In Addiction Counseling, Clearbrook Treatment Centers Massachusetts, Family Treatment, Sober Living

Minnesota Model of Addiction Treatment

Rehab centers utilize a variety of addiction treatment approaches. Many models for substance abuse treatment were founded in the early to mid-1900s and have been continuously modified to suit the needs of today’s patients. The Minnesota Model of addiction treatment is another major form of care that our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab utilizes in its services. We’re sharing some insight on the Minnesota Model and how we incorporate it at our facility.

What Is the Minnesota Model?

The Minnesota Model is commonly referred to as the abstinence-based model of addiction treatment. This program branched out of the original 12-Step Program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1950s.

This model aims to expand the 12-Step Program and substance abuse treatment to include professionals like doctors and psychiatrists. In the early days of the Minnesota Model treatment approach, each form of drug and alcohol treatment was uniquely designed based on the person’s concerns.

The family of the addict was also included in treatment and was asked to be active in their recovery. The Minnesota Model also incorporated inpatient treatment for at least 28 days and daily care as required. This approach to substance abuse treatment adheres to the 12-Step Program both during and after the person completes their rehab program.

This Minnesota Model also marked a significant shift in how substance use disorders were viewed and treated. The model represents a social reform movement regarding the conditions of addiction treatment.

It sparked a change in the approaches to treating substance use disorders, starting with alcoholism. Today, it has expanded to cover a multitude of addictions.

Components of the Minnesota Model of Addiction Treatment

The individual components of the Minnesota Model approach may vary depending on the person; however, the program follows a basic structure. Having an organized but adaptable addiction treatment method is important when treating people with different types of substance abuse disorders.

The components of the Minnesota Model include:

Medically Assisted Detox

For most individuals with severe drug and alcohol use disorders, medically monitored detox is the first step of care. Detox is led by medical personnel – including doctors and nurses – who are licensed and trained to administer medication and other treatments to help mitigate the discomfort and risks of withdrawal symptoms. Our Clearbrook rehab in Massachusetts offers various types of drug detox programs to support individuals with addictions to substances like alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs.

Focus On Psychological Dependence

The Minnesota Model of addiction treatment also focuses on the psychological aspect of substance abuse. Dependence has as much to do with the mind as it does with the body. In most, if not all, cases, drug and alcohol addiction are linked to mental and emotional struggles, ranging from stress and trauma to mental illness.

Also known as co-occurring disorders, addiction affects many individuals alongside disorders like anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, among others. In these cases, focusing on either addiction or mental health treatment wouldn’t be enough for the person to recover. Rather co-occurring disorder treatment is required.

Group Meetings

Group therapy is another primary focus of the Minnesota Model of substance abuse treatment. Group therapy is an important aspect of treating substance use disorders, as it provides a safe and supportive environment where recovering addicts with similar struggles can come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Some benefits of group therapy for addiction include:

  • Accountability
  • Feedback and perspective
  • Increased interpersonal and communication skills
  • Opportunity to learn from others’ experiences
  • Social support

Addiction Education

Substance abuse education includes providing information and knowledge about drug and alcohol abuse, its causes, effects, and the treatment options available. At our Massachusetts rehab, we believe offering education to patients and their loved ones about addiction are crucial to long-term recovery.

Other key components of addiction education also include understanding the causes and contributing factors of substance abuse, the effects of drugs and alcohol, relapse prevention skills, stigma reduction, and treatment options. Generally, substance abuse education is crucial for the prevention and treatment of these problems.

Benefits of the Minnesota Model of Substance Abuse Treatment

Because the Minnesota Model of addiction treatment is based on the 12-Step Program, it incorporates a lot of group therapy. The major focus of the Minnesota Model is to offer education and treatment for addiction while building peer support.

Addiction is also psychological, so it’s important to have a support system you can lean on during recovery. In group settings, patients usually discuss their experiences with addiction, including their triggers, overcoming denial, receiving support from other members, receiving addiction counseling, and aiding others.

This model of care focuses on treating the person as a whole, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some major benefits of the Minnesota Model include:

  • Aftercare planning
  • Comprehensive care
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Family involvement
  • Peer support
  • Use of evidence-based practices

From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to alumni services, our facility offers care to support patients through recovery both in and outside of rehab.

Clearbrook’s Minnesota Model & Addiction Treatment

There are a variety of drug rehabs in the United States, but not all of them offer treatment like this. Luckily, our Northeast addictions treatment center does offer addiction treatment based on the Minnesota Model. Our Massachusetts substance abuse treatment follows the structure of this model, ensuring that each patient gets the help they need.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, don’t wait to get help. Call Clearbrook Treatment Centers today at 570-536-9621 or send us your contact information, and one of our admission specialists will reach out to you.

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