Anti-Stigma Campaign
Eliminating stigma related to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is one of the primary missions of the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Network.
It is unfortunate that stigma stops so many people from entering and continuing treatment. Stigma attaches itself to shame, embarrassment and guilt, presenting barriers that are difficult to overcome. People with co-occurring disorders are doubly affected by stigma. Not only do they battle the assumptions made about addiction, they battle stereotypes and assumptions about mental illness. Couple that with the daily struggles imposed by these illnesses, people with co-occurring disorders often feel alone and isolated. They don't reach out for help, fearing what others might think, feeling ashamed and to blame.
What Do We Know?
We know that addiction is a disease. Mental illness also has physiological roots. Knowing this should reduce stigma and stop the implications of fault and blame. However, a lack of understanding from family, friends, even helping professionals still exists. This thread of misunderstanding, misinformation, and stereotyping exists within families and communities, all the way to policy and legislative levels.
What Do We Want?
We want everyone to understand the struggles of people with co-occurring disorders. We want everyone to understand that there is hope, there is treatment, and that there is no fault.
We want people to see that with the right kind of care, the right mix of services, co-occurring disorders can be managed and those suffering can recover.
Can We Stop the Stigma
Stigma can be eliminated. Education is a key component in stopping stigma. We must educate people with co-occurring disorders about these diseases and how to manage their recovery. We must educate families, social circles, churches, and our community about how to help and support recovery. We must educate the professionals in the field and assist them in understanding co-occurring disorders treatment and recovery. We must also educate our legislators and policy-makers about the effects of co-occurring disorders on our and the power of recovery not only on the individual, but the family and community.
Our education efforts include:
National, Regional and State Conferences on Co-Occurring Disorders - These conferences are attended by professionals, advocates, policy-makers and individuals with co-occurring disorders.
The Dual Network Journal - Published periodically, this journal provides up-to-date information about the prevention, treatment, and recovery of co-occurring disorders. The journal is designed to assist professionals in the field as well as help support the recovery of individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Local workshops and trainings - We provide workshops and trainings for agencies and groups. Provided to professional organization, an advocacy group or a self-help support group, workshops on co-occurring disorders can assist in reducing stigma.
Advocacy - Part of reducing stigma is in empowering individuals with co-occurring disorders to have a voice. The Dual Diagnosis Recovery Network is a membership-based advocacy organization that is a voice for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Our advocacy efforts extend from legislative activity to assisting families and individuals with access to care. We also conduct regular voter registration drives, ensuring that each person's voice is heard and that we are able to positively impact policy.
Resource Center - Through Foundations Resource Center and Bookstore, we are able to provide information to the general public, individuals with co-occurring disorders, and professionals. This includes articles, self-help support information, and books on topics that are important to treatment and recovery.
Self-Help Support - As an active supporter of Dual Recovery Anonymous, we provide assistance with developing groups, training facilitators, and sustaining a 12-step support model.
