This paper describes the consumer program, "Helpful People in Touch," a self-help treatment program for people with the multiple disorders of mental illness, drug addiction, and/or alcoholism. First, the terms, "Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers and Addicted" (MICAA) and "Chemical Abusing Mentally Ill" (CAMI) are defined and differentiated, with typical characteristics listed. Next, traditional 12-step self-help recovery programs are described and modifications for people with mental illness are discussed. Initial establishment of the new self-help group specifically for this population is then described; and discussion and activities of the first few meetings are summarized, including determination of the group's purpose, sharing of group work, identification of tasks to achieve goals, and development of ground rules. The role of professionals is examined, which involved attending planning meetings only, while ongoing meetings were led by group members. Reactions of four long-time participants in the group are cited. The program model is currently being implemented in other communities. (DB)