A topography of self-help groups: an empirical analysis.

The current managed health care system creates an environment in which social workers need to be knowledgeable about low-cost interventions. Self-help groups have the potential to be beneficial to social workers' clients. Surprisingly, little is known about the characteristics and activities of many groups and the extent to which groups receive guidance and support from professionals and established national and local organizations. Whereas many social workers are aware of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there are thousands of other types of groups that could be helpful to their clients. This study examines the member and group characteristics, professional involvement, and local and national affiliations of 253 self-help groups. Results suggested that many groups have shared leadership, recruit group members, receive assistance from professionals, and receive guidance from national and local organizations. Results are discussed in terms of how social workers can assist and use self-help groups in the current managed health care system.

Attitudes of AA contact persons toward group participation by persons with a mental illness.

Alcoholics Anonymous groups are underused by persons with the dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorder, and mental health professionals are cautious about referring them to AA because of fears that the AA group will discourage them from taking prescribed medication. The study assessed the attitudes of 125 AA contact persons about the participation of persons with mental illness. The majority had positive attitudes toward such persons, and 93 percent indicated that they should continue taking their medication. Fifty-four percent felt that participation in a group especially for persons with a dual diagnosis would be more desirable than in a traditional AA group. However, such groups are often not available.