Examined techniques of persuasion used in self-help organization for persons with mental problems. Concludes that successful affiliation with the group is a conversion process and that, although acceptance of the organizational ideology may facilitate an individual member's recovery, it simultaneously reinforces an understanding of mental problems…

Followed 201 treated substance abusers for 6 months and found that Blacks and women were more likely to attend self-help groups and that measures of social stability did not predict attendance. Found that persons who attended groups had more severe problems in several domains. (Author/NB)

Reports on qualitative study of recovering people who attended a 12-step fellowship and involved themselves in the community to find out how this involvement was affected by 12-step participation. Respondents reported fellowship prepared them for community activity by teaching them skills, offering opportunities to practice participation with…