Developing consumer/survivor/recovering voice and its impact on services and research: Our experience with the SAMHSA women, co-occurring disorders and violence study

Abstract

Integrating consumer/survivor/recovering (C/S/R) women in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Women, Co-Occurring Disorders and Violence Study involved both struggles and growth. The C/S/R women and all of our professional allies, both individually and collectively, greatly enhanced the study by overcoming what earlier seemed to be insurmountable obstacles. Integral to the C/S/R group's personal and professional growth was the development and expression of their individual and collective voices. Documenting this history and the impact that the collaboration between the C/S/R women and other professional staff had on the study is of vital importance in the field of research and advocacy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.