This training video on co-occurring mental health and substance abuse recovery documents the lives and experiences of five individuals. We learn who they are, what has helped, and what has hindered their recovery from mental illness and substance abuse. We also learn what brings meaning to their lives and recovery. These stories present an opportunity for reflection on what providers of services can do to support people in recovery and provide practical advice from those in recovery.

"It is very important for providers to know what is the thread of someone else's existence, to understand what makes them thrive, what makes them go forth and what helps them in the process of recovery." —Nancy

"The main thing a person has to do is listen, but not only do they have to listen, they have to hear what the individual is saying and they've got to hear it from the heart." —Jerry

The video can be utilized for training discussions with a trainer/facilitator knowledgeable about mental illness and substance abuse, as well as for discussion with clients in treatment settings. Production by NAMI-Maine and the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME) with funding from Janssen Pharmaceutica and Research Foundation and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Filming and production was done by VDIO Production Services.

This training video on co-occurring mental health and substance abuse recovery documents the lives and experiences of five individuals. We learn who they are, what has helped, and what has hindered their recovery from mental illness and substance abuse. We also learn what brings meaning to their lives and recovery. These stories present an opportunity for reflection on what providers of services can do to support people in recovery and provide practical advice from those in recovery.

"It is very important for providers to know what is the thread of someone else's existence, to understand what makes them thrive, what makes them go forth and what helps them in the process of recovery." —Nancy

"The main thing a person has to do is listen, but not only do they have to listen, they have to hear what the individual is saying and they've got to hear it from the heart." —Jerry

The video can be utilized for training discussions with a trainer/facilitator knowledgeable about mental illness and substance abuse, as well as for discussion with clients in treatment settings. Production by NAMI-Maine and the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME) with funding from Janssen Pharmaceutica and Research Foundation and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Filming and production was done by VDIO Production Services.

The trainer's manual is a basic curriculum on co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The course covers twelve core competency content areas, each divided into learning modules. Each module offers training activities, handouts, Powerpoint slides and a test. A resource lists on co-occurring disorders is provided, as well as an extensive section on training tools and tips.  The following areas are covered in this manual.

The development of this trainer's manual was made possible through a grant from the Mental Health Funding Collaborative to the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME).

In this compelling presentation, people with lived experience of recovery from co-occurring disorders discuss among themselves, and then with people who provide service, the issues of most concern to them when they ask for help. They discuss their views on their conditions and their recovery, and their experiences with treatment. The centerpiece of the video is the dialogue between recovering people and providers. People who provide services will gain a better understanding of the importance of relationship, equality, empowerment and authenticity in their work. Those in recovery will learn more about co-occurring conditions and about what they should expect from providers of care.  

Intended Audience
This DVD is meant to be used for training people who provide services. It is also an effective informational presentation for recovering people who are seeking help. The DVD can be used for agency staff training, or it can be viewed by individuals at their convenience. A companion, web-based educational module can be used to obtain continuing education contact hours. For more information visit www.ccsme.org

Learning Objectives of Recovery Stories

• To foster an understanding of recovery from the perspective of those engaged in it
• To convey, from the perspective of recovering people, what aspects of treatment and relationships with service providers work to support recovery
• To encourage an understanding of the importance of mutual relationships, welcoming, and empathy from people who provide services