Factors predicting attendance at self-help groups after substance abuse treatment: preliminary findings

Some researchers and clinicians believe that only a fairly homogeneous subset of substance abusers are likely to affiliate with self-help groups, whereas others argue that self-help groups appeal to a wide range of persons and that selective referral of clients to self-help may be premature. This study followed 201 treated substance abusers for 6 months and found that contrary to prevailing opinion, Blacks and women were more likely to attend self-help groups and the measures of social stability did not predict attendance. In accord with other investigations, this study found that persons who attended the groups had more severe problems in several domains. Implications for clinical referral policies are discussed.