The STEMSS Supported Self-Help Model ™ offers Hope, Health and Healing for persons recovering from both a substance use and mental or emotional disorder. The foundational concept is the need to “treat the disorders separately together”, since the knowledge and recovery skills for each challenge help reinforce recovery from the other. Support Together for Emotional and Mental Serenity and Sobriety relies on a set of six foundational principles which are specifically designed to work hand-in-hand with 12-Step and other Recovery Programs:

1. I understand that my mental health and substance use problems are separate challenges, and that I must work a “double-recovery” program.
2. As a result of this understanding, I am willing to accept responsibility for my life and help for my recovery.
3. As a result of this acceptance I came to believe that, with help and understanding, recovery is possible.
4. As a result of this belief, I accept the fact that medical management must play a large part in my recovery process. This means Therapy, and may include prescribed medications taken as directed.
5. As part of this recovery process, I commit myself to a lifestyle free from all “recreational” chemicals… including alcohol and drugs.
6. In following these steps each day, I will reach my goals and help others to begin the recovery process.

FREE treatment materials are available from the author:

mike.bricker@STEMSSinstitute.org

Training in the Model is also offered through the STEMSS ^® Institute

Dual Recovery Anonymous™ is an independent, nonprofessional, Twelve Step, self-help membership organization for people with a dual diagnosis. Our goal is to help men and women who experience a dual illness. We are chemically dependent and we are also affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses affect us in all areas of our lives; physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. http://www.draonline.org/