Self-help programs can be used to replace, complement, or supplement formal treatment, but their effectiveness has been underestimated. To test the effectiveness of bibliotherapy in the treatment of problem drinkers, six studies were conducted over 7 years (1975-1982) comparing different treatment approaches. The combined data showed that for bibliotherapy clients who received nothing but a self-help manual, initial evaluation, and self-monitoring cards, the overall improvement rates were 78% at termination, 80% at 3-6 month follow-up, and 73% at 24 months. For all clients treated by all other methods combined the comparable rates were 82% at termination, 76% at 3-6 month follow-up, and 67% at 24 months. The success rate of bibliotherapy could not be attributed to seeking further treatment. Results suggest that bibliotherapy can provide critical conditions for change by providing information for the contemplation process, motivational techniques to help individuals reach determination, and specific strategies for active change. Supplmentary use of self-help is potentially useful in the maintenance stage of the change process as well. (JAC)