Group therapy is a specific form of psychotherapy that is provided by one or more therapists, to a group of people, at the same time. Studies show that when administered properly, group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy.
dThe guiding principle of group therapy for substance abuse is “power in numbers.” The ultimate goal of group therapy is to create a sense of belonging or relatability through understanding, which happens when group members share their common experiences with drug and alcohol addiction. Group therapy provides those in recovery from substance use disorders with peer support and accountability in an environment where they can learn new skills and coping mechanisms from each other.
This article explains group therapy, including how it works, what it helps with, and who it is for.
What Is Group Therapy?
The first recorded session of group psychotherapy was in 1906, when Dr. J. H. Pratt, a Boston physician, provided group instruction about home care to tuberculosis patients. While working with these patients he noticed the beneficial emotional side effects that occurred as a result of these group sessions.
Group therapy was then proven especially helpful in the 1940s in treating World War II veterans who had experienced trauma as a result of combat. In 1944, the US Army released a report commending the benefits of group therapy. It’s since become an increasingly popular type of therapy.
Today, group therapy is very common and is frequently used to treat a wide range of addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Phobias
- Substance abuse
Group therapy is offered in a variety of different settings, including:
- Addiction treatment centers
- Community centers
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Private practices
Group Therapy vs Individual Psychotherapy
Techniques used in group therapy differ from those employed in individual therapy. Individual therapy consists of one-on-one sessions where the therapist focuses on the individual feelings and needs of the patient. During group therapy, the therapist often facilitates discussions amongst group members which are designed to help people share experiences and work towards solutions to problems together.
Whether group therapy or individual therapy is most effective depends entirely on the individual and their unique needs. It’s common for people who are recovering from substance abuse to participate in both individual and group therapy. When paired together, individual therapy and group therapy complement each other as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program.
General Characteristics of a Group
According to the American Psychological Association, therapy groups can be of any size but usually contain 5-15 people on average. Sessions are commonly held on a weekly basis and last 1-2 hours.
Group sessions are designed to be either open or closed. Open groups allow members to join at any time. Whereas, closed groups are made up of a specific group of people who all become members at the same time.
Some patients will only do group therapy, whereas others may attend group sessions alongside individual therapy and other treatments. Group therapy may occur more frequently (e.g. on a daily basis) if an individual is enrolled in an inpatient addiction treatment program or participating in a self-help support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Types of Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment
There are several different kinds of group therapy commonly used in treating substance use disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), they generally fall into one of the following types of therapeutic models:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT
These psychotherapy groups are focused on relapse prevention and helping people develop new skills and coping mechanisms, including how to manage difficult emotions like anger.
Interpersonal process psychology groups
This form of psychotherapy is focused on working through trauma that may have occurred in an addict’s life. Processing these experiences provides individuals with deeper insight into their own behaviors, which leads toward personal acceptance.
Psychoeducational groups
Psychoeducational groups are a form of group therapy that is focused on providing education through peer information-sharing and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. During sessions, a qualified therapist leads the discussion, encouraging group members to share their experiences and set goals.
Skills development groups
This form of group therapy is designed to help people develop, hone and practice skills that are required to remain abstinent and avoid relapse. This typically includes relaxation training, meditation, and life skills training.
Support groups
Substance abuse recovery groups are voluntary associations of people who share a common desire to overcome their addiction. They are focused on providing relapse prevention and peer support.
Other forms of group therapy include:
Many support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) use the 12-step model, where members work on their recovery with the help of a sponsor, whom they can call for guidance, or when they’re at risk of relapsing. In lieu of a trained therapist, group sessions are usually led by a fellow group member who is also in recovery. It’s common for people to continue to attend 12-step groups for many years.
Non-12-step programs
These include Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery, Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.), LifeRing Secular Recovery, and more.
Relapse prevention groups
This form of group therapy is designed to provide continuous relapse prevention support through a combination of psychological education that discusses the consequences of addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy, and skills development.
Expressive groups
These groups are focused on providing experiential therapy through art, drama, music, and other group activities.
Culturally specific groups
These recovery groups offer culturally specific support and activities.
Benefits of Group Therapy for Addiction Recovery
Recovering from a substance use disorder can feel isolating. Group therapy provides an opportunity for people in recovery from substance abuse to learn more about themselves, and their relationships with others, while being surrounded by a small community of people who have similar issues and experiences.
Group therapy provides members with a sense of belonging and acceptance, which can help boost confidence and self-esteem. Overall, sharing experiences and emotions with one’s peers has shown to reduce stress, guilt, and shame among group members.
As a result, group therapy becomes a place in which members can learn how to avoid engaging in destructive behaviors, such as seeking out substances, and instead, practice new, healthy coping behaviors alongside their peers.
Group therapy also provides psychologists with a unique perspective. Instead of relying on a patient’s self-reports, in a group setting, therapists can observe relational patterns in action, as individuals reveal their struggles through interactions with other group members.
Many of the underlying root causes of addiction stem from traumas that happened in groups (I.e. family, school, religion). During therapy sessions, the therapy group acts as a stand-in for one’s family of origin. This provides individuals with the opportunity to address and heal old wounds derived from past group settings (for example, social anxiety, low self-esteem and interpersonal conflicts) in a way that’s simply not possible in individual sessions.
Goals of Group Therapy
The goals for group therapy are based on specific therapeutic elements, designed to achieve a range of positive benefits. These include:
Altruism
Group therapy encourages people to step outside of themselves and find ways to be in service of others.
Corrective recapitulation
The family-like setting of group therapy can help people work through conflicts they may have within their family of origin.
Catharsis
By providing a safe space, group members are able to give voice to difficult feelings and experiences they may not have been comfortable sharing in other settings.
Existential factors
Group therapy helps individuals work through daily stressors
Instillation of hope
Being amongst group members with similar issues and hearing how they’ve overcome challenges gives people a sense of hope that recovery is possible.
Imparting information
By sharing personal experiences with each other, group members are able to gain knowledge about how to manage recovery.
Imitative behaviors
Through group therapy, participants have the opportunity to learn new coping skills from the behaviors of other members that help them maintain sobriety.
Interpersonal learning
Group therapy teaches participants about interpersonal connections and how to form relationships.
Group cohesiveness
Members receive a sense of acceptance and belonging from group therapy.
Universality
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Socializing techniques
Group therapy helps people feel less alone while teaching valuable social skills.
Development of Self-Awareness
Group therapy enhances self-awareness through peer feedback and recognizing personal behaviors affecting recovery and relationships.
How Group Therapy Helps Treat Substance Abuse
According to SAMHSA, group therapy is designed to help people in recovery move through the six stages of recovery. These include:
Pre-contemplation
In this stage of recovery, individuals are not yet considering changing their substance abuse because they do not think they have a serious problem. They are attending group therapy because other factors led them there (e.g. family, friends, a therapist, or the legal system).
Contemplation
While attending group sessions and receiving guidance from a therapist, the individuals begin to consider altering their consumption or quitting substances altogether.
Preparation
The patient may still be using substances, but now recognizes the benefits of quitting.
Action
At this point, the individual chooses a strategy to end their substance abuse. They begin making the necessary changes to follow through with a plan, alongside the support of the therapist and other group members.
Maintenance
The individual works tirelessly to remain abstinent and avoid relapsing. At this point, some people achieve full recovery.
Recurrence
Since the individual has gained a better understanding of themselves and their behavior while attending group therapy, if a relapse occurs, it’s easier for them to return to the maintenance stage.
Group Therapy With Other Treatments
Depending on the severity of the addiction and the substances being abused, the patient may need to undergo medical detox and medication-assisted treatment before they’re able to begin group therapy.
For example, individuals with an opioid use disorder may require medications such as methadone or buprenorphine to manage withdrawal symptoms. Often, mental health professionals will determine when an individual is ready for group therapy. Depending on the patient and the type of group therapy, a therapist may refer them to group therapy immediately or, alternately, once they reach the maintenance phase.
What to Expect in a Group Therapy Session
During group therapy, chairs are often arranged in a circle so that everyone in the group is able to see each other during the session. However, if the group is larger, seating may be arranged in rows facing a podium. While therapy sessions vary depending on the type of group therapy, group sessions tend to have the following structure:
- Introduction
Members introduce themselves and briefly state why they are attending group therapy. This may occur at the start of group therapy, at the beginning of every session, or whenever a new group member joins if it’s an open group. Introductions may also include ice-breaker activities designed for group members to get to know each other. During this portion of group therapy, it’s common for group members to test each other’s boundaries. While this can be jarring initially, it can lead to deeper, more beneficial work as therapy progresses.
2. Updates
Next, returning group members may opt to share updates and experiences since the last group session.
3. Group discussion
The facilitator or therapist will then decide what shape the meeting will take. This may involve group discussion amongst members or a focused educational session.
In addition to the above, the group therapist or facilitator may also use a variety of different learning tools, including, audio and visual aids, homework, memory improvement techniques, written projects, and role-playing.
How Long Does Group Therapy Last?
The length of time an individual will remain in group therapy depends on a variety of factors, including the type of therapy being administered, a person’s level of motivation to participate, and what stage of recovery they’re in.
Substance abuse treatment programs often require patients to attend a minimum number of sessions over a set period of time (e.g. 6 sessions over a 3-month period). However, group therapy sessions lasting up to one year may also be recommended. These kinds of therapy sessions usually take place at an outpatient rehab center or as part of an intensive outpatient program.
If an individual is being treated at an inpatient treatment center, they may attend group therapy daily for the duration of their stay.
Lastly, if an individual is in the maintenance stage of recovery, they may choose to join a support group, 12-step group, or another relapse prevention group, for peer accountability and support. In the case of 12-step groups, many people are active members for years.
How Effective is Group Therapy in Treating Addictions?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), group therapy works as well as individual therapy for many conditions. Over 50 clinical trials have compared patients who participated in individual or group treatment, and all studies found that both formats produced the same level of improvement for a variety of mental health and substance use disorders.
Studies have also shown that interacting with peers during group therapy provides unique therapeutic benefits. In fact, according to Stanford University’s Irvin David Yalom, MD, author of the 2005 book “The Theory and Practice of Group Psychology,” participating in group therapy with one’s peers may be more helpful than receiving guidance from a therapist since people are more likely to connect and identify with their peers.
Support groups such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can also be very effective in helping people in recovery from substance abuse. In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism looked at people who were formally treated, informally treated (attended AA meetings), and untreated individuals who suffered from alcohol abuse, and found that 49% of individuals who attended AA were abstinent, as compared to 46% of people who received formal treatment.
It’s also important to note that group therapy exceeds the APA’s Society of Clinical Psychology’s standards for efficacy in treating bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and general personality disorder.
Questions to Ask When Considering Group Therapy
While group therapy is known to be effective in treating substance abuse disorders, research shows that it is most effective when the group members have a common identity and a sense of shared purpose.
Furthermore, research shows that two leaders or group therapists are better than one. Members of co-led groups experience greater benefits than those who participate in individually led groups. An additional person who can listen and respond makes a difference when group leaders are trying to follow multiple interactions.
Therefore, it’s important to find a group therapy scenario that is well-suited to your personal needs. Before choosing group therapy, here are some questions to consider.
Is the topic or theme specific to what you’re experiencing?
Is the demographic of the group (e.g. age, gender) appropriate and one that you’d feel comfortable in?
Is it an open or closed group? Which do you prefer?
Can you easily access the group meetings?
Does the group therapy schedule work with yours so that you can attend consistently and on time?
Is the cost affordable? Will you have to pay out of pocket or do you have some coverage through an insurance plan?
If you’re unsure of what kind of group therapy would be best, speak with a mental health professional. They’ll be able to provide you with the necessary information so you can make the best decision for you or your loved one.
Cost of Group Therapy
The cost of group therapy varies based on factors such as location, frequency of treatment, and individual insurance coverage. However, group therapy is often up to half the cost of individual therapy, which makes it an attractive option for many people.
Group therapy is usually offered as part of an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program and therefore, included in the overall cost of rehab.
Insurance
Depending on your insurance plan, the cost of group therapy may be covered to a certain extent. Many insurance plans will cover group therapy as long as it is evidence-based, run by a professional, and medically necessary.
Additionally, individuals may also receive coverage if group therapy is part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Under the Affordable Care Act in the United States, substance abuse treatment must be covered under ACA insurance plans. ACA plans also can’t disqualify you for having a pre-existing substance use disorder or cap spending on addiction treatment. Many private medical insurance providers also offer addiction treatment coverage to varying degrees.
When researching which rehab options that include group therapy, consult your insurance provider to find out what kind of coverage is available.
Free and Low-cost Group Therapy Options
In addition to the options outlined above, many free and low-cost group therapy options exist. Addiction recovery support groups and 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are usually free, although you may be asked to contribute to operational costs such as room rental, coffee, and snacks.
Your doctor is a valuable source of local information. They will be able to put you in touch with support groups and group therapy providers in your area that work in addiction recovery.
Risks and Drawbacks of Group Therapy
Although there are many benefits to group therapy, there are also drawbacks that make it not suitable for everyone.
Less private
Group therapy often requires that participants share their personal struggles with the group. People with social anxiety or those who have a fear of public speaking may find group therapy uncomfortable and therefore, be better suited to individual therapy.
Confidentiality
While it’s easy to keep what’s shared in individual therapy confidential between the patient and the therapist, this becomes more difficult in a group setting. Individuals who are very private and concerned about confidentiality may find individual therapy a better fit.
Lack of individual attention
During group therapy, individuals are required to share the stage with other members. People with more severe mental health issues or those who are prone to downplaying their struggles in a group setting may benefit more from the one-on-one approach provided by individual therapy.
Member dropout
Facilitator drawbacks
Unless a facilitator is a licensed mental health professional, they may not be equipped to deal with some of the issues that arise in group therapy. Poor leadership from a facilitator is also a risk factor.
Interpersonal conflicts
If someone is prone to conflict in their interpersonal relationships they might not get along with certain group members.
Not recommended for people experiencing mental health crises
For example, someone who is feeling suicidal or in need of medical detoxification should seek emergency healthcare services, not attend a group therapy session.
Get Help With Addiction Group Therapy
Regardless of where you are on your addiction recovery journey, group therapy can generate a sense of belonging, peer support, and personal accountability while also providing individuals with the necessary coping skills to live a fulfilling life free of alcohol and drug addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, know that you’re not alone and that treatment is available. We are here to help.
Addiction Centers That Provide Group Therapy
| Name / Address / Rating | Description | Treatments / Payments / Programs | Review / Contact | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avenues Recovery Center at Lake ArielAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Lake Ariel, PA | Clients seeking treatment for alcohol addiction may be required to undergo detox first. As one of the best detox facilities in Pennsylvania, the process at Avenues Recovery Center ensures any abused substances are out of a client’s system and that they are in a healthy frame of mind when they enter residential treatment. Detox is overseen and | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (570) 354-6060 | Ave has provide a second chance at life recovery . And staff is outstanding
Antonio Rutledge
1 day ago
good place
maxx larocca
2 days ago
Avenues Lake Ariel saved my life. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for treatment.
Devin Diaz
3 days ago
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5 5
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1
Top 10 Rehab in AZ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.90 / 10 | Soberman’s Estate, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, is an alcohol and drug rehab center that provides addiction treatment services to adult men, professionals, and public figures. They are a discrete, luxury rehab for individuals aged 30 to 80 years old. This location caps their treatment center at ten men at a time. As one of leading inpatient re | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Soberman’s Estate was everything I needed for my recovery. The staff, the program, physical activity and culinary experience were top notch and essential. The program is well designed and worked better than I expected. The staff is remarkable – professional, considerate and genuinely caring. My time there and being removed from alcohol for five weeks was everything I needed to remove my craving for alcohol. Soberman has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I feel confident, secure and grateful for my new life. I have reconnected with my family and friends. Thank you Soberman.
George B.
8 months ago
Yes, very professional staff, treatment, therapist, chefs were good! even the home cook did the best she could, and loved the horses of Course! Saturday morning hiking was fun to explore the trails of the nearby mountain area!
John E Williams
9 months ago
I had a great experience overall and would recommend it to anyone wanted to jump start their sobriety!!
Kevin Crawford
9 months ago
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5 5
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1
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | All In Solutions Detox in Simi Valley is one of the best ranked inpatient detox facilities in California providing safe, medically supervised care for individuals beginning their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. As part of the All In Solutions Behavioral Health network, this facility serves as the first step in a full continuum of care. Cli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Very nice staff, clean facility! Small groups, very intimate setting!
Krista Kukowski
1 day ago
Very friendly staff great facility. 20 day stay
Marcus Cook
2 weeks ago
I love this program it really makes difference and helped me get my life back on track! If you’re serious about you recovery please 🙏 give it a try…
william wall lll
4 weeks ago
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5 5
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1
Top 10 Rehab in TN
Rehab Score
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8.78 / 10 | Recovery Unplugged Nashville Drug & Alcohol Rehab is a private luxury addiction treatment center located just south of Nashville, in Brentwood, Tennessee. They offer several levels of care, including medication assisted treatment (MAT), residential treatment and behavioral telehealth. Adults with dual diagnoses and substance use disorders are welco | Treatments Programs Payment Options | RU is amazing. The staff here is phenomenal and they truly care. I truly love Becca, Teigan, Ellie, Bailey, and will. They’re all so good at making people feel like they can do whatever they set their minds to and accomplish their goals!
Logyn Street
1 month ago
I checked myself in for alcoholism and opiate abuse. I was drinking so much I was falling and hurting myself and ruining my marriage and on a path to possibly loosing job and even land myself in jail. I was miserable and at rock bottom. Once there after the detox period i started attending group therapy sessions, individual therapy session’s sessions, and working with the techs to become involved in my recovery process. First 5 days i was detoxing and once that was over i got super involved in the program and day by day got better each day. I received excellent nursing and medical provider support. I had amazing group therapy sessions. I was fed delicious meals every day. I had a great case manager and had a primary therapist who was absolutely perfect. The staff was absolutely first class and my treatment started me on a successful path to recovery. This place literally changed my life. They took care of my every need physically, mentally, and emotionally. I highly recommend if you need help for addiction this is where you need to be.
John Abbott
1 month ago
This place has changed my life. I have been to rehabs before but I felt like this place is where I would get clean for the last time since i walked in the doors. The music assisted therapy was perfect for me and the staff is all amazing. The groups are really beneficial and really got down to the core of why i turned to drinking every time something upset me. I felt like they really listened to me and i felt heard and seen. I am excited to continue on with alumni and events and life long friendships.
Kaylee Harris
1 month ago
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5 5
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Avenues Recovery Center at ClarksvilleAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Clarksville, IN | Avenues Recovery Center in Clarksville, Indiana, is an inpatient drug and alcohol detox and rehab center. They strive to provide individuals receiving treatment with a loving environment and attentive medical care. You’ll be away from toxic environments and triggers and have the opportunity to focus on developing life skills that will support you | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (930) 203-1947 | Awesome place to get some help with recovery!
James Robinson
1 day ago
Good experience great staff
Trent Satterfield
1 day ago
Amazing curriculum great staff very beneficial
Christopher
1 day ago
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Top 10 Rehab in FL
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.78 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health center and addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida. They provide a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and mental health care for adults with substance use disorder. All In Solutions Counseli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | There are no words to express my gratitude that I have for All In Solutions and the clinical team during my experience. But I am going to try my hardest! First off, Nicole, my therapist understood me like no other therapist has before! She thought outside the “traditional” therapy models and found something that worked for me. And for that, I will be forever grateful. Thank you to Pastor Dan, Chris P, Matt, Alfonso, Henry, Shakira, Stacy and Patti (forgive me if I forgot anyone) for their group therapy classes! BHT’s Allison, Destiny, Sam, Anthony, Chase, Pat, Leah, and many more. Thank you for being great at your jobs! Making sure we are treated with empathy and kindness. Our case workers Mariah and James! Thank you both. And outreach/alumni services Marisa, Kermit and Troy, thank you for the continued support for my aftercare!! I highly recommend All In Solutions to my family and for anyone seeking help with addiction! God bless you all!!
Robert Gonzales
3 weeks ago
Did a great job.
Nelson Stevenson
4 weeks ago
If You wanna get back to living a good life free of drugs and alcohol I would recommend All In highly. Great group of Techs , Facilitators , Therapist and Spiritual Guidance
Walter Pines
1 month ago
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4
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2
Top 10 Rehab in TN
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.77 / 10 | If you’re looking for a Christian-based men’s drug rehab center, S2L Recovery in Woodbury, Tennessee, might be the place for you or your loved one. Located at the top of Short Mountain, and overlooking the green hills of Middle Tennessee, this residential and detox clinic boasts a one-to-one staff/patient ratio so there’ll always be someone t | Treatments Programs Payment Options | I’m so glad God brought me to S2L. I found the lord again, I was living in the darkness but now I’m back in the light. I totally recommend S2L for you ladies or fellows. I love all the staff and the residents. I’ll miss them all. Give them a call call if you need help. I’m telling yall this is the place to be, and remember Jesus and God loves all and so do I.
Kimberly Lee
1 month ago
People don’t usually consider rehabilitation to be a “pleasurable” experience. We associate rehabilitation with discomfort and moving away from the feeling of pleasure. Because that is what we were seeking through drugs and alcohol; pleasure and comfort.
The day I returned home from S2L, someone asked me if my time in recovery had been difficult. My answer was, “It was not nearly as difficult as it probably could have been or should have been. Though there are people who struggle more than others.” After I had some time to really consider that question and my answer, I realized that the reason my experience had seemingly been so easy was because I was finally doing what God was calling me to do. Living a life of surrender to His will. The difficult part for me, was the life I was living before treatment, when I was trying to live my life according to my own will.
When we reach a place of desperation where we are willing to surrender all, that is when true healing can take place. The Lord is working through this ministry. They are working in accordance with God’s will. They are saving lives, both physically and more importantly spiritually. I am eternally grateful for this place and for the staff. They want to see people live lives of abundance. It is a beacon set on a hill, where Christ’s light shines. I hope and pray that if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, that you will make the call. Knock and keep knocking. He is waiting.
Daniel Sommers
1 month ago
The place was amazing. It has a great Christ based curriculum. Coaches and counselors were awesome . Would highly recommend this program for anyone who is struggling with addiction.
Jared Cravens
2 months ago
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2
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | Located in Watsonville, California, Elevate Addiction Services provides alcohol and drug rehab services to men and women suffering from addiction. Their levels of care include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. One of the best ranked Outpatient treatment centers in California, Elevate Addiction Services provides a wide continuum | Treatments Programs Payment Options | This place is not your ordinary rehab facility. They go beyond your standard rehabilitation and literally “Elevate” your life to a new level you didn’t think was ever possible before. The program is structured in a way that you desire to learn more and give more into the healing process. If you take the necessary steps and put your heart into the program you will come out with a newfound appreciation for life and all that surrounds you. Please take this step, as my husband did, to embrace your life and get the healing you deserve and owe yourself.
The Truth
3 months ago
I think this is a wonderful rehab, the facilities are beautiful, the food is amazing (I have never even had food this good at a restaurant), and above all they have really helped my husband. Obviously anyone that first goes to rehab isn’t happy with their situation but in just two short months he was a changed person. The work they have them do on themselves got him to finally see why drugs and alcohol are no way of life. He’s finally sober and actually enjoying it! This rehab helped him so much he actually chose to stay LONGER, and I am for once excited for what the future can bring.
Christine Hanson
3 months ago
My experience here throughout my last few months has completely changed my whole outlook on life. Before I got here I thought my life was going towards the end. My body was failing and mental state was terrible. Every part of the program touches on every aspect of the addicts life. Now that I have finished the program and started living daily life with all of the gains I got throughout the program, failure isn’t an option. I know I can truly be happy sober now. I finally gained back the love and support from my life partner and best friend I always knew was still there. My mom also believes in me again which is so important to me. The possibilities and happiness are endless now. Thank you Elevate.
Mike Wilcox
3 months ago
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5 5
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3
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | Rise in Malibu is a secluded drug and alcohol rehab program in Malibu, California. They deliver Joint Commission accredited detox, inpatient treatment, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare services to adult clients. Their campus boasts luxury amenities and a seaside view. Detoxification at Rise Malibu takes place in its luxury residen | Treatments Programs Payment Options | One of the best rehabs available. Everyone was very personable, respectful, kind, and patient. Just over 365 days sober thanks to Rise. Allison saved me, and I cannot thank her enough. If you’re in deep and hopeless, take her word, do what she recommends, let her guide the process. She is a godsend. Trust her. Ron, Sharie, Dr. Mark, Nam, Cat, Dr. Raskin (who is very kind, don’t let other reviews fool you) and everyone else, thank you as well. My daughter has her dad back thanks to y’all.
Also special shout out to Cesar for our trip out to West Hollywood to check out sober livings. Fun adventure and one of the easiest people to talk to one on one.
Go to Rise. I’m telling you now if you have the opportunity, do not pass it up.
Wes Naylor
1 week ago
The first phone call i had was an intake with Allison. She is the one who convinced me to come to Rise. She is amazing. She is there from the beginning to the end if you need anything.
The first person I met at rise was Nam. He is the man he’s there for you all the time he works 20 hours a day. The man is amazing.
Next, I met Zac the nurse he’s such a cool dude and listens to you and takes whatever concerns you have and it gets it fixed for you.
As far as nurses Daisy, David and Nina were great.
If you have real medical issues, I would not go there
Dr.Raskin is a first class clown. The first time I met him, he spoke to me in the kitchen for 30 seconds and ran away. The next time I saw him was on Zoom for about 60 seconds and he got off. I had a lot of medical issues and he was not there for me. I was very disappointed in that. I refuse to see him after that that’s one of the few bad things about Rise is the doctor. If he was my employee he’d be fired. I complained about him a lot.
The counselor Michael, Josh And Beth were great they listen to you and make you feel like they are helping you out.
A special shout out to Cat My hippie dippy friend she is the one who does yoga and meditation. I never did that in my life before I’m an older man and she was amazing.
I’m from the East Coast. The food was not that great. I was disappointed in that they have a private chef. James was the best chef
That’s the only thing I could say about the food. Very disappointing.
That being said, I would definitely go to Rise. They save my marriage and they save my life. Thank you to the team if I left anybody out, I’m sorry.
Marc K
3 weeks ago
There are very few people in life who truly believe in you when you’ve completely lost belief in yourself. For me, one of those people has always been Ron and the entire team at Rise in Malibu.
I’ve known Ron for a while , and through every chapter, he has remained someone who genuinely cares, shows up, and sees the person beneath the struggle. That kind of authenticity is rare. His leadership and heart are reflected throughout the entire program and staff.
Dr. Mark, Sheri, and everyone at Rise create an environment that is compassionate, professional, supportive, and deeply human. They don’t treat people like problems to fix they treat them like people worth fighting for. That distinction matters more than words can explain.
What makes Rise special is that it never felt transactional to me. It felt personal. Real care, real connection, real support, and people who continue to stay connected long after treatment ends. That says everything.
And for me personally, recovery wasn’t something that necessarily “landed” the very first time. Sometimes the spiritual experience happens when it’s truly ready to happen. What I can say today, sitting here over 16 months sober, is that Rise helped give me the tools, foundation, support, and perspective that allowed that change to finally take root in a real way. When the moment came, I knew how to move forward because of what I had learned there.
That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life!
I can honestly say I would recommend Rise in Malibu to anyone looking for genuine help, guidance, and people who truly care about recovery and human beings as a whole. Five stars isn’t enough for the impact they’ve had on my life.
Thank you, Ron, and thank you to the entire Rise family!
B P
1 month ago
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Top 10 Rehab in PA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | The Steps To Recovery addiction treatment center is situated in Levittown, Pennsylvania. At this drug rehab center, patients can expect to engage in a unique treatment approach that focuses on helping individuals recover through authenticity, intimacy, community connection, and transparency. Steps to Recovery offers a serene and private environ | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Celebrating my milestone today and couldn’t have done it without STR Levittown and Silver Pines, eternally grateful 🫶🙏
Michael Oberholtzer
1 month ago
This place saved my life. At my lowest of lows I came here and they gave me the hope I needed to go out and live a successful life. Erin truly made my day everytime I’d see her she would always give me some kind of inspiration to keep going
Tommy Hayes
3 months ago
My time in the PHP program at STR was truly life-changing. I came in struggling with trauma and uncertainty, and the staff created a safe, supportive space where I could begin to heal and grow.
A special thank you to my case manager Katie for helping me navigate legal issues and plan my next steps when I felt overwhelmed. I’m also deeply grateful to my therapists Matt, Ashley, and Blake, as well as Lauren, the intern, who all supported me through the hardest parts of recovery. Leigh Anne, our house lead behavioral health tech, kept communication open and made sure everyone felt heard. Monique, the nurse practitioner, was incredibly compassionate and helped me take my first steps toward accepting my need to change pronouns and pursue gender-affirming care.
I’m leaving this program stronger, more self-aware, and genuinely thankful for the care I received. 💙
Taylor Budry
3 months ago
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