Participation in 12-Step-Based Fellowships Among Dually-Diagnosed Persons

Abstract

Twelve-step groups (12SG), a useful recovery resource, are underutilized by dually-diagnosed persons. There has been little empirical research in this area. This study followed members of a dual-focus 12-step-based fellowship (N = 277) over one year to gain a greater understanding of participation in both specialized dual focus and traditional 12SG among dually-diagnosed persons, including reasons for attending, perceived benefits of and obstacles to affiliation, and predictors of affiliation. Findings indicate that dually-diagnosed persons do engage in both types of fellowships; patterns of engagement differed across fellowships, suggesting different comfort levels. Both types of fellowships were used to deal with addiction. Greater difficulty with substance use at baseline was associated with greater likelihood of attending 12SG at follow-up; the reverse was true for self-reported substance use at baseline. Findings are discussed in light of existing literature and clinical implications are suggested.

Key Words:

• 12-step
• self-help
• dual diagnosis
• comorbidity
• recovery