Treating patients with alcohol and other drug problems: An integrated approach.

When Talking Won't Work: Implementing Experiential Group Activities With Addicted Clients

“…In addition to the self-expression allotted by experiential activities, another benefit is that these exercises provide opportunities for members of addiction recovery groups to interact in new and important ways. This is especially important given the noted impact of group therapy on the recovery process (Humphreys, 2004;Margolis & Zweben, 1998;Nerenberg, 2000;Plasse, 1995;Roth, 2004). According to Margolis and Zweben, group therapy provides addicted clients with the opportunity for personal growth through the receiving of direct feedback, the building of interpersonal skills, and the learning (or re-learning) of appropriate emotional expressions.…”

Informed consent to undergo treatment for substance abuse: a recommended approach

“…Traditionally, clients' lack of awareness of substance abuse problems has been viewed as denial, but the stages of change approach views this as precontemplation from which clients can progress to greater awareness with additional information. Instead of interpreting clients as refusing to admit a problem, it may be useful for providers to first consider the clients' lack of information about substance abuse and its harmful effects (Margolis & Zweben, 1998). Informed consent can provide clients with information about substance abuse problems and treatment in a gradualist way.…”

Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: What Do We Know?

“…Another reason (in addition to its perceived low cost) for the dominance of group therapy for patients with SUDs is related to the powerful influence of peer-based groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). 3 One of the underpinnings of AA is the idea that the influence of group members who have experienced similar problems is helpful in breaking down the denial frequently associated with substance abuse. 3,6 Also important are the beliefs that members can benefit from developing interpersonal relationships with others who have had similar experiences, learning to identify and communicate needs and emotions, eliciting and providing support, and identifying and confronting maladaptive patterns of behavior.…”