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This article is supplied by Alison, a long‐time member of Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), about the aims and principles of their 12‐step programme. DRA's 12‐step programme helps members to recover from both a drug or alcohol dependency and emotional or psychiatric illness (dual diagnosis) by focusing on relapse prevention and actively improving the quality of their lives.

The co-occurrence of mental health and substance use problems is prevalent, and has been problematic both in terms of its complexity for the person and of the challenges it poses to health care practitioners. Recovery in co-occurring mental health and substance use problems is viewed as with multiple challenges embedded in it. As most of the existing literature on recovery tends to treat recovery in mental health and substance use problems separately, it is critical to assess the nature of our current understanding of what has been described as “complex” or “dual” recovery. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss what persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems describe as facilitators and barriers in their recovery process as revealed in the literature.

The method used for this study was a small-scale review of the literature gleaned from a wider general view. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, Psych info, Medline, Embase, SweMed+, and NORART.

Three overarching themes were identified as facilitators of dual recovery: first, meaningful everyday life; second, focus on strengths and future orientation; and third, re-establishing a social life and supportive relationships. Two overarching themes were identified as barriers to dual recovery: first, lack of tailored help and second, complex systems and uncoordinated services.

The recovery literature mostly focuses on recovery in mental health and substance use problems separately, with less attention being paid in the first-person literature to what helps and what hinders dual recovery.

This paper challenges readers to reflect on the terms ‘dual diagnosis’ and ‘recovery’ and to consider how the language and concepts that inform practice and policy shape the way we think about our work and relate to service users.

This, the first chapter of this text provides an introduction to a social world that is constructed through cultural attitudes, with a long history of the so-called ‘insane’ or deviants being excluded from society. In many cases, this was due to their behaviour resulting from an addiction issue, mental ill health or as is often the case, both. The chapter begins with an introduction to what led to the conceptualisation of this text. Once this occurs, the interplay between the ‘normal’ and the deviant, as discussed above, is played through an examination of the cultural perceptions of both mental health and addiction. In addition, to support this, a brief historical timeline of mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis is described and visually depicted. Finally, the chapter concludes with an introduction to both editors of this text who then describe what will be discussed in the chapters that follow.

This paper aims to focus on achieving triple-shape memory effect (triple-SME) of a commercial poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film with the thickness of 100 µm.

The thermal characteristics and microstructure of PET film were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis. The dual-shape memory effect (dual-SME) of the PET film was then systematically investigated, and based on that, triple-SME in thin PET film was achieved.

Investigation of the dual-SME in PET film revealed the difference between recovery temperature and programming temperature reduced with increasing programming temperature. An obvious intermediate shape shifting between the original and final programmed shape was observed during shape recovery in triple-shape memory behaviors.

Compared with dual-SME in polymer, relatively less work has been done on multi-SME in polymer, especially in thin polymer film. In this study, triple-SME in a PET film was investigated based on the results of dual-SME of the film. The main implication of the study is on how to achieve a watermark between the final programmed pattern and the original pattern, for the application of shape memory polymer in anti-counterfeiting label.

Dual- and triple-SMEs were achieved in a PET film that is only 100 µm in thickness, and the underlying mechanism for the difference between programming temperature and recovery temperature was discussed. For the novel application of triple-SME in anti-counterfeit label, the watermark during shape recovery in triple-SME can effectively prevent duplication.

This chapter presents the results of a process of reflexive thematic analysis. It highlights the recovery journeys of those with mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis challenge. In doing so, a number of similarities occurred. These included beginning in a place of trauma, working to cope with the trauma, seeking help from services, peer support, relapse and finally fully embracing recovery in one’s own life. A number of differentials were also identified, including additional steps in the mental health recovery journey along with the title of various phases of recovery. The chapter ends with an acknowledgement of these similarities and differentials which the following chapter can then utilise as a basis for making recommendations to policy, practice and the users of services themselves.

Dual diagnosis [co-occurring mental health and addiction challenges] and recovery from the same are multifaceted and complex issues. These multifaceted and complex issues are difficult, time-consuming and require a multi-agency approach to their treatment. This chapter aims to present the characteristics that embody co-occurring disorders with the idea of defining this symbiotic relationship for the reader. This text will also highlight the paucity of resources currently available to those with a dual diagnosis.

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) is a peer-led programme developed in the USA, which aims to address mental and addictive disorders in an integrated manner. This study is part of a mixed-methods evaluation of the first DDA pilot in the UK, and the purpose of this study is to explore the impact and mechanism of change of the programme through the perspective of DDA attendees, facilitators and the funding commissioners.

Six DDA members were interviewed three times over a period of 12 months, the facilitators were interviewed twice and the commissioner was interviewed once. The qualitative longitudinal data were analysed using a trajectory thematic analysis.

DDA attendance was perceived to have had a positive impact on five main areas: acceptance of self, of others and from others; social functioning; self-development; recovery progression; and feeling of hope. The possibility of addressing both mental health and addiction at the same time was a key factor in the recovery process. The facilitators observed that DDA had contributed to integrate members into employment and education, while the commissioner stressed the importance of joint commissioning and sustainability.

The longitudinal approach provided a unique insight into the recovery process of DDA members. Being able to address the mental health as well as the substance use problems was considered to be a fundamental strength of DDA in comparison to the single purpose peer-support fellowships.

Leroy Simpson's experiences of service provision have been mixed: some services have promoted what he refers to as the ‘maintenance’ approach, whereas others have taken a ‘recovery’ approach. Leroy is a strong advocate of the recovery approach and is now involved in delivering recovery training. In this interview, Cheryl Kipping finds out more about how Leroy's experiences have shaped his views and his own recovery.

This paper reports a social work student’s experience of a mental health rehabilitation placement. The term “dual diagnosis” in this context includes people who experience both a mental health diagnosis and a substance use disorder. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the student experience as the author learnt about some of the challenges that people with dual diagnoses face during the recovery process.

The author kept a journal during the placement. Critical reflection was used to interrogate the journal entries for key themes and events that contributed to the author’s learning about social work practice and dual diagnosis.

This study found that social workers are in a fortunate position to work in this multi-disciplinary setting and contribute the social work perspective to care for people with dual diagnosis. However, there are still some gaps in achieving optimal care.

Suggestions for further practice development include a more integrated approach between services, further training for clinicians and a focus on a community-based setting as opposed to an institutionalised one.

According to the author, the student experience is important because students see situations and settings with fresh eyes that can highlight things that experienced practitioners take for granted.