Implementing group therapy for adults with substance use disorders: What research-based evidence?

Abstract

Objective: Group therapy is the most common form of treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, a research-practice gap has limited the implementation of group evidence-based treatments. This article aims to synthesize the best available evidence of the effectiveness of group psychotherapy for SUDs. Method: Building upon previous reviews and meta-analyses, we conducted a brief overview of the main outcome results of group models in SUD treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducational groups, relapse prevention groups, group drug counseling, contingency management, and interpersonal process groups. Results: Results showed that there is substantial research evidence showing the efficacy of group therapy for SUD. Barriers limiting research on group therapy for SUD are highlighted. Moreover, some clinical resources are outlined that could possibly help clinicians provide group therapy for SUD. Conclusions: Group therapy is an effective therapy modality for treating adults with SUD. More research is needed on group effectiveness in relation to racial/ethnic underrepresented groups and gender and sexual minorities. Highlights and Implications• Group therapy is a primary treatment modality for treating adults with substance use disorders.• Research data support the general efficacy of group therapy on both abstinence and mental health distress at posttreatment.• More research is needed to examine the effectiveness of gender-specific addiction group programs as well as therapy outcomes with racial/ethnic minority clients.