Mutual-Help Groups for Dually Diagnosed Individuals: Rationale, Description, and Review of the Evidence

Mutual-help groups (MHGs), such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), have been shown to be helpful to a broad range of individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUD). However, for the substantial number of SUD individuals suffering from co-occurring psychiatric conditions, purely substance-focused groups, such as AA, may not be as good a fit. Consequently, MHGs have emerged that focus more explicitly on both substance use and other psychiatric concerns. In this review, we describe, compare, and discuss the four largest “dual-focused” mutual-help organizations and examine the evidence for any incremental benefit they may offer dually diagnosed individuals. We also provide evidence-based recommendations for ways in which clinicians can facilitate patients’ participation in these groups.