Drugs And Kids Essays Examples

The Minnesota Model is a treatment program for substance disorders that is based on the philosophies outlined in the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step approach. According to Kassel & Jackson (2001), one of the core tenets of this program is that it is hinged on the belief that "substance-dependent individuals can modify their beliefs, attitudes, and behavior." This foundation means that this program is not only aimed at treating the alcoholism or addiction of the individual but also at helping the individual completely change one's lifestyle. That way, adolescents who go through the program has a chance to start anew especially at such a crucial period in their life. Another strength of the program is that recovering addicts are used as primary counselors. This is especially good for adolescents since, at this stage in life, individuals are prone to strong emotions. Which means, these substance-dependent adolescents who truly wish to cure their dependence can motivate themselves that they are not alone in their fight against alcoholism or addiction and that others before them are on their way to recovery and still others have already completely recovered.
One possible drawback or limitation to this approach is that it is based on believing on a higher power, or God. Many adolescents these days are prone to shy away from anything religious or anything even remotely spiritual. Because of this, some individuals who might be needing intervention might hesitate to go through this program. Another limitation of this approach is that there is little long-term follow-up for those who has finished the program. Without the follow-up, some of those who went through the Minnesota model might relapse into their previous alcoholic or addicted lifestyle.
Patricia Owen, a psychologist in favor of the abstinence approach, believes that abstinence is the only logical treatment goal for alcoholics. She backs this belief with studies that show that abstinence is possible and that moderation for problem drinkers is an extremely arduous task and might simply be a tall order for some.
Anne M. Fletcher, in support of the moderation approach, writes that moderation can be an effective alternative approach for recovery from alcoholism. Reprinted in Halgen (2005), Fletcher says that "studies suggest that people who are offered controlled drinking approaches at the outset may actually fare better than those who are offered abstinece-oriented approaches." This is because the choice of treatment gives these problem drinkers who wish to cure their dependence are given a chance to gauge for themselves which treatment approach is better for them. This choice alone gives them a sense of power over their situation which further motivates continuing and completing the program.

Works Cited

Halden, Richard P. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Abnormal Psychology. 2005. Print.
Kassel, Jon D. & Jackson, Shannon I. "Twelve-Step-Based Interventions for Adolescents." Innovations in Adolescent Substance Abuse Interventions (2001): 333-351. Print.