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SUBSTANCE
RECOVERY SERVICES
Substance
abuse is a common, concurrent problem for many people with mental
illnesses, interfering with their abilities to reach their goals for
living, working and socializing in the community. The goal of The Village
Integrated Services Agency's dual diagnosis services is to assist members
in recognizing whether drugs/ alcohol are interfering with their life
goals and offer a menu of options and support to take action to overcome
these barriers, reduce harmful behaviors and improve the quality of their
lives.
Description
Ÿ
A plan for addressing members' substance abuse problems is developed
cooperatively by members, their Personal Service Coordinator and the
Substance Abuse Counselor.
Ÿ
Harm reduction is the guiding philosophy of The Village dual diagnosis
services. Harm reduction is a
public health alternative to the moral/ criminal and disease models of drug
use and addiction.
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The Village's in-house support group, which follows a 12-step model,
provides opportunities for education, sharing and support.
A key component of this group is informing members about the effects
of alcohol and street drugs on their prescribed medications.
Ÿ
Members who are reluctant to join in the groups meet individually with the
Substance Abuse Counselor.
Impact
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Harm reduction emphasizes meeting members "where they are at",
help them to understand the risks involved in their behaviors and make
decisions about their own goals.
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Members who have a relapse often are willing to try again because relapse is
not viewed as a failure.
Ÿ Members can change their focus from escaping life to
living life. They can keep
their jobs, stay in their apartments and enjoy social activities.
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