An online support group for problem drinkers: AlcoholHelpCenter.net.
OBJECTIVE
Social support networks have been identified as one factor that can help people resolve their problem drinking. A relatively new phenomenon is online support groups, such as the one provided on the Alcohol Help Center (AHC; http://www.alcoholhelpcenter.net). Preliminary use of the AHC support group will be summarized and lessons learned in the initial development of an online support group will be discussed.


METHODS
The AHC support group can be viewed by anyone interested in its content. However, only registered users of the AHC can make postings and trained professional staff moderates all support group content. The amount and content of traffic on this support group were recorded. Qualitative analyses were conducted to identify the types of message content.


RESULTS
There were 674 posts on the AHC during the first 10 months of operation, including those made by the professional moderators. Content analyses of these postings identified common themes, including introductions, greetings, general supportive statements, suggested strategies, success stories, and discussion of difficulties. In addition, it appeared that the amount of traffic on the support group varied over time and clustered around nodes that consisted of one or more active users. This variation in traffic may disappear over time as overall use of the AHC support group increases.


CONCLUSIONS
Online support groups are developing into a new venue of support for those with drinking problems and other addictions concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Consider referring clients to an online, professionally moderated, support group as another means to help problem drinkers.
Cunningham
John A
JA
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada. John_Cunningham@camh.net
van Mierlo
Trevor
T
Fournier
Rachel
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003219:Confidentiality; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D011361:Professional Competence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires