Introduction
Treating addiction might be complex because of the numerous factors impacting individuals and their behavior. Along with chemical dependence, a person might acquire connections between drugs and cues linked with them, which are difficult to manage (Wenzel et al., 2012). As a result, an individual cannot quit as numerous triggers make them/repeat undesired actions.
Thus, all human beings are social creatures, meaning others’ support and examples might help treat addiction (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015). For this reason, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2015) considers group therapy one of the powerful therapeutic tools promoting better results attained due to mutual support, effective leadership, and correct practices. For this reason, it is one of the first choices when treating substance abuse.
The current proposal focuses on treating young people with different types of substance abuse. The individuals are aged 18 to 25 years, and their gender and social backgrounds are diverse and do not play a significant role. Thus, the choice of group therapy for this cohort ensures specific benefits. First, it provides positive peer support, which is critical at this age (Wendt & Gone, 2018b).
Second, the given tool reduces the sense of isolation, which often serves as one of the triggers for using addictive substances again (SAMHSA, 2015). Finally, it guarantees help from peers when trying to cope with addiction (SAMHSA, 2015). For this reason, considering these benefits, the cognitive-behavioral group is selected as the tool for intervention.
Reason for Running Group
Organizing and managing therapeutic groups is explained by several reasons. First, having several clients meeting as a group can save effort, time, and cost (Jacobs et al., 2016). A counselor who wants to promote a significant positive change can work with several individuals simultaneously, which will improve outcomes (Jacobs et al., 2016).
At the same time, the similarity of problems and needs will cultivate the experience of commonality. Many people who struggle with abuse face numerous challenges and think that their problems are unique and cannot be resolved. However, when people interact in groups, they discover that they are not the only ones having similar concerns (Jacobs et al., 2016). It leads to a feeling of relief and promotes additional motivation to struggle.
Furthermore, group therapy might effectively mediate the cultural differences between individuals. For instance, a multicultural work group can support minorities and show that their hardships are not unique and that other individuals also have them (Kivlighan III et al., 2019). It would lead to higher motivation and better engagement.
Finally, as stated previously, group therapy is one of the most effective ways to help young people with various addictions. Sharing their issues with peers, they can count on support, understanding, and help (Wenzel et al., 2012). For this reason, a cognitive-behavioral group focused on altering behavioral patterns is selected as the desired intervention.
Needs Assessment
Thus, the effectiveness of the group and its outcomes depend on the correct understanding of its peculiarities. Compiling the right group is a key to improvement and organizing beneficial cooperation between members (Novotney, 2019). For this reason, a psychologist should conduct a high-quality screening with each potential group member before the start of the group (Novotney, 2019).
It would guarantee the correct needs assessment and understanding of the current situation within a group (Novotney, 2019). The questionnaire to evaluate preparedness can be conducted as part of the preparatory work. It would determine whether all participants are ready and can be included.
Second, needs assessment is central to determining the topics and themes that should be discussed during the first sessions. Assessing clients’ readiness for group therapy, it is essential to collect information about all drugs or substances used and consider cross-addictions (SAMHSA, 2015). Moreover, it is essential to match the group to existing clients’ needs (SAMHSA, 2015). It would guarantee the increased effectiveness of the therapy and ensure that the counselor will select practices that would contribute to the best possible outcomes. Questionnaires or interviews can be an effective method to collect this sort of information and integrate it into the group’s work.
Information on the Proposed Group Leaders
Furthermore, the results and client satisfaction with the process depend on the group leaders and how they manage the group. First, statistics show that most clients with substance abuse lack protection and a feeling of safety in their homes (SAMHSA, 2015). For this reason, a leader should be responsive, empathetic, and communicate in a life-affirming manner (SAMHSA, 2015). Second, active listening is fundamental to successful therapy as it helps to collect information about the problem and resolve it (SAMHSA, 2015). For this reason, a group leader should possess the active listening skills necessary for better cooperation with clients and resolving their problems.
Furthermore, group leaders should be ready to control emotions and ensure stress is managed effectively. Group work can be emotionally challenging, meaning that a counselor should be ready to manage strong feelings and guarantee no conflicts (SAMHSA, 2015). A counselor should build a therapeutic alliance with patients to ensure better results (von Greiff & Skogens, 2019). This link is critical to better results and the ability to share.
Finally, group leaders should possess specific managerial and planning skills. Creating a budget, planning meetings, and interacting with local authorities are necessary to ensure a place for regular meetings is available (SAMHSA, 2015). In such a way, the proposed group leader should be empathetic, responsive, and ready to interact directly with clients to guarantee they trust them and can share their problems.
Evaluation Criteria
Monitoring the treatment process during group therapy is another crucial aspect that should be given much attention. Thus, the three possible ways of evaluating success are available. These include evaluating changes occurring in patients’ lives, self-evaluation of the group leader, and evaluation by other members (Jacobs et al., 2016).
All these approaches to assessing the feedback and outcomes are practical. They might be used to determine whether the selected measures are effective enough or if a change is required to attain better outcomes (Jacobs et al., 2016). The first method implies collecting periodical data from all members using specific forms (Jacobs et al., 2016). The positive changes in their behaviors and lives will prove the effectiveness of the group.
Furthermore, client feedback is an effective measure to evaluate the group’s progress and development. For instance, monitoring progress in treatment by using this tool helps to make the group more flexible and adaptive (Slone et al., 2015). Flexibility is central to facilitating groups and accommodations during the group’s progress (Wendt & Gone, 2018a).
At the same time, group facilitation has many difficulties (Wendt & Gone, 2018a). For this reason, collecting clients’ feedback via interviews, communication, or questionnaires is the recommended approach to evaluating the progress. It will guarantee that the treatment is monitored and that no undesired effects emerge during any phase.
Group Logistics
The group logistics is linked to the peculiarities of the group and the current goals. Thus, the cognitive-behavioral therapeutic group is selected as the preferred method. It means that the first effects can be observed not immediately but within a prolonged period.
For this reason, the expected length is six months, with the planned sessions every week. It will help cultivate trust and control progress (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). However, if participants want, more than one weekly session can be organized. Furthermore, the closed therapy group should be organized as it will cultivate the necessary level of intimacy between members (Wenzel et al., 2012). Furthermore, it will guarantee that all members have serious intentions and are ready to start the journey till its successful resolution.
The time of meetings should be determined during the first session and should be accepted by most participants. It is fundamental for their ability to be present at every meeting and to participate actively. Time cannot be changed for serious reasons. The location should also be the same and based on local community resources. The local school or other public facilities can be used, as it is a significant public concern.
Finally, ensuring that all potential members are aware of the group and would-be meetings (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). The marketing can use local media, newspapers, and other community resources (Wenzel et al., 2012). Social media such as Twitter and Instagram can also be employed. It will help to share data and ensure that all individuals meeting the inclusion criteria will be engaged.
Budget
The budget for group therapy implies considering all possible spending. These might include the cost of equipment, supplies, and rent. In general, the following spending can be expected:
Table 1 – Projected Budget
It is possible to predict that the six-month group therapy would cost around $5,600. However, the price can be reduced if the local community cooperates and provides free facilities, such as meeting rooms. The therapy would help the community members, meaning the authorities can be interested in it. Furthermore, it is possible to find sponsors among both profit and non-profit organizations to ensure the sessions are free for addicted people, as they often have issues with finding jobs.
Conclusion
Altogether, group therapy is one of the most powerful tools for working with substance abuse. Thus, young people aged 18-25 suffering from this sort of addiction might be offered cognitive-behavioral group therapy focused on altering their behaviors and helping them to quit and stop using substances. The closed sessions during the 6 months might help to attain the goal and promote positive outcomes.
The choice of the method is linked to numerous benefits. These include peer support, a feeling of being similar to others, and the ability to share experiences that cause much pain. A leader should possess good active listening skills, be responsive, and be ready to help people in the group. In such a way, it is possible to organize sessions to address the problem of substance abuse and addiction and ensure better outcomes are achieved.
References
Jacobs, E., Schimmel, C., Masson, R., & Harvill, R. (2016). Group counselling: Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Kivlighan III, M., Owen, J., Drinane, J., Tao, K., & Liu, W. (2019). The detrimental effect of fragile groups: Examining the role of cultural comfort for group therapy members of color. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 66(6), 763-770. Web.
Novotney, A. (2019). Keys to great group therapy. American Psychological Association. Web.
Slone, N., Mathews-Duvall, S., Reese, R., & Kodet, J. (2015). Evaluating the efficacy of client feedback in group psychotherapy. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 19(2), 122-136. Web.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Substance abuse treatment: Group therapy. A treatment improvement protocol TIP 41. SAMHSA.
von Greiff, N., & Skogens, L. (2019). Understanding the concept of the therapeutic alliance in group treatment for alcohol and drug problems. European Journal of Social Work, 22(1), 69–81. Web.
Wendt, D., & Gone, J. (2018a). Complexities with group therapy facilitation in substance use disorder specialty treatment settings. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 88, 9-17. Web.
Wendt, D. C., & Gone, J. P. (2018b). Group psychotherapy in specialty clinics for substance use disorder treatment: The challenge of ethnoracially diverse clients. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 68(4), 608–628. Web.
Wenzel, A., Liese, B. S., Beck, A. T., & Friedman-Wheeler, D. G. (2012). Group cognitive therapy for addictions. Guilford.
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). Basic Books.