Self-Help Groups for Alcohol Dependency: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The aim of this literature review was to scope and present evidence on self-help groups (SHGs) that aim to facilitate recovery from alcohol addiction. A three-fold search strategy was deployed. Within the 25 identified quantitative studies, three themes were identified: attendance, involvement, and location, each of which impacted on recovery. Nine qualitative studies were also identified, and five of these focused on Alcoholics Anonymous. This international review of SHGs in recovery from alcohol dependency demonstrates that they are an important and effective component of recovery. However, this review demonstrates that more research is needed into “non-AA, non-12-step”-affiliated SHGs.