Finding faith, healing, and purpose through Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
In episode 56 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Doyal Smith, Executive Director of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we've had to date. Doyal shares the pivotal moment that turned his life around—sitting alone on a park bench, ready to give up, when a voice offered him a lifeline: “If you help people, I’ll help you.”
That moment launched Doyal on a path of healing and service. In this episode, he opens up about his journey through childhood trauma, addiction, incarceration, and ultimately into leadership within the recovery community. Through DDA’s unique approach to addressing co-occurring disorders, Doyal has helped thousands of people find hope in their darkest moments.
Doyal’s Early Struggles and Turning Point
Growing up in North Portland in a home filled with addiction, violence, and instability, Doyal never had a chance to feel safe. Like many in the recovery community, his early trauma laid the groundwork for a long battle with substance use. Incarcerated multiple times, caught in cycles of despair, and disconnected from support, he found himself at the edge.
Then, sitting on that now-famous park bench, something shifted. That moment became the foundation for the work he would go on to do—most notably with Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon (DDA), a program that combines traditional 12-step recovery with five additional steps that address mental health challenges.
What Makes DDA Different
Founded by Corbett Monica in 1996, DDA is built on the understanding that many individuals in recovery also live with mental health conditions. Doyal explains how the “12 Steps Plus Five” model creates space for healing that’s inclusive of both substance use and mental health—offering a more holistic approach to recovery.
Under Doyal’s leadership, DDA has expanded access to online meetings, correctional facilities, and communities that previously had no support for dual diagnosis individuals. Their meeting directory and resources continue to grow, supporting people throughout Oregon and beyond.
Connecting Through Community
Throughout the episode, Doyal and Julie connect over shared experiences with trauma, mental health, and recovery. Both emphasize the importance of peer-driven support, authenticity, and showing up for others even when it’s hard. DDA’s approach resonates deeply with those who have felt like they didn’t fit in elsewhere—offering a place where mental health is not a side note but a core part of the healing journey.
For those looking for additional support beyond traditional programs, Doyal also highlights resources like Lunch Bunch and Extended Family AA and culturally specific healing circles like the Wellbriety Circle Meetings, which center Indigenous traditions and spirituality in recovery.
Today, Doyal continues to lead DDA with humility, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it means to walk the hard road. He shares openly about the importance of therapy, community, and not letting shame win. His message is clear: “You can be exactly who you are, and still recover.”
This episode is a reminder that no matter how far gone we feel, hope can meet us exactly where we are—and that helping others often becomes the way we save ourselves.
Listen to the full episode and hear Doyal’s remarkable journey in his own words.
Listen now: https://mdcr1.com/56 Read more episodes: https://mdcr1.com/56b
#RealRecoveryPodcast #DualDiagnosis #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupport #HopeAndHealing #RealStoriesRealRecovery
@DDAnonymous @ForaHealth @4DRecovery
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Overcoming Crime, Addiction, and Loss to Build a Movement for Change
In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Bear and Zane, the co-founders of Crimanon, a fellowship that addresses an often-overlooked addiction--criminal addiction. While most recovery spaces focus on substance abuse, Crimanon takes a different approach, recognizing that for many, the high of crime itself is just as addictive as drugs or alcohol.
Bear and Zane share their personal journeys of incarceration, loss, and redemption, revealing how their pasts led them to create a movement that is changing lives. From founding the first Crimanon meetings inside Columbia River Correctional Facility to expanding the program into the community, they discuss the challenges of breaking free from crime, the struggles of re-entry, and the critical role of mentorship and structure in long-term recovery.
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Their stories are not just about their pasts—they’re about a future they’re building for others trapped in the cycle of criminal addiction.
Zane’s Story: A Lifetime of Crime, Loss, and Redemption
Zane's past reads like something out of a crime novel--57 felonies, 187 arrests, and years spent in and out of the prison system. But his story isn't about glorifying crime—it’s about what led him there and how he found his way out.
Growing up, Zane was drawn into a lifestyle where crime wasn’t just survival—it was a rush. Like many who struggle with criminal addiction, the adrenaline of getting away with something, the power, and the chaos became a drug in itself. He wasn't just addicted to substances—he was addicted to the life.
"Losing my son to SIDS while I was locked up was the moment I realized I had to change. I couldn’t let my life end in a cage. I had to fight for something bigger than myself." – Zane
His turning point came in the most tragic way imaginable—the loss of his son. His son died while Zane was incarcerated, and he never got to say goodbye. This devastating moment forced him to reflect on his life, his choices, and the legacy he was leaving behind. He realized that if he didn’t change, he would die in prison, just another statistic.
Through Crimanon, Zane found purpose. He now dedicates his life to helping others trapped in the same cycle, showing them that change is possible—even after decades of crime.
Bear’s Journey: Finding Purpose in Recovery
Bear’s path to Crimanon started behind bars, where he began to recognize criminal addiction as a real, diagnosable issue. He saw that many people weren’t just addicted to drugs or alcohol—they were addicted to the thrill, the power, and the identity that crime gave them.
"When I was inside, I saw men come back again and again—not because they wanted to, but because they didn’t know how to live differently. That’s why we built Crimanon—to give people the tools to truly break free." – Bear
With a group of incarcerated individuals, Bear began developing a new kind of recovery program, focused not on substances, but on breaking the mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns that keep people stuck in criminal lifestyles. What started as a prison think tank turned into a full-fledged recovery movement.
Now on the outside, Bear is working tirelessly to expand Crimanon, fighting to get criminal addiction recognized in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and to provide more resources for those looking to break free from crime.
What Is Criminal Addiction?
Most people understand substance addiction, but criminal addiction is a concept that isn’t widely discussed. Bear and Zane describe it as:
The Challenges of Re-Entry
One of the biggest barriers to change is re-entering society after prison. Bear and Zane discuss how difficult it is to:
Links to Websites Discussed
Crimanon’s Mission & Future Goals
Crimanon is more than just a support group—it’s a movement. Bear and Zane have big goals for the future, including:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in recovery, anyone who has been impacted by the criminal justice system, or anyone who believes in the power of second chances.
Bear and Zane’s stories prove that no matter how deep you are in the cycle of crime, addiction, and incarceration, change is possible. Through Crimanon, they are giving others the tools, the support, and the hope to break free and build a new life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with criminal addiction, Crimanon is here to help.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #CriminalRecovery #Crimanon #SecondChances #AddictionRecovery #BreakingTheCycle #RecoveryJourney #CriminalAddiction
Advocacy in Action: Taking the Fight for Recovery to the Capitol
This special check-in episode of the Real Recovery Podcast takes you inside Advocacy Day 2024 at the Oregon State Capitol. Peter, Julie, and Colette share their firsthand experiences, powerful conversations, and reflections on what it means to stand together in the fight for addiction recovery services.
With over 200 advocates in attendance, the event was a powerful demonstration of the recovery community’s commitment to ensuring that Oregon prioritizes treatment, housing, and prevention efforts. Participants met with legislators, urging them to support key bills that will help expand access to care for those struggling with addiction.
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"If we are going to be number one in addiction, we have to be number one in recovery too." – Colette Why Advocacy Day Matter
Oregon is currently ranked worst in the nation for addiction rates and last in treatment access. Advocacy Day was an opportunity to make our voices heard, demanding that lawmakers take real steps toward funding, access, and legislative support for recovery services.
"We were there to make a statement that recovery matters, that people’s lives are on the line, and that Oregon must invest in solutions that actually work." – Julie
The energy of the event was powerful, as individuals in recovery, treatment professionals, and allies gathered to tell their stories, connect with legislators, and push for change. Governor Tina Kotek’s appearance, alongside the First Lady, underscored the urgency of the moment and highlighted the need for strong leadership in addiction recovery policy.
"Hearing real stories from people who have fought their way into recovery is what makes this so impactful. Legislators can’t ignore us when we show up, stand together, and speak with conviction." – Peter 
The Bills That Could Change Everything
Advocates urged legislators to support specific bills that will directly impact addiction treatment, housing, and prevention efforts in Oregon. These bills represent the best chance for real, structural change in how the state handles addiction and recovery services.
Key Bills Advocated For:
How You Can Take Action
The fight for investment in addiction recovery services is not over. Legislators need to hear from you to understand that these bills are essential to saving lives.
Email Your Legislators TodayUse this link to contact your representatives and urge them to support funding for recovery services:
Email Your Legislator - "Finish What We Started" Campaign Support Recovery Organizations
Support Recovery Organizations
These incredible organizations are leading the charge in advocacy, treatment, and support services across Oregon. Get involved, donate, or reach out to show your support.
This Advocacy Day check-in is about more than just a conversation – it is a call to action. Let your legislators know that recovery must be funded, prioritized, and supported. Together, we can create a future where treatment is accessible, recovery is possible, and no one is left behind.
#RecoveryAdvocacy #AddictionRecovery #OregonRecovers #4DRecovery #PathfinderNetwork #ForaHealth #TrueColorsRecovery #RealRecoveryPodcast @OregonRecovers @4DRecovery @TrueColorsRecovery
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