DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Dual Diagnosis - mental illness and substance abuse - is a fairly common problem. Drug and alcohol abuse may seriously affect a person with mental illness, but alcohol and drugs are not the cause of the illness. People with mental illness often use alcohol or other substances to get relief from symptoms of their illness and to help them deal with the feelings that are associated with their disease.

There are self-help programs that help people with dual diagnosis. Double Trouble in Recovery was founded by a consumer with dual diagnosis, and has been very successful in helping people manage both their addictions and their mental illness.

"Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) is a 12-step mutual support group designed to meet the needs of the dually diagnosed and is clearly for those having addictive substance problems as well as having been diagnosed with mental disorders. It is a fellowship founded upon equality, one dually diagnosed person talking to, never down to, another. We share our experience, strengths and hope with each other so that we may solve our common problems and help others to recovery from their particular addictions and mental disorders. We who are dually diagnosed are compelled to walk a long and narrow path. We band together for common good in recovery. DTR has been designed with an open mind and understanding of each other so that we can honestly expose our problems and weaknesses. The humility we show shall never mask the courage it takes to admit who we are as together we find the hope and strengths that make our narrow path into a wide road that leads to peace, serenity and a meaningful life. We regard our fellowship as one dually diagnosed fellow and human being helping another.

Recovery is a life-long process which does not end when our fellows are discharged from formal treatment. Let those healthcare providers who learn of DTR understand that we work with fellows of Double Trouble to support the recovery process and that the greatest contribution providers can make in affecting change is in supporting the initiatives of our fellowship. In no way should healthcare providers start or run a Double Trouble group. For then, it would no longer be a self-help group, as Double Trouble provides a place for those of us who are dually-diagnosed, our own mutual aid support group."

For more information on Double Trouble in Recovery, contact

800-643-7462

If you are a consumer who is interested in starting a group, some program materials are available.

The information and content provided on the CHN site are offered for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral health condition.