Alcohol and other drug addiction is a complex, multifactorial disease encompassing biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual elements. Addiction not only impacts the individual but also extends to and perpetuates itself within the context of the entire family system. Recognizing the complexity of the disease, a holistic approach is advocated that allows for individualization of treatment based upon the assessed needs of the individual and an appreciation of their uniqueness and individual worldview.
The Minnesota Model is a comprehensive, abstinence-oriented approach to the treatment of alcohol and drug addictions. The model denotes both a philosophy and a methodology of delivering care to individuals suffering from the disease of addiction. One of the characteristic features of the model is that it embraces the practice and philosophy of the Twelve Step approach of Alcoholics Anonymous as a foundation for therapeutic change. Having grown from the legacy of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Minnesota Model is inherently existential in nature and incorporates an individualized, client-centered approach to treatment. It is suggested that drug and alcohol addiction is primarily a spiritual disease from which the sufferer lacks subjective meaning in life. The Minnesota Model is therefore highly successful as it blends a philosophy and a transtheoretical treatment approach that address the core, fundamental existential issues of the disease of addiction.
The construct of worldviews offers a global and holistic perspective of individualized treatment. We all possess a worldview that affects how we perceive and evaluate situations and how we determine appropriate actions. The concept of worldviews encompasses one's total outlook on life and has been described as a 'filter' through which phenomena are perceived and comprehended. Implementing the assessment of worldviews offers the potential for serving as a unifying construct for enhancing the quality of recovery services provided to the clients addiction recovery centers. It is anticipated that the implementation of this suggestion will translate into an enhancement of the individualization of treatment and improved patient outcomes. This is consistent with Hazelden Foundation's vision to lead the way in the development of innovative products and services that help build recovery in the lives of those affected by addiction.
Hazelden's Minnesota Model blends a philosophy and a transtheoretical treatment approach that addresses the core, fundamental issues of the complex, multifactorial disease of addiction. Existential and spiritual issues are conceptualized as being at the root cause of addiction, formative in the development of client-centered therapy, and foundational to the principles of AA and the treatment philosophy of the Minnesota Model. The concept of worldviews is intimately linked to the core philosophy inherent in the model. The implementation of worldview assessments allows for the evolution of recovery programs and services so as to maximize opportunities to meet the changing needs of an increasingly diverse customer population.
John Derry, B.Sc.Phm., M.A.
Founder and Director,
A Home Away Retreat Inc.
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