The treatment model used at the Haynes Clinic, a private alcohol rehab clinic and drug rehabilitation centre, originated in Minnesota over 60 years ago. Known in academic circles as The Minnesota Model, it comes from a combination of the Twelve Step programme. It originated in AA over 80 years ago and other treatments including those used in Therapeutic Communities (TCs).
The treatment model
Our treatment model is based on the fundamental principle that there is no ‘cure’. Just an ability to stop the illness being active, ‘one day at a time’. The alcoholic’s and addict’s problems are long term – for life. And they do not just disappear. Once an alcoholic or addict, always an alcoholic or addict. We get better by getting hope. An optimistic outlook on life and by helping each other (a lot of good work / treatment goes on when the counsellors have gone home).
A key factor of the treatment model used at The Haynes Clinic is that it offers a holistic approach. Treatment for the body, mind and spirit. Treatment (as advocated by the Minnesota Model) also involves bringing together expertise from many disciplines. Including drs., psychiatrists, counsellors, recovering alcoholic ‘lay’ people, masseurs etc etc. The treatment programme acknowledges that alcoholics and addicts need to get back on track with many aspects of their life. Including their families, finances, and employers etc.
Alcoholism is an illness
The Minnesota Model is based on a number of assumptions as follows:
- Alcoholism / addiction exists
- It is an illness – like an involuntary disability. Those with the illness have no control over their drinking and physical dependence when they are in the active illness. As a man with no legs cannot run a marathon, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking on their own.
- It is a no fault illness – see above. However, once we are in recovery from the illness, we do have choices and responsibilities and there is no excuse for relapse.
- It is an illness which affects those suffering physically,, mentally, and spiritually. It is a spiritual malady as many alcoholics believe they can stop on their own and refuse to accept help. They suffer in their mental health and self esteem. And have to accept they need outside help and a shift in their mental perceptions. Most alcoholics and addicts in active addiction reach a very dark place indeed in their spiritual wellbeing)
Other assumptions accepted in the Minnesota model
- It is a chronic primary illness – the alcoholism / addiction needs to be treated before other issues such as traumatic life events. The treatment model suggests that alcoholics should not look for reasons for their alcoholism by harking back to the past – but should focus on the now. That is not to say that we do not address issues from the past in treatment – it is a very important part of treatment. However we do not let the past define our future.
- Motivation for treatment is unrelated to outcome – all alcoholics and addicts are in denial to some extent and anyone can get well. However some will take longer than others depending on the extent of their denial, the scale of the issues from the past that need addressing and their willingness and ability to take on board the treatment programme.
- Education begins in the community – families etc. need to understand and be involved. We also need families to help us see the full picture of the alcoholic’s / addict’s treatment needs
What the treatment incorporates
The treatment incorporates:
- Total abstinence – complete surrender – and an admission that alcoholics / addicts cannot manage life if they use alcohol or any mood altering substances in any form
- The Twelve Step Programme of AA – which enables them to change the mind set that precipitates drinking / using especially dealing with their resentments, self pity, fear and remorse (steps 4 and 5 are vital). It promotes group therapy to learn about the Steps, lectures and reading
- Helping each other
- Unlearning their destructive life style
- A treatment plan centred round the individual and including aftercare – e.g. at the clinic, 12 Step fellowship meetings etc
It is about rehabilitation of the alcoholic (and addict) and a return to being a fulfilled and useful member of society.
Learn more about the stages of the 12 Step Programme.