4 - Mutual-Help Groups

Abstract

This chapter describes the goals and key therapeutic processes of mutual-help groups (MHGs) presumed to facilitate improvement and/or maintenance of functioning. It reviews and evaluates available outcome data pertaining to MHGs' effectiveness in helping individuals manage or recover from their respective disorders, including any evidence in support of the key therapeutic processes. It describes the role MHGs plays in a formal treatment plan and describes how professionals facilitate and coordinate participation in these groups. It concludes by describing opportunities for further research and what might be done to help disseminate knowledge about MHGs and their potential utility. It provide information about various MHGs divided into three distinct problem areas—i.e., substance dependence (e.g., alcohol, cocaine), mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, depression), and dual diagnosis (i.e., substance dependence in combination with mental illness). It provides summary tables containing brief descriptions of the MHGs, website and contact information, degree of evidence for the MHGs, and several other indices that facilitate easy comparisons of organizations along multiple lines. It also provides detailed MHG information in the text regarding other compulsive behaviors (e.g., gambling, sex, eating behaviors) and family-related MHGs.