Inclusion for Individuals in Recovery

Brittany Milien, LAC

Millions of individuals around the world proclaim this

simply profound statement every hour of every day. This is no exaggeration. The 12-Steps of

Recovery organization is establishing an international network of communities so that those

fighting for their recovery have the necessary support to be successful. The 12-Step organization

values safe spaces and one of the most exciting innovations is the virtual 12-Step communities.

These communities remove common barriers such as stigma to increase access to the recovery

community.

So, let us unveil the humanity of the individuals that belong to recovery communities. They are

hidden in plain sight among us, neighbors and mothers and teachers and friends. They do not

have one face or expression because addiction is not merely a character defect but a disease.

There are predisposed factors that some individuals are born with that increase their probability

to become dependent on psychoactive substances. My question is: does this mean their access to

support should be relegated to only two places in society?

As a clinician I am advocating that the broader medical community link arms with the recovery

community and multiply safe spaces. The statistics suggest a strong correlation between

substance use disorders and Mental Health Disorders. Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders and

Mental Health Disorders are found among 1 and 3 adults in the United States. This reality

suggests that both disorder types are more than situational in nature and have a disease

pathology.

A justice-humanitarian centered perspective encourages the medical society to screen for SUDs

and Mental Health Disorders at every stage of medical care. It is not an issue for the twelve steps

of recovery community or mental health providers only. As I treat diverse individuals struggling

with co-morbid substance use and mental health, I recognize their need for acceptance and

inclusion in mainstream society. Will you become part of the conversation that will change

communities and save lives?

References

(2022, September 27). The case for screening and treatment of co-occurring disorders. SAMHSA. Co-

Occurring Disorders Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment | SAMHSA

(2023, January 4). SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results

Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021.SAMHSA. SAMHSA Announces

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and

Substance Use Levels in 2021 | HHS.gov

Holley,L & Mc Crory, B. (2021, January 12). Virtual AA and 12-Step Meetings: 4 benefits, 4

downsides. Psychology Today. Virtual AA and 12-Step Meetings: 4 Benefits, 4

Downsides | Psychology Today