The Role of Worldview Assessment in Addiction Treatment Programs

Alcohol and other drug addiction is a complex,all possess a worldview that affects how we
multifactorial disease encompassing biological,perceive and evaluate situations and how we
psychological, sociological, and spiritual elements.determine appropriate actions. The concept of
Addiction not only impacts the individual but alsoworldviews encompasses one's total outlook on
extends to and perpetuates itself within thelife and has been described as a 'filter' through
context of the entire family system. Recognizingwhich phenomena are perceived and
the complexity of the disease, a holistic approachcomprehended. Implementing the assessment of
is advocated that allows for individualization ofworldviews offers the potential for serving as a
treatment based upon the assessed needs of theunifying construct for enhancing the quality of
individual and an appreciation of their uniquenessrecovery services provided to the clients addiction
and individual worldview.recovery centers. It is anticipated that the
The Minnesota Model is a comprehensive,implementation of this suggestion will translate into
abstinence-oriented approach to the treatment ofan enhancement of the individualization of
alcohol and drug addictions. The model denotestreatment and improved patient outcomes. This is
both a philosophy and a methodology of deliveringconsistent with Hazelden Foundation's vision to
care to individuals suffering from the disease oflead the way in the development of innovative
addiction. One of the characteristic features ofproducts and services that help build recovery in
the model is that it embraces the practice andthe lives of those affected by addiction.
philosophy of the Twelve Step approach ofHazelden's Minnesota Model blends a philosophy
Alcoholics Anonymous as a foundation forand a transtheoretical treatment approach that
therapeutic change. Having grown from the legacyaddresses the core, fundamental issues of the
of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Minnesota Model iscomplex, multifactorial disease of addiction.
inherently existential in nature and incorporates anExistential and spiritual issues are conceptualized as
individualized, client-centered approach tobeing at the root cause of addiction, formative in
treatment. It is suggested that drug and alcoholthe development of client-centered therapy, and
addiction is primarily a spiritual disease from whichfoundational to the principles of AA and the
the sufferer lacks subjective meaning in life. Thetreatment philosophy of the Minnesota Model. The
Minnesota Model is therefore highly successful asconcept of worldviews is intimately linked to the
it blends a philosophy and a transtheoreticalcore philosophy inherent in the model. The
treatment approach that address the core,implementation of worldview assessments allows
fundamental existential issues of the disease offor the evolution of recovery programs and
addiction.services so as to maximize opportunities to meet
The construct of worldviews offers a global andthe changing needs of an increasingly diverse
holistic perspective of individualized treatment. Wecustomer population.