The Dilemma of Membership in Recovery,Inc.,a Self-Help Ex-Mental Patients' Organization

Organizational beliefs and group processes in meetings of Recovery tend to “trap” members in the organization indefinitely. Although the stated goal of the organization is to reduce “nervousness” and solve emotional problems of members, there is no recognition of successful termination of membership. Many members joined the organization years ago and still attend sporadically. The “power of positive thinking” about the success of the Recovery method discourages contact by members with other kinds of community mental health facilities, so that Recovery groups are isolated in the community. This further traps members within the organization.