Moral Reconation Therapy in Minneapolis, MN

Although drug addiction is a complicated and nuanced condition, it tends to center around a combination of behaviors that can be described as either pleasure-seeking and pain avoidance. The pain or the pleasure involved is at times physical, and at times psychological. In either case, the goal of these types of behaviors is a sort of instant gratification. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) capitalizes on this knowledge in order to create a part of an effective treatment regimen for addiction, one which involves improving individual’s’ moral reasoning skills and encouraging them to weigh future consequences against present circumstances during the decision-making process.

Background of MRT

Moral Reconation Therapy was developed in 1985, and originally was intended to help reduce recidivism rates among convicted criminals. While still serving this purpose today in many countries around the world, Moral Reconation Therapy has also proven to be an effective form of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Through Moral Reconation Therapy, individuals improve empathy, self-awareness, stress-management techniques.

MRT and Other Therapies

Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction typically makes use of a wide range of therapeutic techniques. Among these are traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (of which MRT is an off-shoot), peer support groups, anger management counseling, and research-based alternative treatments like music therapy, biofeedback, and guided meditation. While MRT is, on its own, a valuable tool in the treatment of addiction, it has proven especially useful when used in combination with other methods.

MRT Basics

The cornerstone of Moral Reconation Therapy is honesty, and relies on developing participants’ ability to perform honest self-assessment and communicate openly with others about their beliefs and behaviors. MRT takes place in a group setting, where participants can encourage one another to take responsibility for their attitudes and action. Becoming more honest with themselves and with others helps individuals better identify the aspects of their self-concept that may play a role in their addictive tendencies. Being able to identify destructive patterns of thought and behavior is the first step in taking action to replace them with healthy, self-supportive ones.

MRT also emphasizes the benefits of empathy in decision-making. As an individual develops a healthier self-concept, he or she often shows more interest in making decisions that have a positive effect on those around them. In the context of addiction, this can mean abstaining from addictive behaviors because of a heightened awareness regarding the impact they may have on the lives of loved ones, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

The Program

MRT is performed in a group setting and administered by a trained facilitator. Participants in a given program are often at different levels within the curriculum, and cooperate with one another as well as they work toward mutual advancement. The program consists of 16-steps, and while not all participants will complete all 16, any participation in MRT can be helpful to individuals in recovery.

If you have questions about MRT, or are interested in learning about our recovery programs at Minneapolis Drug Rehab Centers, we hope you will contact us at (612) 605-2271 today.