Issue 4 Volume 1

The DDAer A Newsletter for DDAers

and Friends of DDA

IN THIS ISSUE: Get Involved in DDA

Support Letter from Frank Dugger Corbett’s Corner

What’s Happening: DDA Central Updates Story by DDAer Merlin

How to Start a DDA Chapter

ISSUE 5 VOLUME 1

SPRING 2011

DDA is such a good family. We may not see

one another all the time, but when called upon for

support, we‟re there for each other. That‟s what hap-

pened in March when DDA feared a 47% or more

funding cut from the state. When we sent out the

word, all of you responded in number. (See Frank

Dugger‟s letter opposite and Stephen Igo‟s on page 2.)

We received so many encouraging emails, and the

Ways and Means Hearing in Salem was packed with

DDAers and supporters.

Thank you, all of you.

We have learned we will not receive those

drastic cuts, we will realize a lesser 25% cut in Janu-

ary 2012, but as our grant comes to an end with the

state in 2013, we will need to have a solid and diverse

funding stream. We are working hard on our out-

reach, and we are confident we will meet this goal.

This is a very exciting time to be involved in

DDA. Word of our good work is spreading throughout

the state as well as Nationwide. DDAers are stepping

up to serve as meeting secretaries. New meetings are

starting in treatment facilities. Because of this,

DDAers continue to feel supported.

With all the new meetings, Corbett recently

wrote a handbook on How to Start a Chapter. It‟s re-

printed here for you. You, too, can start up a chapter.

It‟s easier than you think, and the bottom line is:

people need you.

We hope to intensify our presence in Oregon

counties. Be on the lookout for opportunities to serve

in a variety of ways.

Until then, peace to all of you !

03/07/11

I wanted to take the time to express my feelings on

the importance of DDA as a program to address ad-

diction and mental health concerns while supporting

recovery. In our world today there is evidence that

shows how a mental heath diagnosis and a substance/

alcohol abuse diagnosis tend to feed each other and

create a larger problem if even one of these issues is

not treated. I facilitate a weekly DDA group assisted

and co-chaired by local peers. The purpose of the

group is to talk about the issues each one of us face

daily. As a group dedicated to recovery, we offer and

provide support along with accountability as a means

to overcome poor decision making, peer pressure and

the triggers that may lead to using. Sobriety and

healthy living are not only goals but also a part of

each person‟s treatment/support plan. Our group has

been averaging between 12 and 15 each week and at

times will approach 20 participants. I believe that

DDA has done some wonderful things to provide hope

and opportunity for each individual to improve who

they are and what they can be. Supporting DDA will

best serve the future of recovery and enhance well-

ness for folks who are dually diagnosed. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Frank Dugger

Supported Employment Specialist

Lifeways Malheur

GETTING INVOLVED IN DDA by Jennifer Springsteen

DDA Letter of Support

WRITTEN TESTIMONY

TO: Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office

900 Court St. NE., Room H-178

Salem, Oregon 97301

Phone: 503-986-1828

Sen. Richard Devlin, Co-Chair

Rep. Peter Buckley, Co-Chair

Rep. Dennis Richardson, Co-Chair

Sen. Betsy Johnson, Vice-Chair

Rep. Bill Garrard, Co-Vice Chair

RE: JOINT COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND

MEANS

Schedule

Tuesday

March 15, 2011

It is with great concern that I appear before you in support of funding for the program of Dual-

Diagnosis Anonymous. DDA represents a driving force for growth in the connections currently being made to

develop a consumer driven mental health care network. This emerging network of consumers supporting con-

sumers, having been discredited and discouraged in favor of professional services for so many years, is find-

ing it‟s self welcomed as a partner by necessity. While we wish to embrace this long awaited opportunity the

DDA program remains an existing rally point for foundation, growth and accountability.

I work as a Peer Support Specialist at a Marion County based non-profit agency that hosts DDA meet-

ings three times a week. In the past attendees at these meetings, over time, tended to turn over and be replaced

by new attendees. This has been the norm for years at our facility. Contrary to this trend are the recent efforts

of the attendees to attempt more committed grassroots organization. One such effort I have recently observed

has been truly successful. The person I want to draw your attention to does not fit the standard demographics,

this person did not have a history in the system, this person, quite simply represents the wisdom our society

rewards, When first interviewed, this person was on the brink of suicide. I can‟t over-emphasize my concern

for the loss of individuals fitting this, or any, profile. The DDA group attendees, on their own, got her to come

to one meeting then she stopped, the group did not relent they called her repeatedly to give her encourage-

ment. Long story short, this temporary situation was bridged without an act of terminal despair, the days be-

gan to bring hope, and the weeks have seen a that hope returned with interest to the group.

It can‟t be denied that the authority of doctors and other professionals have commanded our attention

and dependence in this field. In contrast, because there exists DDA as an evidence based but non-professional

framework, today‟s mental health consumers have a model for transition toward more independent self-help

solutions. In summary I feel Oregon is enriched beyond its investment in the program of Dual-Diagnosis

Anonymous.

FROM: Stephen D. Igo

Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist

Mental Health & Co-occurring Disorders Recovery

Group Facilitator

694 Church St. NE, Salem, OR 97301

Human Services

Subcommittee Time: 5:30 P.M. Place: HR F

Public Hearing SB 5529 Oregon Health Authority - Addictions

and Mental Health - Public Testimony

(Testimony may be limited to 3 minutes)

2

What’s Happening

I want to take an opportunity to share a key

principal of DDA. This principal has to do with

our 3rd tradition and the preamble that ends with

the following words: “the only requirement for DDA Member-

ship is a desire to develop healthy drug and alcohol free life-

styles.”

I have often been asked “can I attend DDA even if I don‟t have a

drug or alcohol problem?” The answer to that question is a re-

sounding “YES!” In fact, if you don‟t have an alcohol or sub-

stance abuse problem you have a head start since you are already

drug/alcohol free and now you can focus on the healthy lifestyle

aspect of the 3rd tradition. This stance has opened the doors for

recovery for many among us who experience symptoms of men-

tal illness: they‟ve found support even though they didn‟t have a

drug or alcohol problem.

Over the years, DDA has welcomed individuals that identify as

“dually diagnosed” due to other dependent behaviors such as

gambling, eating, sex, etc. What a blessing it has been to experi-

ence the healing power of our fellowship affecting the lives of so

many.

“Keep coming back, it works if you work, so work it because

you‟re worth it!”

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Corbett

Corbett’s Corner Telephone Directory for Statewide

Support

We are updating our phone directory and

need your help. Care to give your time to other

struggling with mental illness and addiction? The

phone is a way for DDAers and friends of DDA to

lend their ear to another.

There is no obligation to fix or solve the

person who might phone; just a willingness to

listen.

You don’t have to be licensed to be a

good listener!

The phone directory represents an

opportunity for DDAers to actively practice the

principles of "Just For Today in DDA." This direc-

tory emphasizes the following stanzas:

"Just for today I will utilize the DDA

program of shared experiences, strength, solidar-

ity, and hope in order to gain a better perspective

on my life" and,

"Just for today I will accept my limitations. I will

recognize when I need support for symptoms of my

dual diagnosis or when I am in danger of relapse

and I will seek help from the fellowship of DDA..."

Sobriety Certificates are available on the DDA website or by contacting the central office,

as well as lots of other great DDA materials! Check it out!

Did you know our Founder, Corbett, Chairs the DDA Central Meetings on Wednesdays? Join him

from noon to 1:00 pm at 521 SW 11th in downtown Portland.

Are you on the DDA Fellowship Gathering Invite List? Each month, DDA hosts a fellowship

gathering for DDAers and friends of DDA. The gatherings are either in Clackamas, Oregon, at A

Daily Reprieve Recovery Center or in

If you would like to be added to the invitation list, please send an email to:

jennifers@ddaoforegon.com or phone : 503-222-6484.

3

I didn‟t want to turn out like my Dad, but I did. When I was 14 I picked up my first drink on a

Halloween night. A man bought me a „mickey‟ of wine and it was like the fireworks went off. The shy-

ness went away. I felt real good, like I was in another world. I got home and I went upstairs and I fell

in the bathtub.

The next year a friend and I drank a 5th of whiskey. I drank ¾ of it. I passed out within a half

hour. I was sick for about a week because of that. Then I wound up in JDH for a week because of it,

too. Then at 16 and 17, my alcohol progressed, along with marijuana and pill popping. I started steal-

ing beer from the beer trucks to get it. At 18 I got married and by the time I was 19 I had two kids. My

wife turned out to be a heroin addict and things weren‟t going good with us at all. Our marriage was a

nightmare from the start. At 22, I finally got a divorce. Then I had a nervous breakdown called

Schizophrenia. I was in the hospital, court committed to Dammasch State Hospital. I spent about 5

months there. When I left I was on Thorazine and Lithium. So finally after a couple of years I got off

the Thorazine and I continued to drink and smoke marijuana daily.

Then I hit rock bottom. I wound up homeless down on skid row. I never thought I would be in a

situation like this. I lived in a flop hotel and I was collecting unemployment for a while. Then finally I

got into Section 8 housing. My drinking continued to get worse. I got my disability check; I had a lot of

extra money at the time. I started dating a lot of women, drinking heavily and smoking pot. Then fi-

nally, my counselor said, “you need to get in treatment because you have insurance.” So I went to the

care unit for 30 days ,and I did great, no slips. I started going to AA meetings daily. I would get to my

90 days consistently, five to six times in a row and drink a couple of days in between. Then finally I

got six months, then three years. After three years, I relapsed. The craving came back, and I couldn't

control it.

That led me to a 15 year alcohol binge.

Then finally, I hit rock bottom. Again. My kids were both on drugs. They were driving me in-

sane. I gave a 30-day notice on my apartment, but the manager wouldn‟t let me revoke it. I had to

move with nowhere to go. I ran out of money. I walked into a bank with a note, and robbed it. I did 19

months. I got out and the last three years I‟ve been basically clean and sober. Right now I have 10

months sobriety. I don‟t have everything I want, but life is so much better compared to the way it was

when I was drinking daily. I don‟t get sick, I‟m not in chronic pain, my mind has been restored. And I

feel wonderful most of the time.

If I knew that first drink would have caused me all these problems, I never would have picked

up that first drink.

THE KID THAT LEARNED THE HARD WAY

By Merlin

TELL US YOUR STORY!

Guidelines for writing:

Try to keep your writing within or under 500 words.

When writing, consider: what was the path you were once on, and what path do you now see for your future?

Accompany your story with a completed and signed consent form,

available on our website or call the central office to request that one be mailed to you.

Please be aware we edit stories

4

5th Annual Fun In Recovery Bowling Bonanza!

This year‟s Bowling Bonanza was a hit. A hundred DDAers turned out to bowl at

Mount Hood Lanes in Gresham. Over 400 games were played. Good fun had by all.

DDA Outreach workers Racquel

and Autumn.

The Raffle.

Iron Tribe members.

Corbett and friends.

5

Looks fun, huh? Be sure to join us in 2012 for our next fun-in-

recovery Bowling Bonanza!

6

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA)

Starting a New Chapter of DDA

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this guide is to serve as a guide for persons who are interested in starting

a new chapter of DDA in their community. DDA makes every effort to hold fast to the

principle of simplicity. It is our hope that this guide “Keeps it Simple” for you.

1) Why Start a New Chapter of DDA?

There are many reasons to start a new chapter of DDA. The most common reason is that there are no

meetings being held in the area of interest. Oftentimes, person(s) are introduced to DDA while hospi-

talized, incarcerated, and/or involved in a treatment program. When these persons return to their com-

munities, they may find that there are no local chapters of DDA to maintain involvement. In fact, al-

most a third of all chapters of DDA were started by persons returning to their communities after treat-

ment and/or incarceration.

Secondly, when someone has benefitted from DDA involvement, they share their recovery story with

others, and then the need for new meetings develops by word of mouth.

And finally, we find that people search for possible support for themselves or others, find our webpage

(www.ddaoforegon.com), and become interested in starting a new chapter.

Whatever your reason we look forward to supporting your endeavor.

2) What is the Cost of Starting a New Chapter of DDA?

DDA will provide all the necessary print materials (including a secretary binder, flyers, brochures) to

start a new chapter. We have found that the majority of our meetings are held in locations that do not

require rent. If rent is required, please contact the central office to inquire about assistance to get your

DDA chapter off the ground.

According to DDA‟s 7th Tradition, “every local chapter of DDA should strive to be self supporting.”

The costs of refreshments for meetings, BBQs, and recovery celebrations should be covered by the

chapter through collections at each meeting.

If and when a local chapter becomes self supporting the group may choose to send funds to DDA‟s

central office in downtown Portland to reimburse for start-up materials and postage.

3) What Do We Do First?

Normally, the first thing that happens is interested persons contact DDA‟s central office. You will

find contact information on the last page of this pamphlet. Any questions you may have will be an-

swered by DDA‟s central office. After receiving meeting materials it is simply a matter of deciding

what type of meeting you would like to start (Please refer to the DDAers Meeting handbook) if is sim-

ply a matter of scheduling your first meeting. DDA will make every effort to have a seasoned DDAer

present for your first meeting. DDA will provide flyers and announce your meeting on our webpage.

7

4) How Do We Find Suitable Location?

DDA emphasizes that new chapters be located in “peer friendly” environments. Peer friendly environ-

ments refer to locations that are convenient and comfortable for consumers. Considerations should be

given regarding access to public transportation, the time and day of the meeting that best suits participants

schedules (in other words, consider other activities and commitments that may conflict with DDA meet-

ings), and environments that are conducive to recovery.

Many chapters of DDA hold meetings at various clinics or 12 step clubs that are already familiar to peers.

Many of our meetings are held in locations that donate the necessary space. This is especially true at lo-

cations that may be connected to agencies and/or other treatment facilities that do not allow for the 7th tra-

dition to be practiced. Other locations, such as 12 step clubs, churches, and community centers may

charge rent for their spaces. The DDA Central Office may be able to help with rent until a local chapter

has time to accrue funds and achieve their goal of becoming self supporting.

Once the meeting is ready to begin, we ask that a new group/chapter form be completed and sent to the

Central Office of DDA. This form may be sent via post office or electronically.

5) What Happens at the First Meeting?

The first meeting of a new chapter of DDA provides an opportunity to share information about our

fellowship and establish future guidelines for the group. The chairperson of the first meeting of a new

chapter follows the approved DDA meeting format. When chairing the first meeting of a new chapter, fol-

lowing the reading of the 5 steps of DDA, the chairperson chooses an open discussion format and time is

spent for discussion and/or questions and answers in order to gain a better understanding of the materials.

At the point of the meeting where the secretary reports on chapter business and opens the meeting up for

announcements, time may be spent to determine the following:

The regular meeting time and day for the chapter (this may or may not be the same time and day of

the first meeting);

What type of meeting the chapter decides upon (eg. Open; closed; gender specific, etc. Please refer to

DDA‟s meeting handbook for more information regarding types of meetings);

Nominating and electing the chapter secretary(s);

When applicable, deciding on how to safeguard 7th Tradition donations.

6) Who Chairs the First DDA Meeting of a New Chapter?

Whenever possible the central office of DDA will provide a seasoned DDAer to chair the first meeting of

a new chapter. If the central office is unable to provide a seasoned DDAer to chair the first meeting, the

person(s) responsible for initiating the new chapter usually serves as chairperson for the first meeting.

There is also the possibility of having a seasoned DDAer available by telephone to assist during the initial

meeting of a new chapter and answer questions that the group may have. Any unanswered questions that

may come up at a new chapter‟s first meeting should be directed to DDA‟s central office. After the first

meeting is established the responsibility of „chairing‟ meetings is voluntarily rotated among group mem-

bers. (Please refer to the Dual Diagnosis Anonymous Meeting Handbook; Guidelines for Chairing DDA

Meetings for more information.)

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7) Chapter Secretaries

Every Chapter of DDA should have at least one person who is responsible for chapter business. This

person is the DDA chapter secretary. It is preferred that each chapter has at least two. We have found

that having two secretaries for a chapter ensures that one or the other will be present for the meeting

because there may be times that one or the other are unable to attend.

The responsibilities of the secretaries are:

To make sure that the meeting location is accessible and ready for the meeting;

To bring all the meeting materials;

Completes the Dual Diagnosis Anonymous New Group Form and returns it to the Central Office;

To do whatever housekeeping is necessary for the meeting (EG, arrange chairs and tables; make

coffee and put out snacks, etc.);

Complete the group meeting record;

Keep track of, and safeguard, 7th tradition monies if donations are made;

Provides contact information should people have questions about the meeting;

Identify chairpersons for the meeting (Please refer to the DDA Meeting Handbook for information

regarding chairing meetings); and

Reports on Chapter business at the end of each meeting, opens the meeting for announcements, and

if the 7th Tradition is practiced, reminds members that their chapter strives to be self supporting and

passes the donation basket.

8) Who Becomes the Chapter Secretaries?

Secretaries in DDA are elected by the „group consciousnesses of each chapter. This is simply a matter

of nominating potential chapter secretaries and then voting. The top vote getters become the secretar-

ies. Oftentimes, when new chapters are started, the person(s) responsible for establishing the meeting

assumes the responsibility of the secretary. Once the chapter is established the group consciousness

should be utilized to elect a secretary.

9) What Happens After a New Chapter of DDA is Established?

After a new chapter of DDA is established it is helpful to have regular contact with our central office.

Regular contact with DDA‟s Central Office can help resolve questions and/or concerns of the chapter,

provide updates on literature, continue to help attract new members for the chapter, and provide ongo-

ing support as needed.

On behalf of DDA, and all those we serve, we extend our deep appreciation to you for your interest in

spreading DDA‟s “…message of hope and recovery to those who still suffer from the effects of dual

diagnosis.” (Tradition 5)

9

Dr. Dean Brooks visited the Oregon State

Hospital 50 Bldg DDA meeting. Dr. Brooks is the

former head of the hospital and was there during

the 1975 filming of One Flew Over the Cuckoo‟s

Nest. He even played Dr. Spivey, the head of the

psychiatric hospital, in the movie. He has been a

champion for DDA for quite some time.

DDA warmly welcomes Dr. Dean Brooks to our Board of Directors!

We are blessed and honored by this appointment.

Corbett training in dual diagnosis with the Oregon

Mental Health Caucus in Salem.

If you‟d like Corbett to visit your Oregon DDA

Chapter or for information on group training,

please phone the Central Office to

arrange a time.

(877) 222-1332

Now that you know how easy it is to become a Chapter Secretary,

why not give it a try?

Our 12th Step states: “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we

tried to carry this message to others who still suffer from the effects of dual diagnosis…”

Here is your chance to give back to DDA and to serve people who really need your sup-

port. If you are interested in this service opportunity, please email

jennifers@ddaoforegon.com or write to us at: P.O. Box 2883, Portland, OR 97208 or

phone us at (877) 222-1332(1dda).

10

I

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) is a peer sup-

port program based on a version of the

12 Steps of

Alcoholics Anonymous with an additional 5

Steps that focus on Dual Diagnosis (mental ill-

ness and substance abuse).

DDA‟s unique 12 Steps Plus 5

Program offers hope

for achieving the promise of recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon, Inc.

Central Office

Location & Hours: 521 SW 11th Ave.

(2nd Floor)

Portland, OR 97205

Monday– Friday

10:30-2:30 pm

Meetings Monday- F r i d a y ,

Noon to 1

Phone: (877) 222-1332 or

(503) 222-6484

Mailing

address: PO Box 2883

Portland, OR 97208

Questions, concerns or suggestions regarding this

newsletter? Please contact the editor, Jennifer S. at

(503) 222-6484 or jennifers@ddaoforegon.com.

The DDAer April 2011 Issue 6

What is DDA? DDA of Oregon, Inc.

PO Box 2883

Portland, OR 97208