The Minnesota model in addiction treatment: what it is and how it works

Addictions are chronic disorders that greatly affect the lives of people who use them. suffer, both at a personal, family or work level, eroding their mental health in a way progressive. For this reason, they have been investigated practically since the beginning of health sciences.

For more than half a century, psychology and health professionals have designed various intervention strategies to treat people with addiction problems, both chemical (related to the consumption of substances) and behavioral

There are many variables that must be taken into account by specialized professionals to deal with cases of addiction in the most individualized way possible and currently several intervention models have turned out to be highly effective.

One such method used in the psychological and psychiatric field is the Minnesota model, a therapeutic intervention proposal designed to treat cases of alcoholism and other addictions and that today continues to be used by psychology professionals as a method to rehabilitate people with dependency problems.

What is the Minnesota model?

The Minnesota model was designed in the 50s of the last century to treat people with cases of alcoholism., although today it is also applied to intervene in all kinds of addictive disorders, both chemical and behavioral.

Until the 20th century, addictions were considered merely psychiatric diseases that were often caused by psychological disorders or deeper pathologies. In addition to that, the belief was held that people were addicted of their own free will and that the blame for their addiction was entirely their own.

With the appearance of the Minnesota method, addictions are approached, especially alcoholism as we have commented, from a completely new and revolutionary perspective; through much more accurate conceptions and approaches to the disease and the needs of the patient.

Thanks to the Minnesota model, addictions began to be studied and treated as pathologies with their own entity, also being valued in its aspect of chemical or behavioral dependence.

In addition to that, throughout the following decades, a series of psychological approaches and techniques based on the scientific method that enriched the intervention psychological.

Characteristics of the Minnesota model in the treatment of addictions

Throughout its decades of existence, the Minnesota model has undergone various changes adapted to the new times, which have made it one of the most effective modalities of intervention in addictions that exist.

Below we will briefly present the basic principles followed by the Minnesota model and the essential elements that make it a model of clinical success.

1. New focus

One of the main characteristics of the Minnesota model is that it is a treatment for addictions that views addiction as a chronic disease, with possibilities of rehabilitation but with which continuous care is necessary so as not to relapse.

Another novelty in the approach proposed by the Minnesota model is an intensive and short-term treatment. duration in which the person will rejoin their social and family environment as soon as possible or in a short time always.

In addition to that, the approach is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, based on the joint application of various effective therapies such as the cognitive-behavioral approach or Family Systemic Therapy. Addiction is also conceived as a multifaceted disorder in which environmental, social, family and personality factors must be taken into account.

2. therapeutic phases

The three therapeutic phases of the model are exhaustive evaluation to achieve definitive abstinence; the early recovery or withdrawal period and the advanced recovery phase.

In the first phase, the situation of the person is evaluated, the scope of their addiction and the strategy to be followed during the treatment of addiction or cessation is drawn up.

In the second phase, psychological therapies based on the scientific method are applied, especially Cognitive-behavioral, with which the person's thoughts are reconfigured and more habits, beliefs or thoughts are integrated positive or adaptive.

During the third phase of the intervention, deep aspects of the personality are worked on and techniques aimed at modifying present behaviors are put into practice.

3. Goals

The main objectives of the Minnesota model are, since its creation, achieve total abstinence from drug use or behavior to which the person is addicted.

The second objective of the model is to improve the person's life and provide them with all the possible tools so that they can reintegrate into their social or family environment as soon as possible, all with a direct willingness to help at all times and in an respectful

4. Recognition of addiction

In order to start treatment using the Minnesota model, it is essential that the person recognizes their addiction, as well as that his environment is able to be aware of it and is willing to help in everything moment.

In addition to recognizing that there is an addiction problem, the patient must also admit her powerlessness and inability to control it, since only then will you realize that you need professional help.

5. early reintegration

The basic characteristic of the Minnesota model is, as has been indicated, the early and rapid reintegration of the person in their usual social and family environment, so that they do not lose contact with it during the intervention.

The success of the treatment depends on the professional knowing how to act quickly, quickly identifying each of the problems that the person has and acting accordingly and effectively.

6. routine integration

The psychologist who implements the Minnesota model must also help the person attended to integrate a special daily routine, which helps you change your old harmful habits and addictive.

The new routine should include well determined and scheduled tasks every hour, so that the person begin to organize your day-to-day well and take control of your life, completely eliminating the behavior addictive.

7. Importance of group therapy

Group therapy is essential in the Minnesota model, as it ensures that once treatment is complete, the person is able to move on with your new life without relapsing and having a support group that you trust.

Therapeutic groups have proven to be highly effective in cases of addiction, since each one of the members that has the same problem support each other and they all act as a positive model for everyone, thus facilitating and motivating the personal improvement of each member through their account.

8. Adoption of the 12 steps

The Minnesota model is also based on the integration of the 12 classic steps of the American organization Alcoholics Anonymous.

This intervention is highly effective both in cases of alcoholism and in any other drug addiction and establishes a series of bases and patterns of behavior to overcome addiction in a short time. time.

9. individualized attention

Attention in the Minnesota model is individualized at all times and is based from the first session on the particular characteristics of the patient.

In addition to that, the type of therapy that the person presents and what is the social, family environment of it, is taken into account. personal or work to carry out an intervention that is as adjusted as possible to their interests and problems specific.

10. Family support

The support of the family is essential for the intervention with the Minnesota model to be successful.

That is why the professional also provides the family with certain strategies, behavior patterns or knowledge to help their family member with problems.