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Social Support Mediates the Effects of Dual‐Focus Mutual Aid Groups on Abstinence from Substance Use
Author(s) -
Laudet Alexandre B.,
Cleland Charles M.,
Magura Stephen,
Vogel Howard S.,
Knight Edward L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/s10464-004-7413-5
Subject(s) - mutual aid , abstinence , dual diagnosis , health psychology , substance abuse , attendance , alcoholics anonymous , social support , substance use , psychology , psychiatry , association (psychology) , public health , clinical psychology , medicine , social psychology , psychotherapist , nursing , political science , law , economics , economic growth
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.