A quasi-experimental research design with quantitative and qualitative methodologies was conducted to explore reactions of 21 students to treatment manuals for substance abuse. Students were randomized to experimental (n = 11) and attention-control (n = 10) groups involving exposure to one of two manual-based therapy interventions. Quantitative results indicated that students in the experimental group reduce their negative attitudes about manual usefulness from pre- to post-intervention. Qualitative results also indicated experimental and control groups acquire knowledge about treatment manuals and change their preconceived notions of manuals. Student characteristics such as recovery status and twelve-step participation were associated with their views of manuals. (Contains 5 tables.)