“Group therapy is like an AA meeting and I’ve tried or don’t want that experience.”
We sympathize with your experience and acknowledge that AA/NA is not for everyone! That’s why we are dedicated to offering compassionate, effective group therapy opportunities for those recovering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Many individuals can get mixed up when it comes to comparing group therapy vs. alcoholics anonymous and sometimes even believe they are one in the same. There are distinct differences between the two that we’d like to outline.
Generally speaking, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are free-to-attend support groups that offer a 12-step program for those navigating substance dependency. These groups are focused on supporting the individual person and allow individuals to share their stories and experiences without welcoming the opinions or advice of fellow members. Because of this fact, participants largely move at their own pace and aren’t as challenged to accomplish goals in a specific timeframe.
On the flipside, group therapy is a paid service led by professionals that focuses on the group’s overall progress as well as each individual involved, offering tangible resources and advice to each of its members, and most importantly, requiring that each member equally participate in the process of recovery. This provides more structure and overall motivation for each participant and challenges them to complete what they have set out to accomplish in a timely manner.
Now, let’s dive in deeper and examine the ways in which group therapy differs from AA/NA.
AA meetings are made up of individuals in recovery and are typically not led by a therapist or counselor, differing from group therapy
Traditional addiction support groups like AA are typically composed of (and led by) those navigating their own recovery journeys, not led by a trained therapist or counselor, which differs from the structure of group therapy. Here at ICS, we have found that guidance from a professional is an essential part of recovery as they are equipped with the training necessary to provide you with the right types of resource and support.
AA does not keep attendance records, while group therapy provides accountability
While groups like AA/NA do not keep attendance records, group therapy provides accountability by requiring the participants / clients to check in at every session and also provides a community accountability dynamic where your fellow community members are able to hold you to your commitments and goals previously declared. A one-on-one therapist can offer a similar sense of accountability, but having to keep your promises to a group may be more motivating.
AA does not offer advice from other members like group therapy provides, instead members strictly share their own experiences
AA is largely a sounding board opportunity, allowing anyone who wishes to speak to share their experience to a group of people and be heard. However, there isn’t a large emphasis placed on seeking advice or helpful wisdom from other members, and you can easily attend without making an effort to request this sincere advice (or talk at all). Group therapy encourages everyone to swap stories and challenge each other’s personal growth. Therapy focuses on changing thoughts and behavior patterns, whereas support groups tend to focus solely on coping techniques.
AA does not require every individual to speak during a meeting, whereas group therapy encourages that everyone speak at some point during a session
In group therapy, every individual is encouraged to speak in each session, unlike AA where you can attend for months and are never required to share with the group. Along with a sense of greater accountability, group therapy is also beneficial when it comes to building self-confidence and self-efficacy. In addition, it may provide the opportunity for social skill building in individuals with social anxiety.
Overall, there are a wide variety of benefits of group therapy, and at ICS, our group therapy is run by compassionate, trained, and licensed therapists who are equipped to help guide you along your recovery journey. We pride ourselves on our compassionate providers and comfortable spaces. If you’re still trying to weigh the pros and cons between group therapy vs. AA, we hope this article helped, but would love to chat with you directly if you have any further questions. Give us a ring at (206) 216-5000 or reach out via email.