In addition to services provided for people with drug related problems, there is a range of self help organisations. The largest of these are the `Twelve Step' family of self-help groups (i.e. Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Families Anonymous, etc.). These support and encourage people to become and stay drug free through attending support groups on a regular basis. They are self-run groups, by ex- users for ex- and current users.

In addition, local areas may run other self-help groups for users or their families. A large number of independent family support groups are coordinated through the national charity, AdFam.

The other significant area of self–help support is the range of groups for people with HIV. These may be available to all people with HIV or designed for particular affected groups, such as drug users.