In particular it is interesting to note the prioritisation protocols applied by this clinical practice with regard to dual diagnosis (click here for article):
"Our partial hospital program dealt with addiction issues and mental health issues simultaneously, but always prioritized the addictions, on the theory that you cannot benefit much from psychiatric or psychological attention when you are intoxicated".
This approach represents a 180 degree reversal of the cult's response to the dual diagnosis issue. These (unqualified) individuals insist that recovery is not possible whilst someone is still undergoing treatment (either through the use of prescribed medication and/or other therapeutic interventions). The author of the article, Dr Mark Dombeck, a health professional and a proponent of both the 12 Step approach as well as the Fellowships which employ it, seems to indicate that the primary issue to be tackled is that of the addiction (including alcoholism), which then allows the other part of the diagnosis to be addressed accordingly. It would seem, therefore, that dual diagnosis individuals (according to this perspective) should indeed have access to the fullest possible assistance within AA (and other fellowships) rather than have unnecessary obstacles placed in their way by those uninformed, unqualified and prejudiced dogmatists who are currently causing so much harm, firstly to those new to the Fellowship, and thereafter to the reputation of Alcoholics Anonymous itself.
(our thanks to the member who drew our attention to this article)
The Fellas
