When looking for help for someone suffering from the effects of addiction the process can be confusing and at time overwhelming when it comes to the many facilities to choose from and the kinds of treatment offered. At Cambridge House we aim to help make this process as easy and smooth as possible by providing the guidance and advice needed when making the decision. At Cambridge we utilize the Minnesota Model when drawing up and implementing individualized treatment plans for our clients. What follows is a brief description of what the Minnesota model is and the benefits & effectiveness of it when treating addiction.
What is the Minnesota Model?
The idea behind the model was to provide an extension on the 12 Step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous; an extension that would expand the capability of the 12 steps to include professionals such as Doctors, Therapists, trained counselors etc. in the treatment of addiction fields.
At its core the Minnesota Model provides a holistic approach to the treatment of addiction, and over the years has become the foundation of many different treatment approaches. It’s success is largely attributed to combining the success of the 12 step program with the latest advancements and developments within the field of addiction treatment, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plan approach, rather than a one size fits all approach.
Structure of Treatment:
At the heart of this approach lies the individualized treatment plan; specifically designed to meet each person’s needs. It is vital that each person seeking treatment gain an understanding of the characteristics of addiction as well as establish and maintain a support network to aid them in living a life of recovery and avoiding the pitfalls along the way.
A combination of group therapy and one-on-one counselling sessions with trained individuals help clients:
Work through elements of denial.
Provide education and understanding on what addiction is
Work through problems and gain the tools to do so.
Provide positive feedback and motivation to help the individual through their process
Guide the individual through the 12 Step program.
Work on the specific needs of the individual that fall outside the scope of the 12 step fellowships.
In line with the individualized needs of clients, some may need more help when it comes to processing and resolving trauma, whereas others may need more help with family counselling to work on those dynamics. Some individuals need more attention when it comes to helping them find work, while others may already be employed and need guidance on structuring their time or learning how to resolve conflict in a healthy manner.
The purpose is to help clients build confidence and a belief within themselves and provide them with the needed tools and support to face everyday life with its challenges and problems, ultimately living life as a responsible and productive member of society.
Overall Benefits of this approach to treating addiction:
The Minnesota model puts emphasis on the importance of an individualized treatment plan tailored for the specific needs of the client, having a basic structure to build this plan around is crucial. To give an idea of the structure of this model, we have broken it down into 5 key areas with explanations:
Professional Evaluation
This is a comprehensive evaluation exploring the biological, psychological and social dynamics that result in the individual’s addiction.
Biological Elements:
Scientific evidence linking addiction to genetic factors tells us addiction is a hereditary disease.
An understanding of the individual’s family composition can help when drawing up a treatment plan
Psychological Elements:
Psychological elements need to be considered when treating addiction, as there may be underlying conditions at play.
Past traumas that have not been resolved ,may have arrested development at crucial developmental stages will need to be addressed.
Unhealthy coping mechanisms and destructive belief patterns.
Psychological disorders need to be assessed and either ruled out or addressed accordingly.
Social Elements:
Our social and environmental circumstances play a large role in our lives; namely the decisions we make and actions we take.
Elements from our up-bringing can play a vital role in our substance dependence patterns.
Our current living environment or working conditions may contribute to our substance dependence patterns.
Peer relations and social dynamics also need to be addressed and make sure they are healthy & conducive.
Through this process, an individualized treatment plan is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual in order to help them in moving forward with their recovery.
Group Therapy:
Experience has taught us that the only way to truly live a life in recovery is do so with the help and support of others. Establishing a healthy support network outside of a treatment center is a crucial step to long term recovery. It is often said that “addiction is the disease of isolation and the cure is connection”.
Maintaining a life-long connection to support groups such as Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous and the fellowship within as well as more specific support groups, such as those offered by many facilities (aftercare groups, relapse prevention groups, etc.) form a crucial role in helping an individual through the hard and trying times when life can feel too difficult to manage.
Educational Therapy:
Knowledge is power, and the more understanding and information we have, the better equipped we are to handle any problems and situations.
Educational groups explaining the dangers of drug &alcohol abuse.
Relapse prevention where we can learn to identify our triggers and how to best deal with cravings.
Groups dedicated to various life skills the individual will need after leaving a treatment facility, such conflict resolution, healthy communication styles, understanding and processing emotions in a healthy manner.
Time management and how to establish and maintain a balanced life.
Physical well-being and the importance having a regular exercise routine and healthy diet plays in our recovery.
Making sure the individual is equipped with all the tools and resources needed when they begin their reintegration back into life outside of a treatment facility.
Collaboration with other professionals:
At times extra or specific care may be need for an individual who finds themselves either still in a treatment facility or has begun their reintegration process:
Some individuals may need the help of medical professionals for certain conditions that fall outside the scope of addiction; such diabetes, Hepatitis, HIV/Aids, etc.
Others may need the help of psychiatric professionals to deal with certain conditions such as bipolar, depression, etc.
For some social services are needed when there are children involved and a family plan is needed under the supervision of professionals.
The point is to draw on as many resources available to best help the individual seeking treatment achieve the best quality of life possible in recovery.
In closing when looking for treatment from addiction, the Minnesota Model provides an all-inclusive and holistic approach, designed to address all the areas attributed to an individual’s addiction, and drawing on as many resources as possible in helping someone find a life in recovery, free from the destructive cycle of addiction.
Cambridge House is a BAPSA (Board of addiction professionals South Africa) approved facility and therapists are proud BAPSA members.
