Reducing Obstacles to Affiliation With Alcoholics Anonymous Among Veterans With PTSD and Alcoholism

The influence of abuse victimization on attendance and involvement in mutual-help groups among dually diagnosed male veterans

“…In addition, dually diagnosed patients may have unique struggles that could hinder their attendance and involvement in MHGs (Noordsy et al, 1996;Satel, Becker, & Dan, 1993). For example, some of the mainstays of MHGs such as social interaction and encouragement to speak to the group may be especially difficult for dually diagnosed patients.…”

“…Further, dually diagnosed patients may believe that some aspects of 12-step programs contradict their own beliefs and information from health care providers. For example, a patient who believes that his or her depression is due to a chemical imbalance that can be controlled with daily medication may find a group's emphasis on personal responsibility and powerlessness difficult to reconcile (Satel et al, 1993). Although MHG involvement predicts abstinence among patients with SUD, the association between MHG involvement and abstinence in dually diagnosed patients needs further examination.…”

Best Practices for Addressing Combat Operational Stress and Other Behavioral Health Conditions in Marine Corps Substance Abuse Counseling Centers

“…However, often treatments that are effective for PTSD or SA independently may not have the same desirable affect when used with comorbid patients. "For example, PTSD treatments such as benzodiazepines or exposure therapy may not be indicated if a patient is addicted to substances; substance abuse treatment such as twelve-step groups may not work when a patient has PTSD" (Ruzek et al, 1998;Satel, Becker, & Dan, 1993;Solomon, Gerrity, & Muff, 1992). In addition, research suggests that recovery from substance abuse disorders is more challenging for those patients also suffering from PTSD.…”

The Impact of Alcoholics Anonymous on Other Substance Abuse-Related Twelve-Step Programs

“…This belief results in missed opportunity to give clients an effective recovery resource. However, a growing body of research suggests that such individuals can and do benefit from participation in self-help (Jerrell & Ridgely, 1995;Moos, Finney, Ouimette, & Suchinsky, 1999;Ouimette, Finney, & Moos, 1997;Project MATCH Research Group, 1997;Satel, Becker, & Dan, 1993). The recognition of the limitations of single focus 12-step groups for dually-diagnosed individuals has led to the development of several "dual-recovery" self-help groups.…”