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Social support mediates the effects of dual-focus mutual aid groups on abstinence from substance use
Alexandre B Laudet1, Charles M Cleland, Stephen Magura
1National Development and Research Institutes, NYC, NY 10010, USA. laudet@ndri.org
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.
Method:
A cohort of Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) members in New York City were studied prospectively over a two-year period.
Findings:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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