Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous is a peer support program designed specifically for individuals managing both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. DDA combines traditional twelve-step principles with an additional set of five steps that address the unique challenges of having a dual diagnosis. The ultimate goal of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous is to help individuals achieve long-term recovery and stability in both their mental health and sobriety, building resilience and improving overall quality of life. 

www.ddainc.org

Alcohol and Drugs

Theistic (non-specific)

In 1996, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous was founded by Corbett Monica to address the specific needs of individuals dealing with both mental health and substance use disorders. The program was created to fill a gap in traditional support groups, where mental health topics were not typically a primary focus. The founders recognized that people with a dual diagnosis often face unique challenges—such as managing psychiatric symptoms alongside substance use triggers—that were not fully addressed by existing twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

DDA was initially developed to provide a more inclusive support structure that allowed for discussions about mental health symptoms and medication. Many traditional twelve-step groups were reluctant to address these issues, so DDA introduced an additional five steps on top of the usual twelve steps to specifically address dual diagnosis challenges. The organizations meetings initially began in California, but the group’s focus shifted to Oregon after Monica accepted a position there. The program quickly grew in Oregon, as it filled an unmet need for people who often felt they didn’t fully belong in single-focus support groups. Over the years, DDA’s model gained attention, and meetings started to appear in other areas, both in the United States and internationally.

DDA’s meeting structure combines mutual support, shared experiences, and an understanding that both sobriety and mental health stability are equally essential. This approach has allowed DDA to attract members who might not have found a fitting support system in traditional recovery groups. 

Just for Today brochure by Dual Diagnosis Anonymous  

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous uses the same twelve steps as Alcoholics Anonymous, with the addition of five extra “Double Trouble” steps added by DDA

1. Acceptance of both diagnoses: Members recognize and accept that they have both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. This step acknowledges the reality of dual diagnosis and encourages members to work on recovery in both areas simultaneously.
2. Commitment to a dual recovery plan: This step involves creating a personalized plan that includes both mental health management and addiction recovery. Members are encouraged to engage in therapies, medication (if needed), and practices that support stability in both areas.
3. Integration of mental health and addiction recovery: Members work to balance their mental health treatment with their sobriety goals, understanding that one affects the other. This step encourages members to work on both areas equally and to acknowledge how their mental health symptoms might impact their substance use and vice versa.
4. Reducing stigma and shame: This step helps members confront any shame or stigma they might feel around their mental health condition or substance use disorder. It emphasizes self-compassion and the importance of seeing themselves beyond their diagnoses.
5. Building resilience and a support network: Members are encouraged to develop a strong support system and coping strategies to manage both mental health and addiction recovery challenges. This step involves actively seeking support from other members, mental health professionals, and loved ones.

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous promotes total abstinence from alcohol and drugs

DDA acknowledges that each person’s recovery journey is unique. Members respect that others may use different tools or approaches to manage their dual diagnosis, including therapy, medication, or other support systems.

What is shared in meetings stays within the group. Members agree not to discuss each other’s stories or identities outside the meetings, ensuring privacy and building trust.

Members commit to refraining from judging others’ experiences, choices, or opinions. Members are encouraged to show compassion and empathy toward each other, understanding that dual recovery is challenging.

In-person: www.ddainc.org/in-person-meetings/

Online: www.ddainc.org/online-dda-meetings/