Dual Recovery Concepts

Dude it took me almost two hours to come up with a mission statement or preamble...or um steps for the Dual group...which I named Black and White Rainbows Dual Recovery Group.  I don't think it is gonna be twelve steps. I saw the way of another organization for dual, and they just changed a couple words from the main program.  I am not doing that.  I wonder if I have to get approved for making up my own steps?

I called GSO waiting for them to call me back.  I really need a group like this...a little more gentle and forgiving of what happens to me and others with dual disorders, all the while not tipping it back. And the curveballs it throws us in recovery.  I literally think I deserve a medal for not drinking,  but thats not what we are taught and its not what is recognized in typical meetings. This group will celebrate every freakin baby step made towards a new direction.  And definitely be allowed to be vocal on the impact of every day life, meeting basic needs, as well as finding autonomy. And of course our dreams and visions.

Introductions

Hello my name is ______.  Today I feel blessed/grateful for_________.  What I want to work on for my sobriety and well being today is____________________.

Here are some concepts rough draft that I have so far.

1. We admitted that that we struggle with dual diagnosis of a chemical dependency, as well as a psychiatric, spiritual, and/or emotional battle.
2. (subject to change)  We came to believe in a power greater than ourselves and wish to build  a support system, which can help us to cope with dual disorders, and help us grow in a positive direction, one day at a time.
3. Regardless of  race,religion, beliefs, addictions, or diagnosis; all are welcome.
4. We will not be judgmental of perceived progress of an individual...nor our own expectations of ourselves.  Perfect is not in our vocabulary.
5. We choose to take an inventory and made a list of our personal attributes and assets, we already have in our lives. And we show gratitude for what we do have.
6. We choose to take an inventory of our liabilities and are encouraged to accept the things we cannot change, and with a positive and persistent attitude work on the things we can change.
7. We focus on our attributes and we never refer to our disorders as "character defects"  A mental health condition is not something you choose, though it may appear that way to others. 
8. We persist in finding our own identities outside of the world's stigma, and do not internalize words like “sick” or 'ill.” or "incapable" After all we are just human beings, the more labels we allow to stick in our minds the harder recovery will be.
9. We acknowledge differences and similarities between each other and our situations and know that dual recovery is not a one size fits all program. We are here to support each other in the individual growth process.
10. We will maintain arrangements with outside resources within the community, such as doctors, therapists and case managers etc.
11. We strive for a holistic approach to overall wellness. We know that it is the mind, body, and soul, that seeks recovery. We are not one dimensional.
12. We will with love and grace for ourselves accept who we are in this very moment, and with hope we take action for a better tomorrow.'
13. No thirteenth step.This is dangerous to our recovery and well being.  One year of recovery is highly promoted within our group.
14. Meeting discussions are to remain anonymous, Although we will allow self identification in press radio and film to help fight stigma. We encourage the use of social media to activate forward momentum of mental health reform.
15. (subject to change)  Dual Recovery gives us the chance every day to make healthy choices and steps forward, therefore we are to celebrate with one another daily through the joy and pain. We will not celebrate lengths of time sober, nor concentrate on if someone has relapsed.  This encourages the focus to be on daily accomplishments, forward thinking and more returnees to the group. 

I am not done and need to review these ideas with others of dual diagnosis.before I go any further with it!

Daily Reading For Dual Recovery