16_The Minnesota Model
Treatment Approaches
Countless treatment approaches and models have been developed for addiction treatment. We will
now look at the most widely used approaches in addiction treatment settings: The Minnesota
Model, The Matrix Model, The Relapse Prevention Model, and, especially pertinent to South Africa,
the Religion Model.
Minnesota Model
The model of alcoholism treatment that most exemplifies the disease concept emerged from the
synergy of three programmes in Minnesota: Pioneer House (1948), Hazelden (1949) and Wilmar
State Hospital (1950). Wilmar State Hospital began to experiment in the early 1950s with alcoholics
simultaneously learning AA philosophy and being treated by members of the medical profession.
“This model drew heavily on the experience of AA members in its conceptualisation of alcoholism as
a primary, progressive, disorder whose management required sustained abstinence and an active,
continuing, programme of recovery” (White, 2001, p50). The key element to this approach was the
blending of professional and trained non-professional (recovering) staff around the principle of
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA); “this multi-disciplinary approach came to be known as the Minnesota
Model” (Fernandez, 1998, p 123). There was an individualised treatment plan with active family
involvement in a 28-day inpatient setting and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous both during and
after treatment.
Minnesota Conception of Addiction
The Minnesota Model is informed by the disease concept and views chemical addiction as a primary,
chronic, and progressive disease. The disease of addiction is construed as primary because it is an
entity in itself and not caused by other factors. It is chronic because a client cannot return to
“normal” drinking once an addiction is established. It is progressive because symptoms and
consequences continue to occur with increasing severity as use continues.
16_The Minnesota Model
The Minnesota Model in Action
The Minnesota Model is characterised by a thorough and ongoing assessment of all aspects of the
client and by the treatment of the client utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, with co-operation
between the professional and non-professional fields:

This may include group and individual therapy, family education and support, and other
methods.

A multidisciplinary team of professionals (e.g., counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists,
nurses) plan and assist in the treatment process for each client

Each member of the team meets individually with the clients to conduct an interview,
review the client’s test results, and review the questionnaire that the client completes. After
the client is seen by each team member, the team meets without the client to discuss the
findings and form a treatment plan that includes individualised goals and objectives.

Treatment provides tools and a context for the client to learn new ways of living without
alcohol and drugs.

This type of treatment can be used in an inpatient or outpatient program.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal is lifetime abstinence from alcohol and other mood altering chemicals and
improved quality of life. The goal is achieved by applying the principles of the 12-step philosophy,
which includes frequent meetings with other recovering people and changes in daily behaviours. The
ultimate goal is personality change or change in basic thinking, feeling, and behaviour. Within the
model, this change is referred to as a spiritual experience.
Theoretical Rationale
This approach works by changing an addict’s beliefs about his or her relationship to others and to
self. This changed perspective occurs by attending meetings, by self-reflection, and by learning new
coping skills. Through this process, the client’s understanding of himself and his relationships to
others is transformed. The main agent of change is group affiliation and practice of behaviour
consistent with the 12-steps of AA. The treatment assignments that the counsellor gives each client
help the client connect with the group and provide opportunities for practicing behaviour changes.
16_The Minnesota Model