Substance use and mental disorder diagnostic profiles in a sample of long-term self-help agency users.

This study examined the prevalence of substance use and mental disorder profiles in a sample of mental health self-help attendees. Findings demonstrate that the rates of these disorders are equivalent to or exceed those found in clinical and community samples. Implications for the role that self-help agencies play in the lives of vulnerable individuals, as well as the justification for increased funding from drug and alcohol treatment sources, are discussed.