Pathways to Recovery Jon Royle CEO The Bridge Project

Aim To identify the barriers between the professional community and NA and develop strategies for closer integration and cooperation resulting in increased numbers of drug users utilising NA as a resource

Kelly J. F. & Yeterian, J. (2008). Mutual-help groups. In W. ODonohue & J. R. Cunningham (Eds.), Evidence-based adjunctive treatments (pp ). New York: Elsevier. White, W. (2009). Peer-based Addiction Recovery Support: History, Theory, Practice, and Scientific Evaluation. Chicago, IL: Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center and Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services. Toumbourou, J.W., Hamilton, M., URen, A., Stevens-Jones, P., & Storey, G. (2002). Narcotics Anonymous participation and changes in substance use and social support. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 23,

Understanding the barriers Recovery focus groups Individual interviews Literature review

Ethical Ideological Professional disempowerment Themes

Ethical Im not referring vulnerable adults to an organisation that doesnt run CRB checks on its members People whove gone to NA have been psychologically damaged

Ideological NA is a cult Its a religious organisation Spirituality, 12 step programmes, whats that, it sounds strange

Theyre not professional There is no liaison from NA Its difficult to accept their claims of success Professional Disempowerment

Positive comments Im in 12 step recovery – dont tell my colleagues! I refer clients to NA I dont know much about them – but I want to learn

Resistance Not referring clients to NA Presenting ideological/professional arguments against NA e.g. Literature is Americanised Discouraging/disparaging attendance Removing literature

Formulation of attitudes Few workers attended NA meeting Negative client feedback loop

Pathways to Recovery The 4 Step Programme Solution:

Step 1: Leadership Steering Group Recovery Champions

Step 2: Raise Awareness Training NA presentations NA attendance for staff

Step 3: Build Links In-house NA meetings NA literature Recovery cafe

Step 4: Evaluate Baseline assessment staff attitudes Repeat assessment post training Number of referrals to NA Growth in recovery communities

Conclusions Talk about recovery Staff are ready for change Decide what youre going to do about it