Persuasion groups are supportive, educational groups for people in the early stages of substance abuse treatment. Participants are encouraged to explore how their substance use affects their lives, with the goal of helping them to see how substance use interferes with reaching their own goals. Like Vicky, most clients are anxious about attending a group for the first time. Case managers or therapists need to explain that the purpose of the group is NOT for the client to give up using substances, but is just to learn about substances in a supportive environment with other people like themselves. Case managers should help people start the group by asking them just to attend for a short time to see what it is like. Group leaders need to be in contact with team members so that individual and group treatment can be coordinated.

Persuasion groups are long-term and have group members coming and going all the time. They may be co-led by an addiction professional and a mental health professional, and often one or both leaders are recovering persons. Consumers in recovery may be very helpful co-facilitators. Such groups meet weekly, and can last up to forty-five minutes or an hour. They often have a break in the middle for snacks and socializing to keep people’s attention up.

Characteristics of persuasion treatment groups

1. Long-term
2. Supportive
3. Non-judgmental
4. Provide education
5. Support attendance
6. Facilitate peer interaction
7. Use motivation interviewing techniques

Leaders of persuasion groups expect that group members may currently be abusing substances. They offer an open, non-judgmental opportunity for people to talk about how they use substances and how their lives are going. Each group begins with everyone sharing how their week went and what their substance use was like. The leaders use this information to begin a discussion about common problems people are having and to encourage peer-to-peer interaction. Motivational interviewing techniques are also used to point out how people’s substance use is interfering with taking steps towards their goals. Vicky was able to learn from others in the group, and was able to get help from them when she was ready to consider cutting back on her alcohol use. Like many clients, she trusted the opinions of her peers because she believed they knew what living with dual disorders is really like.

Many clients are initially resistant to participating in groups but subsequently become very attached to the group. Leaders try to maintain attendance by making the group low-key, supportive, and fun. They make sure that every client feels valued by checking in with each person. They do not confront people about their substance abuse, and they keep the group safe and positive for everyone. Refreshments are usually served. Some groups will have a weekly drawing for a prize, such as tickets to the movies. Sometimes groups will have structured activities or group outings that help keep clients interested in attending the group. One often hears that helping people to connect with the group initially is the most difficult step. Once they become a regular member and feel part of the group, almost everyone benefits. Excellent programs are able to engage about two-thirds of their clients with dual disorders in group interventions.