RESEARCHING SELF-HELP DRUG-TREATMENT - COLLABORATION AND CONFLICT IN THE AGE OF HARM REDUCTION

While there is evidence supporting the effectiveness of drug treatment in self help groups there are many points of divergence between the p hilosophies traditionally espoused by these groups and those advocated within harm reduction policies. In this paper we examine some of the differences between self help and harm reduction approaches. We argue that (in common with other treatment modalities) self help groups have altered and developed in response to changing community expectations and that this process should be expected to continue. We report on our ongoing exploration of research partnerships with self help group mem bers focusing particularly upon research conducted in collaboration wi th self help groups in Victoria. We argue that research partnerships h ave advantages for both parties. These partnerships have the potential to better inform researchers of developments in the self help communi ty (including the practices of active drug users). Research partnershi ps also encourage better understanding among self help group members o f some of the potential problems that, as research has indicated, may be associated with certain self help group practices. We advocate such understanding as a potentially effective means of encouraging the app ropriate development and refinement of self help group practices in li ne with harm reduction principals.