Milani, Raffaella Margherita ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1683-2410, Keller, Annalise and Roush, Sean (2021) Dual diagnosis anonymous (DDA) and the transition to online support during COVID-19. Journal of Concurrent Disorders, 3 (3). ISSN 2562-7546

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Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for individuals with concurrent mental health and addiction problems. Like other mutual aid groups, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) of Oregon in the US and DDA-UK were forced to suspend face to face meetings during the pandemic. To continue to support its members, DDA began offering online meetings.
Objectives: this study explored attendees’ perceived effectiveness, strengths, and limitations of online support within the context of the pandemic. Methods: A total of 92 DDA members from the US (n = 71) and the UK (n = 18) completed an online survey, which included quantitative scales and open questions. Feelings of inclusion in online versus in-person meetings were assessed using an adaptation of the Work Group Inclusion Test (Chung et al., 2020). A supplementary interview was conducted with a DDA facilitator. The open survey questions and the interview were independently thematically analyzed by two investigators. Results: Attendance of meetings significantly increased after the introduction of online meetings (p < 0.001). Approximately half of the participants (51.09%) indicated that DDA online support was the most helpful form of support they received during lockdown; 98.77% of participants agreed that online support should continue after the lockdown. There was no significant difference regarding feelings of inclusion in online versus in-person meetings. Conclusions: Online meetings allowed DDA to go global and provided effective support to people with complex needs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants experienced a continuity of inclusion and accessibility due to the online provision. Implications: It is suggested that going forward, online support should continue alongside traditional face to face meetings due to its potential to increase convenience, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.54127/jtfj8349
Additional Information:	Citation: Milani, M.M., Keller, A., & Roush, S. (2021). Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) and the Transition to Online Support During COVID19. Journal of Concurrent Disorders.
Keywords:	Dual Diagnosis Anonymous, dual diagnosis, online support, peer support, mutual aid, recovery, addiction, mental illness, mental health, substance misuse, COVID-19, lockdown, 12-steps
Subjects:	Medicine and health > Mental health Psychology > Substance abuse/misuse
Related URLs:	Publisher Publisher https://concurrentdisorders.ca
Depositing User:	Raffaella Margherita Milani
Date Deposited:	10 Sep 2021 09:22
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2024 11:24
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/8236

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