Support Groups
The goal of self-help support groups is to:
- Provide a setting where members can feel comfortable to discuss issues of dual recovery.
- Offer a setting where members can feel accepted and understood by others who have shared common experiences.
- Offer members a plan for their dual recovery
Dual Recovery Anonymous is a 12 step self-help program that is based on the principals of A.A. and the experiences of men and women in recovery with a dual diagnosis. The DRA program helps us recover from both our chemical dependency and our emotional or psychiatric illness by focusing on relapse prevention and actively improving the quality of our lives. In a community of mutual support, we learn to avoid the risks that lead back to alcohol and drug use as well as reducing the symptoms of our emotional or psychiatric illness.
There are only two requirements for membership:
DRA members are encouraged to build a strong personal support network. That network may include support from chemical dependency or mental health treatment facilities, medical or social service professionals, and spiritual or religious assistance in addition to other 12 step or self-help groups. DRA has no opinion on the way the other groups address dual disorders or dual recovery. We do not offer advice regarding specific forms of treatment for the various types of emotional or psychiatric illnesses. However, we do share our personal experiences regarding the ways that we have learned to cope with our symptoms by applying the 12 steps in our daily lives.
ERG: Everyone's Recovery Groups
Based in Connecticut. Inclusive of all addicts, alcoholics, other recovery program members, persons with a mental illness, persons with a physical illness, methadone maintenance persons, dual diagnosed persons and anyone suffering from a loss of control. Twelve Step format.
Our members may come from many different ways of recovery and may not be dual diagnosed or on methadone maintenance. This is how we are combating the stigma. We hope that once a person hears the true words of someone who depends on medication for a diagnosis or methadone for his recovery, we feel it will open their eyes to the fact that we are all clean and that medication is directly related to recovery and should never be considered an outside issue.
Double Trouble in Recovery
Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) is a twelve-step fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their particular addiction(s) and mental disorder(s).
DTR is 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 a psychiatric disorder.
We also address the problems and benefits associated with psychiatric medication; thus, we recognize that, for many, having addiction and mental disorders represents Double Trouble in Recovery.
There are no dues or fees for DTR membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
HOW IT WORKS
We band together to help ourselves recover from our addictions and mental problems. We share our experiences to help ourselves become honest, open-minded, and willing. Sharing helps all of us to remember how it was and how we arrived at where we are today. We liveone day at a time' and practice the following DTR Twelve-Steps:
Contact Information:
Double Trouble In Recovery
c/o Mental Health Empowerment Project
271 Central Ave, Albany New York 12209
(518) 434-1393
Dual Disorders Anonymous
28 groups in Illinois; 20 in other states. Founded 1982. Fellowship of men and women who come together to help those members who still suffer from both mental disorder and alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Uses the 12-step program of AA. Group development guidelines.
Contact Information:
Dual Disorders Anonymous
PO Box 681264Schaumburg, Illinois 60168
Voice Mail: (847) 781-1553
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous is a fellowship of persons who share experiences, strengths, weakness, feelings, fears, and hopes with one another to resolve our Dual Diagnosis and/or LIVE AT PEACE WITH UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS. The only requirement for membership is a DESIRE to develop healthy, drug and alcohol free life styles.
Blending the philosophy of social model recovery with the clinical philosophy of the medical model makes a tremendous difference. Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA), represents an effort of building a support group that recognizes the importance of this blending. Embracing a revised version of the 12 Steps, DDA puts a special emphasis on mental illness and the importance of clinical interventions and medical management.
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous is a program of simplicity. This simplicity is based on a version of the 12 STEPS OF Recovery and the additional 5 STEPS OF DDA. Regular attendance at these meetings as well as the application of these simple steps provide us with spiritual support needed for Dual Diagnosis recovery.
Contact Information:
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
320 North E. Street, Suite 207
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 888-9282
Schizophrenics Anonymous
Schizophrenics Anonymous is a non-professional self-help program. that was founded in 1985. The program has been adapted from the principles of the Twelve Steps. It has been modified to meet the recovery needs of individuals who experience schizophrenia. To receive information about Schizophrenics Anonymous contact the Mental Health Association of Michigan.
Schizophrenics Anonymous
c/o Mental Health Association of Michigan
15920 W. Twelve Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 557-6777
Depressive Manic Depressive Association (DMDA)
The Depressive Manic Depressive Association is a national organization that has chapters in most cities. The meetings offer educational information in addition to self-help support. The meetings are generally held in mental health centers or other public facilities on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
The mission of the National Depressive and Manic- Depressive Association is to educate patients, families, professionals, and the public concerning the nature of depressive and manic-depressive illness as treatable medical diseases; to foster self-help for patients and families; to eliminate discrimination and stigma; to improve access to care; and to advocate for research toward the elimination of these illnesses.
National Depressive Manic Depressive Association
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
Memphis: (901) 382-0076 after 6pm
Nashville: (615) 889-8936 or 890-1859
Knoxville: (423) 693-7362 or 545-7863
Chattanooga: (423) 698-2400 or 624-4800
