RRP Episode 56 – Doyal Smith: The Voice That Changed Everything, from a Park Bench to DDA

Finding faith, healing, and purpose through Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

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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.”

Links to Websites Discussed

• Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon
• Real Recovery Podcast
• Lunch Bunch and Extended Family AA
• Wellbriety Circle Meetings
• Hands Across the Bridge

“The voice said, ‘If you help people, I’ll help you.’ And I’ve been helping people ever since.”
– Doyal Smith

​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

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@DDAnonymous @ForaHealth @4DRecovery

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