Twelve Step Based Self-help Groups for Substance Related Disorders, 2010

The Twelve Step groups are the most available and widespread self-help groups for patients with alcohol or drug related disorders. In a public health perspective, self-help groups (SHGs) may be considered as a complementary form of care that could supplement professional help and provide aftercare once professional treatment has ended. There is a need to investigate if international findings and procedures concerning referrals from health services to Twelve Step Groups (TSGs) can be replicated and accommodated to a cultural setting which is unfamiliar with these groups. There is also a particular need in the Norwegian treatment system to develop alternative treatment strategies for patients undergoing detoxification to improve their chances of long-term recovery, due to deficient formal follow-up alternatives. A RCT-study was carried out. Patients who entered a detoxification treatment ward was assigned to either a standard (brief advice) or intensive referral condition (motivational sessions and contact with TSG volunteers) to TSGs. Patients were followed at 6 months to determine whether intensive referral resulted in more TSG attendance, and if this mediated less substance use and better functioning.

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