Group therapy is commonly used by addiction treatment providers alongside other forms of support such as one-to-one therapy, relapse prevention, detox where clinically appropriate and aftercare.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not provide therapy or clinical treatment directly. We can help you understand treatment pathways and, where appropriate, discuss providers who may be able to assess your needs.
Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance about addiction treatment and therapy options. We do not provide treatment directly, but we can help you understand possible next steps and referral routes.
Contact us or call 01475 303998.
Group therapy is a type of therapy or counselling session delivered in a group setting. In addiction support, this may involve people who are working through similar substance use concerns, led by a trained facilitator or therapist.
A suitable provider should explain who leads the group, how confidentiality is handled, what topics are covered and whether group therapy is used alongside other support.
It is normal to feel nervous about group therapy. For some people, it can be helpful because it offers structure, shared experience and the chance to learn from others.
Potential benefits may include:
Group therapy is not suitable for everyone, so providers should assess whether it is appropriate.
Before joining a group session, a provider should explain what to expect, how the group is structured, what confidentiality rules apply and how any concerns can be raised.
It can help to think about personal goals, triggers, boundaries and what support may be needed before and after sessions.
Group therapy may support addiction recovery by helping people recognise patterns, understand triggers, practise relapse prevention skills and discuss the emotional impact of substance use.
It may be used alongside detox, one-to-one therapy, medication review where appropriate, family support, peer support and aftercare planning. The right combination should be based on assessment by a suitable provider.
If you are looking for addiction treatment in Scotland, it can help to ask providers what therapies are included, whether group therapy is available, who delivers clinical care, whether detox is available if needed and what aftercare is provided.
Recovery Scotland does not provide group therapy, detox or clinical treatment directly. Where appropriate, we can help you explore treatment pathways and suitable providers.
If there is immediate danger or urgent medical need, call 999. For non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak with a GP.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
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