Self-help groups, in existence for decades, are used to help people work through issues including mental health, addictions, obsessive behaviors and even medical conditions like cancer. Group members share the same disorder or circumstance and meet voluntarily. Self-help groups can be professionally-guided or peer-led; can allow members to remain anonymous; and typically meet on a set schedule – thus contributing to their value in treatment plans.

Prior to the emergence of self-help groups, many people with addictions or behavioral problems were likely to seek help from friends and family. However, these relationships tend to be more dispersed in today’s technological age, and reflect cultural changes in communication. Immediate, consistent peer support may be one of the primary benefits of self-help groups, also called support groups or mutual help groups. Members say they experience feelings of comfort when sharing similar stories with one another. Feelings of belonging can also counteract the isolation that afflicts people with addictions and mental disorders.

The group leader –either a counselor, therapist or a member of the group – is usually responsible for keeping meetings organized and generating discussions. In recent years, some self-help strategies have moved to the online world, allowing members from broad geographic locations to participate in a non-threatening environment and have around-the-clock access to support. Online tools can include chat rooms, Internet bulletin boards, forums or email lists.

Basic criteria for self-help groups include educating members about their condition or disease, discussing its impacts, teaching members new ways to cope and care for themselves, and providing a network of relationship-based support. Members who are active and dedicated toward participation typically experience greater levels of success and more positive attitudes toward recovery.

Some studies have shown that people suffering from mental illness may find self-help groups quite helpful. Basic group models include independent groups or those connected with national ties, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. In the professional-based format, a counselor, therapist or expert oversees the group meetings and discussions and if often able to give additional resources.
Regardless of format, experts agree that it is the experiential knowledge component of self-help groups that helps create an environment of openness and reciprocity. Often times, those who are experiencing recovery continue to attend groups for the purpose of helping their peers reach the same goal. Eventually, a feeling of self-empowerment emerges and may help the recovering alcoholic or addict retain success.

Self-help groups, with membership numbers reaching well into the millions, are also helping reduce negative stereotypes about mental illness and addictions. Some groups, such as Rational Recovery Systems, do not follow a traditional Twelve Step model of recovery and instead rely on non-spiritual approaches.

Though they may use different strategies for meetings, underlying almost all self-help groups – from overeating to alcoholism to family members of addicts – is the premise of non-judgmental attitudes and caring for one another. Experts caution, however, that groups should be careful not to create a system of complete dependence for members or to fall into victim-based thinking.
With new Internet-based options available today, and support for hundreds of conditions, self-help groups continue to be an important treatment option for many people with addictions or problem behaviors.