Group Therapy for Addiction in Los Angeles

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy offers a structured therapeutic environment where people facing similar challenges meet regularly to share experiences, gain insights, and develop coping skills under professional guidance.[1] At iRely Recovery, this evidence-based approach serves those struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Sessions typically meet 1–2 times weekly in comfortable, private spaces within our facility, creating a balance between intensive treatment and personal reflection time. Licensed therapists and certified addiction counselors facilitate these sessions, bringing specialized expertise in addiction dynamics, trauma processing, and relapse prevention strategies.

iRely Recovery approaches group therapy as an essential component within a comprehensive treatment plan, not as a standalone intervention. The focus remains on meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey while building on individual strengths through collective support. Sessions integrate various evidence-based modalities, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational enhancement, and trauma-informed care to address the complex nature of addiction from multiple perspectives.

How (and Why) Group Therapy Works

Group therapy works by harnessing the power of shared experiences in a supportive, therapeutic setting. Substance use disorders often develop in isolation, making group settings particularly effective for recovery.[2] Skilled facilitators guide evidence-based sessions that combine proven interventions with genuine peer support.

The process begins with creating a safe space for honest sharing without judgment. This supportive environment allows participants to recognize patterns in their behavior while developing essential social skills that are often damaged during active addiction.

At iRely Recovery, group therapy sessions address specific needs while building a sense of community vital for lasting recovery. Members learn practical coping strategies for managing cravings while rebuilding self-esteem and forming healthy relationships. The shared experiences within these carefully facilitated groups provide both emotional support during vulnerable moments and practical skills for sustainable long-term recovery.

The Efficacy of Group Therapy For Addiction

Group therapy represents one of the most widely implemented and effective approaches in addiction treatment, with research confirming its value across the recovery continuum. According to SAMHSA, 93% of substance use disorder treatment facilities provide group counseling, reflecting its established efficacy in promoting social support, reducing isolation and stigma, and developing essential recovery skills.[3] SAMHSA also notes that group therapy produces outcomes comparable to individual therapy in terms of treatment acceptance, retention, reduced substance use frequency, and abstinence rates.

What to Expect from Group Therapy For Addiction

When entering group therapy at iRely Recovery, you’ll find yourself in a carefully structured environment designed to balance your need for personal growth with the power of shared experience. Groups typically consist of 6 to 12 participants who meet regularly in the comfortable, private spaces of our Tudor-style facility in LA:

• First session nerves are normal. Many feel apprehensive about sharing personal struggles with strangers. The skilled facilitators at iRely recognize this and begin by establishing clear guidelines that create safety and predictability. You won’t be pressured to share immediately — observation is perfectly acceptable as you adjust.
• Your journey begins with connection. As sessions progress, you’ll notice the isolation that often accompanies addiction beginning to dissolve. You’ll hear stories that mirror your own experiences, providing validation that you’re not alone.
• Active participation evolves naturally. You’ll practice real-time communication skills, receive immediate feedback from peers, and develop strategies for managing triggers and cravings. Groups focus on practical techniques rather than abstract concepts, with role-playing exercises that prepare you for challenging real-world situations.
• Emotional fluctuations are part of healing. Some sessions may feel intensely emotional, while others bring unexpected laughter and hope. This range of experience creates a complete picture of recovery that extends beyond simply stopping substance use.
• Witnessing others’ progress becomes powerful motivation. As group members achieve milestones in their recovery journey, their success becomes tangible evidence that lasting change is possible, reinvigorating your own commitment to sobriety.

Group Therapy for Addiction at iRely Recovery

iRely Recovery helps you cut through all the noise of typical groups. Our approach to group therapy actually works in the real world, not just in theory. Unlike so many other addiction centers flooding Los Angeles, our methods are backed by industry professionals with 20+ years of experience who understand addiction isn’t just about willpower — it’s about healing trauma and rewiring your brain. We’ll tackle substance abuse head-on in our upscale facility, where you’ll work with people who get it because they’ve lived it — and come out better for it. Contact us today to find out how to get started.