 Even though alcohol is regarded as a socially acceptable way to unwind it has been a severe problem for people throughout history. Even ancient texts warn of the consequences that come from being intoxicated on liquor. Modern problems associated with alcohol include job loss, problems in relationships, Adult Child of Alcoholic (ACOA) syndrome, organ damage, car crashes, legal problems, Foetal Alcohol Sydrome, and other complications. Clearly this "socially acceptable" substance is rather more dangerous than one might think.
Alcoholism is a well known illness that medical science has only in the last century come to understand. Treatment for alcoholism used to be conducted in "sanitariums" where alcoholics were treated as mental patients. Typically these dry out clinics would do very little good and simply turn the alcoholic back onto the streets with little real change. The first succcesful program of recovery was developed outside of medical academia by a group of alcohlics. That program became the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous which has gained increasing amounts of recognition from medical science over the last few decades. Arguably it was part of the development of psychosocial treatment programs that incorporated spiritual aspects.
At Minnesota we see Alcoholism as an illness that affects a person in several areas - physical, emotional, psychological, vocational, and spiritual. In order to holistically address an alcohol abuse problem we employ an internationally accepted treatment model that pays close attention to the unique makeup of the patient.
A typical alcohol treatment program will last between 6 and 12 weeks. During this time the patient will see a doctor who may prescribe medication that is dispensed by our nursing sister. Through regular checkups we make sure that the patient is kept medically fit for program. The patient is permitted to join our gym sessions (led by a Virgin Active instructor) once they are cleared by the medical staff. These gym sessions build self-confidence and help to restore the body to a healthier condition.
Emotional needs are met through group therapy and individual counseling with an internationally (FDAP) addictions counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field. These groups focus on different areas of recovery and serve to educate as well as give the alcoholic an opportunity to process past trauma. |
