Background: The process of aftercare is an important part of the addiction treatment and recovery. The article focuses on the value of the aftercare support group which fulfils several functions. Goal: The aim of the research was to map the value and importance of aftercare support group from the perspective of its members through the qualitative approach. Methods: Research part was focused on finding the answers to the two research questions related to the 1) motives which led the addicts in recovery to participate in the aftercare support group, 2) contribution of the regular participation in the aftercare support group to the addicts in recovery. Answers to the research questions were obtained by the semi-structured interviews with ten members of Bystrica aftercare support group. Based on coding and clusters particular categories were created. Results: As a motive for becoming a member of the aftercare support group the motivation to abstinence occurred the most frequently. Another motive showed up the influence of a close person and expectations to create new social contacts and change in own awareness. From the point of the contribution of regular participation in the aftercare support group the most frequently occurred the change in better self-awareness, communication skills and personal growth. The regular participation in the aftercare support group also leads the greater trust in relatives and to development of new healthy interpersonal relations and serves as a prevention of relapse. Conclusion: Outcomes correspond with the practical knowledge and also with research findings of the several authors. Aftercare support group fulfills not only prevention and corrective function, but also provides a space for developing and stabilizing the changes and personal growth.

Key words: addiction – aftercare – aftercare support group