title: Consumer Evaluation of Dual Focus Mutual Aid.
abstract: Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) is a "dual focus," 12 step-based mutual aid program tailored to assist recovery from co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVE: To determine consumers' perceptions of DTR's usefulness for their recoveries and the relationships between perceived DTR usefulness and self-help processes, self-efficacy to cope with problems in recovery, and changes in behaviors conducive to dual recovery.  METHODS: Consumers attending DTR groups, located within a psychiatric day-treatment program, completed anonymous surveys 8 months (N=19) and 20 months (N=61) after DTR was implemented.  RESULTS: DTR participants rated DTR favorably and length of DTR attendance was significantly associated with increased self-efficacy for recovery and positive changes in recovery-oriented behaviors. Perceived DTR usefulness was significantly associated with greater engagement in three specific self-help processes and increased self-efficacy for recovery; notably, these associations were independent of consumers' overall satisfaction with the treatment program.  CONCLUSION: This study is the first to document consumers' perceived usefulness of DTR in relation to indicators of recovery. Overall, the study provides additional evidence for the benefits of implementing consumer-led dual focus groups in treatment programs.
authors.affiliation: National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magura
authors.forename: Cherie L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Villano
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosenblum
authors.forename: Howard S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Vogel
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Betzler