therapy: Heal family relationships and rebuild trust by working through challenges as a family.

• Relapse prevention planning: Work with our team to develop personalized strategies for avoiding setbacks and staying committed to your recovery.

Contact MERIT online or call us at 877-789-3344 to schedule a consultation and learn more about strategies for relapse prevention that actually work. Bilingual recovery services are available in English and Spanish at our locations in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, and Yakima (also serving Wapato).

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES, April 26, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — 

Merit Resources is a drug and rehabilitation center that helps patients through outpatient and telehealth services with Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Relapse Prevention and Continuing Recovery, Addiction Treatment for Adults and Adolescents. Employee Assistant Programs, Alcohol Drug Information, Deferred Prosecution Evaluations.

With offices across Central Washington – Ellensburg, Yakima, Wapato, Toppenish, Sunnyside, Kennewick, Pasco.

MERIT provides outpatient drug and alcohol treatment services in Ellensburg, Yakima, Sunnyside, Wapato, Toppenish, Pasco, and Kennewick. Our Washington State-approved, CARF-accredited agency offers confidential substance abuse help. We’ve been providing high-quality, low-cost addiction services for Central Washington residents since 1979.

Merit Resource Services provides a number of outpatient treatment modalities, including intensive outpatient (iop), outpatient (op), relapse prevention, family programs, assessment and education. We also offer services in English and Spanish at all seven locations! Treatment services are client-centered, client-involved and individualized utilizing current and proven strategies and programs. Most services occur either in group therapy or during individual sessions. Some services are provided in specific family sessions. Merit has several evidence based practices programs and promising practices, including:
1. Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT)
2. Anger Management
3. 12-Step Facilitation Therapy
4. Cannabis Youth Treatment
5. White Bison
6. Matric Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Stimulant Abuse
7. Family Matrix Education Manual
8. Certified Mental Health Provider

CARF accreditation is a public seal of trust and commitment to quality based on internationally accepted standards. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates Merit Resource Service’s commitment to exceptional, behavioral healthcare. Our organization receiving the highest level of CARF accreditation has undergone a detailed peer-review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors, during an on-site visit, our commitment to providing programs and services of the highest quality.

MERIT provides outpatient drug and alcohol treatment services in Ellensburg, Yakima, Sunnyside, Wapato, Toppenish, Pasco, and Kennewick. Our Washington State-approved, CARF-accredited agency offers confidential substance abuse help. We’ve been providing high-quality, low-cost addiction services for Central Washington residents since 1979.

Merit Resources
Merit Resource Services
+1 509-837-7700
lolivares@meritresources.org