Mens Addiction Recovery and Support Group

This group is for men that are struggling with addiction and common problems associated with that particular addictive behavior such as family issues, employment problems, anger issues, difficulty developing trust, intense boredom, anxiety and depression, and difficulty starting and maintaining intimate relationships.

To join the group clients must be committed to recovery from their target addictive behavior (e.g. binge drinking, gambling, etc). However, relapse is often part of recovery and group members will not be kicked out of the group for relapse as long as they are willing to explore and learn from their mistakes while make a recommitment to recovery.

This group is run by Jake Colton LCSW CADC who has extensive experience working with clients around addiction issues. He also teaches a group counseling course at DePaul University.

What to expect from the Mens Addiction Recovery and Support Group?

Although every group takes on a life of it’s own, the following stages are a brief guide for what to expect during the group therapy process.

Stage 1 – Addiction Group Formation

Group members are oriented to the group process, set goals, and begin a “here and now” experience which is guided by the group leader.

Stage 2 – Addiction Group Tension

Group members are directed by the group leader to share honest opinions about the other group members and respectfully challenge each other for the sake of growth and learning. Inevitably, group members will feel some discomfort, but the group leader will manage the tension so that group members experience transformative, not traumatic, group experiences.

Stage 3 – Addiction Group Cohesion

Group members inevitably begin to feel attached to one another as “real talk” deepens and progresses. In this stage group members obtain important skills and insights which organically generalize to other relationships in their lives.

Stage 4 – Addiction Group Termination

Group members complete treatment goals and evolve beyond the necessity of the group. Group members are guided to summarize and integrate the experience. They also learn how to end relationships in a healthy manner and are able to resolve past feelings of loss and abandonment.