Transcript The Need for Support in Dual Recovery

The Need for Support
in Dual Recovery
What is available?
What gets in the way?
Obstacles to Support
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Mental Illness and
Addiction can be
isolating diseases
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The primary
relationship of an
addicted individual is
with their substance
– all others come
second
Obstacles to Support
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Addiction can cause
individuals to feel
ashamed about
themselves, and less
likely to reach out
for help or rely on
support
Obstacles to Support
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The symptoms of
mental illnesses can
also cause individuals to
feel self-conscious,
embarrassed, or
ashamed, and less
likely to reach out for or
use supports
Obstacles to Support

Stigma and
prejudice by others
can also get in the
way of making
supportive
connections
Obstacles to Support
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For individuals with
thought disorders,
paranoia may be a
symptom that
interferes with
connecting with
support
Obstacles to Support
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For individuals with
mood disorders,
depressive
symptoms can
decrease their ability to
reach out and connect
with support
Obstacles to Support
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For individuals with
mood or anxiety
disorders, symptoms
of mania or
anxiety can
alienate others, and
interfere with
getting support
Obstacles to Support
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For individuals with
personality
disorders, difficulty
with relationships
is often a core
symptom of the
diagnosis, which
doesn’t help with
connecting with
support
Support in Recovery

Recovery is not only
an individual “I”
process, it is also a
mutual “We”
process
Support in Recovery

In the 12-Step Recovery model, the
very first word of the First Step is
“we,” and that is not by accident. The
words “we,” “us,” “our,” and
“ourselves,” are mentioned 19 times
during the 12 Steps, reflecting the
importance of involving others in our
support networks to give ourselves the
best chance at recovery
Support in Recovery
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Very few people can
recover alone – we
are social beings
and we all need
support!
Support in Recovery

Washtenaw County
has historically
hosted numerous
Recovery support
groups, for both
addictions and
mental health
concerns
Support in Recovery
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These supportive groups have included
the following:
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Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon, Alateen, ACOA
Women for Sobriety
Cocaine Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Nar-Anon
Support in Recovery
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These supportive groups have included
the following:
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Food Addicts in Recovery
Overeaters Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
Shoplifters and Kleptomaniacs Anonymous
Smokers Anonymous
Support in Recovery
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These supportive groups have included
the following:
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Sex Addicts Anonymous
Sexaholics Anonymous
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Codependents of Sex Addicts
Support in Recovery
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These supportive groups have included
the following:
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Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Fresh Start Clubhouse groups
Full Circle Community Center groups
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Support
Group
Recovery, Inc.
Schizophrenics Anonymous
Support in Dual Recovery
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Most of these support groups have
focused on either a chemical /
behavioral addiction, or on a particular
mental / emotional health concern;
Now there is a resource that addresses
both in an integrated manner . . .
Support in Dual Recovery
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“DUAL RECOVERY ANONYMOUS
(D.R.A.) is a Twelve Step self-help
program for individuals who experience
both chemical dependency and an
emotional or psychiatric illness. Men
and women who currently use
psychiatric medications under a doctor’s
care, or who have done so in the past,
are welcome to participate.”
Support in Dual Recovery
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Dual Recovery Anonymous (12-step)
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Baker Commons
Alano Club
Fresh Start Clubhouse