Raffaella Margherita Milani
University of West London, UK
Title: Preliminary findings of the evaluation of the first UK pilot of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA)
Biography
Biography: Raffaella Margherita Milani
Abstract
Individuals with co-occurring mental and addictive disorders (or “Dual Diagnosis”) are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, yet often mental health and addiction services fail to meet their needs. Founded by Corbett Monica, the Dual Diagnosis Anonymous programme (DDA) utilises a peer-led 12 + five step approach to offer continuous support in the community and has been running successfully in Oregon since 2005. The five extra steps enable individuals with “dual diagnosis” to concomitantly address their mental health issues as well as their addictive disorders. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the first UK DDA pilot using both questionnaires and qualitative in-depth interviews. This presentation will focus on the qualitative interviews gathered at two different time points in the recovery process of 8 DDA members. Interviews addressed whether and how they thought that DDA was helping them and how the programme could be improved. Data were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically using the software NVivo. Emerging themes suggest that DDA plays a role in positive changes regarding social interaction, mental and physical health, self-development and acceptance. Identification with other members of the group was one of the key factors that enabled positive change. In conclusion, preliminary findings suggest that DDA could prove to be a cost-effective aid to recovery for individuals with co-occurring mental and addictive disorders.