Addiction to psychoactive substances as well as to compulsive behaviors can cause serious health problems. In fact, both addicts themselves and their family members are affected. Nursing staff and midwives are obligated to promote health and well-being among addicts and their families. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous community, play an important role in the public health and social rehabilitation of addicted patients and their families. Hence, the basic principles of the functioning of mutual-help communities operating in Poland are discussed. In addition, some examples of cooperation between mutual-support groups and health providers are given. Among several types of mutual-help communities discussed in this article, therapeutic effectiveness have been scientifically proven only in the case of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Al-Anon Family Group. In the case of other self-help communities mentioned in the article, the evidence showing positive outcome is scant. Therefore, participation only in AA and Al-Anon movement can be considered a nursing recommendation with scientific justification.

Key words: mutual help, 12 steps program, drug addiction, behavioural addiction, family members of addicted patient.