The Dual Disorders Recovery Book: A Twelve Step Program for Those of Us with Addiction and an Emotional or Psychiatric Illness

To my knowledge Dual Recovery Anonymous as a fellowship does not exist in the UK. So for a person who wants a twelve step approach to dealing with the dual recovery of a psychiatric or emotional illness plus an addiction to drugs or alcohol this book is excellent. It explains so much which will give you hope and identification. There are several personal stories in it each dealing with a different psychiatric diagnosis. I found mine in there and it was just such a huge relief to read a story so very like my own. It offers hope for recovery in a very realistic and empathetic way to those afflicted with a dual diagnosis based on the twelve step recovery programme of Dual Recovery Anonymous. A must for anyone in this position who wants an insight into the twelve step approach to managing both illnesses. There are other books: a step book, a daily readings book and apparently a workbook. I stress though that a book alone cannot replace the expert help of a psychiatrist, doctor, therapist or real fellowship of actual people..all of which are promoted in this book.

While a certain reviewer of this book thinks it is somewhat helpful, he chides readers to stay away from any presentation purporting to say that Cognitive Behavior therapy is the least bit helpful for people with depression or addictions. He states that 'thinking' has nothing to do with depression. He apparently spends all his time reading books to write reviews (222 that I counted)and ignores the scientific literature. This book is based on science and offers a format which is easily understandable. I highly recommend it.

I once stated that the further you get away from AA, the worse the 12-steps are in new groups (CoDA, OA, and so on). This book and this organization were created for people with psychiatric illnesses who have chemical or alcohol abuse at the same time. I told my therapist more than once, "Look it. I do NOT want to be in a group with crazy people who have heroin needles hanging from their arms!" He replied mildly, "I don't think that will happen." Just the opposite happened! There WERE schizophrenics and hard drug users (especially cocaine)there. But they were REALLY nice, well-dressed, and honest. Wonderful people. These were DRA people. And this book is our handbook. DRA believes that the BIG BLUE book of AA states that it is alright to take psychiatric medication. I don't know about that. But this book is a gem. It states the entire format of DRA. Maybe I shouldn't say this. But just between you and me, the members of DRA seem to be members of AA as well. I'm doing both. I have been 101 days without alcohol. How did I do it? My psychiatrist looked me straight in the eye and told me that the combination of Valium (I'm a Valium addict) and booze will turn my brain into mush. I REALLY hate him. But he may have helped me more than anyone. He suggested DRA. So did my therapist. But I fell for the cognitive therapy bit so much (SMART, RR. and so many other "test tube" semanticists). My psyciatrist said that I'm an "alche who takes 'goof balls'". And that he would quit on me if I drank again. This book and the Big Blue Book are absoluely essential for people who have psychiatric disorders (I have major depression) and chemical dependency. Don't go the Albert Ellis and Jack Trimpey route. Thinking doesn't cause one to be depressed or to drink. It can be the death of a spose, trouble with one's job, or just a feeling of hopelessness. Follow AA and DRA and get well. Avoid CBT and RET because they sell. Thank you. And thank you Dr. Carraway. You were very tough. But it did work. BUY THIS BOOK!

Wow! This book is fantastic!I spent years in recovery from substance abuse ignoring or minimizing my mood disorder. And never understood why I was clean, sober and miserable. And unfortunately many of the well-meaning people in A.A. and gave me some incorrect information. "You're having a dry drunk", "Medication is a crutch," "You need to work the steps harder". Even after I realized that there was another illness that I was powerless over, it took me years to begin to understand how the two illnesses were entwined. This book has proved an essential tool in my recovery. It is laid out much like the Big Book of AA and focusses on recovery through the 12 Steps and Fellowship. Many of us have even gotten together to form a group of Dual Recovery Anonomous - where we study The Dual Disorders Recovery Book. We're still active in AA but have gotten so much out the extra information and guidance provided by this book.