This manual offers school personnel a guide for setting up support groups, particularly chemical abuse support groups. It describes how to integrate the groups into the regular school program and help students who want and need support, thereby creating a safe school environment in which drug free students and schools are possible. These topics are discussed: (1) group membership; (2) support group as a learner-centered educational experience; (3) purposes of the support group; (4) support groups and the function of schools; (5) support groups as an educational process; (6) developmental stages and chemical dependency; (7) the facilitator's role; (8) referring students to the group; (9) naming the group; (10) group leadership; (11) planning for the group; (12) scheduling the group; (13) confidentiality; (14) group rules; (15) supervision; (16) evaluation; (17) students as resources; (18) training resources; and (19) goals and objectives for alcohol and other drug support groups. Almost one-half of the document consists of additional material (sample forms and letters, rating scales, program flow chart, etc.) included in the appendices. (ABL)