There are various approaches to treating chemical addictions and depending on the circumstances and degree of abuse or addiction problem different programs can be recommended. One of the standard beliefs regarding decisions that need to be made when seeking treatment options is choosing between a group or an individually based program. Actually, a combination of the two treatment structures is typical to many residential programs and while there is a standard association to group counseling, individual chemical addiction therapy is also extremely important and beneficial. And in situations where the individual may be seeking out patient treatment options, individual therapy can give a much more focused and comprehensive structure as well as a stronger personal attention perspective to the addict.

It is extremely common for a person who is suffering from a chemical addiction to have co-occurring issues. This means that they likely have another mental health or behaviorally based issue or disorder affecting their quality of life and ability to function. Individually based therapy offers complete attention to the single addict’s issues and any other issue that may be going on. This can be extremely beneficial in detecting other disorders because the entire session is focused on the individual. In addition, the addict has the entire hour to talk and process their feelings and receives the therapist’s complete and undivided attention. There are great benefits that can be gained from group therapy as well, and a combination of the two are generally recommended.

Chemical addictions are an extremely destructive and serious life circumstance that affects not only the individual who is abusing the substance and suffers from the addiction, but also their family and friends and sometimes even co-workers. This is a far-reaching problem that extends much further than the immediate circumstances of the addict. And while there continues to be a standard judgment toward addiction, it is extremely important to remember and or realize that if you don’t directly know a substance abuser and potential addict you certainly know someone who does. Seeking treatment requires courage and should be supported and encouraged rather than have a social taboo attached to it.