Expanding our understanding of self-help support groups for substance use issues.
Self-Help Support Groups (SHSGs) for substance use issues are recognized in current policies for their role in reducing substance use. However, these policies recognize only their therapeutic value. This article argues that SHSGs can offer more than therapeutic advantage. This contention follows a study involving young people who were involved in a 12 Step fellowship. They valued group involvement for the connectedness, support, and opportunities to learn. These findings have important policy implications, highlighting a need to broaden the scope of current policies so they reflect the array of potential benefit associated with SHSGs. For clinicians and practitioners who are guided by social policy, this would offer an enhanced understanding of these groups, given that they are in prime position to advise clients about available options.
Research in Health Organisation and Management (RHOaM), Centre for Industry and Innovation Studies (CInIS) Research Group, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South DC NSW, Australia. A.Dadich@uws.edu.au
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D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D012380:Role; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders