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Social Support Mediates the Effects of Dual-Focus Mutual Aid Groups on Abstinence from Substance Use

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American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Development and Research Institutes, NYC, 10010, USA

    Alexandre B. Laudet, Charles M. Cleland & Stephen Magura

  2. Mental Health Empowerment Project, Albany, NY, 12206

    Howard S. Vogel

  3. ValueOptions, Colorado Springs, CO

    Edward L. Knight

Authors
  1. Alexandre B. Laudet
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  2. Charles M. Cleland
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  3. Stephen Magura
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  4. Howard S. Vogel
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  5. Edward L. Knight
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Correspondence to Alexandre B. Laudet.

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Laudet, A.B., Cleland, C.M., Magura, S. et al. Social Support Mediates the Effects of Dual-Focus Mutual Aid Groups on Abstinence from Substance Use. Am J Community Pschol 34, 175–185 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-004-7413-5

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