How can people with dual disorders achieve recovery from both mental illness and substance abuse?
• Most people with dual diagnosis are able to achieve recovery. The chance of recovery improves when people receive integrated dual disorders treatment, which means combined mental health and substance abuse treatment from the same clinician or treatment team. • Relapses do happen, but most people are able to recover from relapses relatively quickly and get back to where they were before they relapsed. • Families and clinicians cannot force people to give up alcohol and drugs. Family and other supporters can help by providing support and hope, but recovery must be a person’s own choice. It may take a long time for some people to achieve recovery. • People with dual diagnosis can learn from peers who are in recovery. Some may benefit from self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Dual Recovery Anonymous. It is a matter of personal preference.
