Once you are out of dual diagnosis rehab, it’s so important to have continued support with your recovery. Drug rehab certainly isn’t a cure, and much work continues as you create a sober life over the years. Many people have found 12-step support groups to be a big part of their recovery process. I’ll explain how they can support recovery, some advantages of a dual diagnosis support group, and where you can find more information about these groups.

Dual Diagnosis Group or Traditional 12 Step Recovery Group?

Of course, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to support groups. However, there are some groups that are offering help to those with the unique challenges of a mental disorder and a substance addiction. These dual diagnosis groups tend to share the general philosophies and approaches as the traditional 12-step groups. However, they do have a “unique advantage” according to a study in March of 2007 about dual diagnosis 12 step-based groups. Recovery is a lifelong process, and groups offer not only support but also strategies for common recovery issues. 

Dual Diagnosis Group or Traditional 12 Step Recovery Group?

Availability of dual diagnosis support groups is somewhat limited compared to other 12-step groups. However, if there is one in your area and you are in recovery from dual diagnosis problems, I strongly encourage you to check it out. More and more groups are being formed around the country as it becomes increasingly clear that dual diagnosis persons have some unique needs. 

The traditional support groups like NA and AA can still be beneficial for some people with a dual diagnosis. Each and every 12-step meeting is unique regardless of its particular problem focus. If this is the only type of support in your area, this can still be a good resource for you. The support group study mentioned above stated that the differences between dual diagnosis and traditional groups wasn’t as important as the support they provided. It is not unusual for someone to try more than onegroup because of their schedule, the mix of people that attend, or other factors. So don’t be discouraged - this is a personal journey and there is no way to know what fits until you just start with a group.
 
Dual Diagnosis Recovery Groups to Explore

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous began in California and seems to be expanding. The website looks somewhat new and parts are under construction. However, there is contact information, literature available, some good links, and even materials to start your own support group. It seems this is one to watch for, especially if you live in California. 

Dual Recovery Anonymous began in Kansas City, Missouri nearly twenty years ago. They have an extensive website with resource, a “meeting finder” feature, and even a bookstore. There seem to be meetings available in nearly every state and look like a fairly well established group. 
 
Recovery Anonymous is a bit different. This is aimed at folks who haven’t found success or a good fit in other self-help support groups. They welcome people with all kinds of problems including addictive overeaters, gamblers, drug and alcohol addicts, and people with mental disorders. Another unique features is that they also include any family members or other supportive people in someone’s life. Recovery Anonymous also focuses more on “restoration of sanity” and a “solution focus.” There is quite a bit of information there, so it is worth a look.

Double Trouble in Recovery does not offer any history on their website that I could find.  However, they have many long webpages that answer nearly any question you could have before visiting a group. There are materials available, contact information, and quite a bit about sponsorship. There is a link at the top of the main page about a list of meetings. It is apparently still be built, so check their site soon or use the contact information to find a meeting near you. 

What Do You Think?

Have you been to any dual diagnosis support group meetings? What’s been your experience there? Who has been to both a traditional recovery group and a dual diagnosis group? How would you compare the two groups? Are they mostly similar, or did you notice some important differences? 

Your input is especially valuable here since dual diagnosis support groups are more limited. It helps us to be more in touch with grassroots recovery efforts.