Mental Health Support Workers Recovery Perceptions and Positive Risk-Taking Approaches Related to Service-Users with a Dual Diagnosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Twenty-nine mental health support workers took part in an online-survey consisting of a vignette and scenarios to elicit information regarding their recovery perceptions and positive-risk taking approaches related to service-users with dual-diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorder. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the survey-responses. Although the participants emphasized some aspects aligning with the recommended “recovery-oriented practice” approach, there was an overemphasis on reduced substance-use, aversive and overprotective approaches to positive risk-taking and a lack of emphasis on hope and the service-users’ strengths and abilities. It was concluded that there is a continuing need to implement recovery-oriented practice within mental health services.