THE ROLE OF SELF-HELP PROGRAMS IN THE REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH SEVERE MENTAL-ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Substance abuse treatment programs in the United States frequently inc orporate self-help approaches, but little is known about the use of se lf-help groups by individuals with dual disorders. This paper brings t ogether several current studies on the role of self-help programs in t reating substance use disorders among individuals with severe mental i llness. These studies indicate that only a minority of individuals wit h dual disorders become closely linked to self-help. Psychiatric diagn osis and possibly social skills are correlates of participation. Duall y disordered consumers often experience the use of 12-step philosophy and jargon by mental health professionals as alienating and unempathic . The authors propose suggestions for incorporating self-help approach es into the comprehensive community care of individuals with dual diso rders.