A qualitative evaluation of an assisted self-help group for drug-addicted clients in a structured outpatient treatment setting.

We conducted a qualitative evaluation of a semi-structured, client-led support group that addressed drug use recovery issues and was assisted by a psychological consultant. Seven regular group members and their counselors were interviewed about the effect of the assisted self-help group on drug use and the clients' quality of life, and these interviews were content analyzed. In addition, the psychological consultant made group process observations for each session of the first three months. Clients reported group strengths as: Feeling supported and understood, being able to speak freely without fear of staff reprisals, obtaining information/feedback, improved mood, and decreased drug use. With the provision of professional support and guidance, this group shows promise as an adjunct to standard outpatient drug abuse treatment by allowing for some degree of client independence and extending the scarce resource of professional counseling.