Social support mediates the effects of dual-focus mutual aid groups on abstinence from substance use.
BACKGROUND
Specialized 12-step based groups have emerged to address the needs of persons recovering from both substance abuse and psychiatric illness.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the role of social support in mediating the association between mutual aid participation and subsequent substance use for dually diagnosed persons.


METHODS
A cohort of Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) members in New York City were studied prospectively over a two-year period.


RESULTS
Longer DTR participation during the first year of the study was associated with lower substance use in the second year; that effect was partially explained by the maintenance of high level of social support.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings speak of the enduring influence of 12-step attendance on reducing substance use, and underline the importance of both 12-step attendance and supportive networks for dually diagnosed persons.
Laudet
Alexandre B
AB
National Development and Research Institutes, NYC, NY 10010, USA. laudet@ndri.org
Cleland
Charles M
CM
Magura
Stephen
S
Vogel
Howard S
HS
Knight
Edward L
EL
D000328:Adult; D003289:Convalescence; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*