Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment

If you’re considering treatment for addiction—whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about—there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term group therapy. Maybe that brings up some anxiety: Do I have to talk in front of strangers? Will people judge me? What if I have nothing to say?

We get it. Those feelings are completely normal. But here’s the truth: for many people, group therapy becomes one of the most meaningful and healing parts of recovery.

Addiction often thrives in isolation. Group therapy helps break that cycle by offering something powerful—connection. It’s where you realize you’re not alone.

Where others nod in recognition because they’ve been through something similar, shame starts to dissolve, and self-compassion starts to grow.

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we use group therapy as a cornerstone of our treatment approach. This page will walk you through what it is, how it works, and why it just might be the thing that makes all the difference on your path to healing.

Group therapy is where people come together, talk openly, and work through addiction with the help of a licensed therapist and each other. It’s a safe, structured space where real healing happens through connection, honesty, and support.

The goal isn’t just to talk about your day.

In group therapy, you build accountability, learn new ways to cope with stress and cravings, and start to shift harmful patterns.

You hear other people’s stories, and in doing that, you start to understand your own more clearly.

It’s not just “sitting in a circle.”

Every session is guided by a trained therapist who helps keep the conversation supportive and productive.

Some groups focus on learning specific skills, like managing triggers or handling tough emotions. Others are more about processing and sharing, letting go of the shame and isolation that often comes with addiction.

For many people, group therapy becomes one of the most powerful parts of treatment. You show up, you listen, you speak—and over time, you grow.

If you’ve never been to group therapy before, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of what usually happens in a typical session—and why it’s often more comfortable than people imagine.

Most groups include about 6 to 12 people. Sessions are guided by a licensed therapist who keeps the conversation focused, respectful, and productive.

The therapist isn’t there to lecture—they’re there to support, ask thoughtful questions, and create a safe space for everyone in the room.

Every group begins with ground rules: confidentiality, mutual respect, and no pressure to share if you’re not ready. Many people just listen at first, and that’s completely okay. Over time, trust builds, and so does confidence.

Depending on the group type, sessions might include:

• Storytelling – Sharing personal experiences in recovery.
• Reflection – Talking about what’s coming up emotionally.
• Roleplay – Practicing tough conversations or real-world scenarios.
• Skill practice – Learning tools for coping with cravings, stress, or triggers.

Whether you talk a little or a lot, you’ll walk away feeling less alone—and that’s a powerful step forward.

Group therapy is a cornerstone of treatment at every stage of recovery, but how often you attend and what it looks like can change depending on where you are in the process.

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we believe that education is a powerful tool in recovery. To help you better understand the effects of drug addiction and the path to healing, we’ve created several in-depth resources you can explore:

You don’t have to choose between group and individual therapy—most people benefit from both, and they often work best side by side.

Group therapy gives you a chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. You’ll share experiences, offer support, and receive feedback from peers who’ve been there. It helps you feel less alone and gives you insight into your own journey by hearing others reflect on theirs.

Individual therapy, on the other hand, is your private space to go deeper. You can explore personal challenges, process trauma, and work one-on-one with a therapist to set goals and create a plan that’s just for you.

Together, these two approaches create a well-rounded foundation for recovery. Group helps you practice real-world connection and accountability, while individual therapy helps you focus on the internal work. Both are valuable—and together, they support lasting, whole-person healing.