The Need for Support in Dual Recovery What is available? What gets in the way?

Obstacles to Support Mental Illness and Addiction can be isolating diseases The primary relationship of an addicted individual is with their substance – all others come second

Obstacles to Support Addiction can cause individuals to feel ashamed about themselves, and less likely to reach out for help or rely on support

Obstacles to Support 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 For individuals with thought disorders, paranoia may be a symptom that interferes with connecting with support

Obstacles to Support For individuals with mood disorders, depressive symptoms can decrease their ability to reach out and connect with support

Obstacles to Support For individuals with mood or anxiety disorders, symptoms of mania or anxiety can alienate others, and interfere with getting support

Obstacles to Support 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 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 These supportive groups have included the following: Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon, Alateen, ACOA Women for Sobriety Cocaine Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Nar-Anon

Support in Recovery These supportive groups have included the following: Food Addicts in Recovery Overeaters Anonymous Debtors Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous Shoplifters and Kleptomaniacs Anonymous Smokers Anonymous

Support in Recovery These supportive groups have included the following: Sex Addicts Anonymous Sexaholics Anonymous Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Codependents of Sex Addicts

Support in Recovery These supportive groups have included the following: 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 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 “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 Dual Recovery Anonymous (12-step) Baker Commons Alano Club Fresh Start Clubhouse