Using a two-stage Delphi procedure, an investigation was carried out i
nto health and welfare professionals' knowledge of and relationship wi
th self-help groups (SHGs). Professionals indicated that they perceive
d SHGs to be generally helpful for persons with substance use problems
. Provision of social support was the most commonly perceived helpful
aspect of SHGs, and unsuitability for some clients was the most common
ly perceived unhelpful aspect. Persons motivated to address their prob
lems were those perceived to be most likely to find a SHG useful, with
those not so motivated, or who deny their problem, being perceived to
be least likely to find a SHG useful. Drug and alcohol user treatment
specialists reported greater perceived failure of SHGs to address und
erlying psychopathology and greater perceived benefit for clients lack
ing social support. This may be of particular relevance for future att
empts to investigate the process of recovery in SHGs.