A self-help group for drug-addicted clients. Assisted implementation in outpatient treatment

Although self-help groups are a popular referral target of drug abuse treatment programs, they are not usually viewed as a viable way to extend support and services to clients as part of a structured treatment program. This article describes a client-led support group that was established by clients and a psychological consultant to meet increasing demands for service in an out-patient opiate treatment program. The group is also an alternative to more structured 12-step groups. This describes the history of the group as the first client-led support group in the clinic, the group-psychological consultant model and materials used, the evolution of the group, and how several obstacles were dealt with, including attendance, domineering members, HIV issues, crises, privacy, and leadership. The article describes step-by-step how counselors could implement such a group in a drug treatment setting.