Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: A Survey of Clinician Practices

Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is typically delivered in group format, but clinical research focuses on individual therapy. This exploratory study narrows this gap through a survey of 566 SUD group clinicians in the United States, concerning most commonly used group practices, attitudes about evidence-based treatments (EBTs), and beliefs about addiction. Clinicians reported high use of open groups, moderately high utilization of EBT practices, and moderate use of questionable practices. Clinicians' attitudes about EBTs and beliefs about addiction were correlated with the use of certain EBTs and questionable practices. Strategies for implementation of EBTs in group settings are discussed.