Practice Guide Near Completion

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Paula has completed her practice guide titled "The Minnesota Alternative" - a humanistic and common sense guide for addiction treatment. It is currently being reviewed by both local and national experts. She plans to have it available for purchase in September.

The table of contents is listed below to get an idea about the content.

Chapter One - Paradigm Change

  • Background Information
  • Scientific Advances
  • Evidenced Based Practices
  • Research on Substance Use Patterns
  • The Disease Discussion
  • Defining Recovery
  • Consumer Desire for Alternatives

Chapter Two – Person Centered Interventions

  • Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing
  • Barriers to Change
  • Understanding Harm Reduction
  • Is Harm Reduction Effective?
  • The Use of Addictive Medication/Drugs

Chapter Three - Integration of Neuroscience into Treatment

  • Understanding Our Nervous System
  • Empowerment and Brain Opportunities

Chapter Four– Environmental and Chemical Influences

  • Environmental Influences
  • The Brains Response to Drugs and Alcohol
  • Withdrawal Information
  • Pharmacology

Chapter Five - The Minnesota Alternative Model for Treatment

  • Program Overview
  • The Process of Change
  • The Minnesota Alternatives Treatment Model
    • Support/Counseling
    • Education/Inspiration
    • Accountability
    • Stage Specific Treatment
    • Program Culture and Philosophy
    • Staff Characteristics

Chapter Six – The Key Skills

  • Introduction and Self Rating Skills Grid
  • Practicing Basic Self Care
  • Calming Self Through Breathing and Mindfulness
  • Creating an Optimal Environment
  • Experiencing Emotions
  • Building Positive Experiences
  • Cultivating Hope and Gratitude
  • Reframing
  • Practicing Acceptance
  • Understanding Impermanence
  • Practicing Attached Detachment
  • Focusing on Effectiveness
  • Demonstrating Understanding
  • Developing Meaningful Activity

Chapter Seven – Meditations

  • Focusing Your Mind
  • Experiencing Emotions
  • Letting Go
  • Changing Behavior
  • Building Positive Experiences

Chapter Eight– Other Considerations

  • Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care
  • Considerations for Youth and Young Adults
  • Residential Program Strategies

Chapter Nine - System Issues

  • How to Integrate into a Zero Tolerance Systems like Probation?
  • Mandatory AA
  • AA Alternatives
  • Managing Risk

Chapter Ten - Program Evaluation

  • Defining and Measuring Outcomes
  • Client Testimonial

Conclusion

References

Appendix of handouts

  • Understanding Motives or Reasons for Substance Use
  • Understanding Negative Consequences of Substance Use
  • Evaluating Pros and Cons of Use
  • Plan for Managing High Risk Situations
  • Client Review For Substance Use
  • Personal Agreement
  • Admission Outcome Survey
  • Discharge Outcome Survey
  • 12 Month Post Discharge Outcome Survey
  • Client Daily Feedback
  • Sample Harm Reduction Individual Treatment Plan
  • Key Skills List
  • Skills Mastery Grid