This book provides a framework for implementing a 21st century, effective, addiction treatment program. This non-12 step practice guide is inspired by research evidence about best practices and what actually works. The approach is humanistic and pragmatic and it facilitates natural recovery by empowering clients to make use of their innate strengths. Effective Addiction Treatment: The Minnesota Alternative incorporates cutting-edge, evidence-based best practices including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, neuroscience, individualized treatment planning, harm reduction, motivational and person-centered care. This succinct and very readable book clearly describes the successful Minnesota Alternative approach to 12 step programs. It is well-organized, well-written, and includes extensive Appendices. It is encyclopedic yet compact, positive and uplifting without minimizing the challenges of recovery, based on hard science and written with the contagious passion of a highly dedicated professional. Effective Addiction Treatment: The Minnesota Alternative is an excellent introduction to the emerging world of alternative recovery. AA/NA and other 12 step self-help groups have helped countless people recover and improve their lives. It works for many, many people. However, there are some people, who for various reasons, have not engaged in the self-help movement of AA and/or who have had unsatisfactory experiences with treatment programs using 12 step facilitation. Alternative approaches are needed.
About the Author: About the Author: Paula DeSanto MS, LSW, CPRP, CCDP-D Master of Science, Licensed Social Worker, Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional - Diplomate Paula was trained at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University under the leadership of William Anthony, a pioneer of person-centered care for people with psychiatric disorders. She then received training from Dr. Kenneth Minkoff and Dr. David Mee-Lee in person-centered/stage specific treatment for people with co-occurring disorders. She has a master's degree from Boston University in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counseling. Paula has developed programs that serve adults with mental illness and/or addiction issues for over 25 years. She has worked in a variety of settings that include case management, community support, intensive residential and outpatient treatment, and for the Minnesota Department of Human Services Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center. She is currently the owner and director of Minnesota Alternatives LLC, a program providing consultation, training, and outpatient addiction treatment. Paula has provided numerous trainings and workshops on co-occurring treatment, client centered care, emotion-based interventions and harm/risk reduction. Paula serves as community faculty for the University of Minnesota in their newly developed Integrated Behavioral Health graduate program teaching about person centered interventions and the Minnesota Alternative Model of care. She is also on the advisory board for the University of Minnesota's Center for Excellence leading the state in the development of Integrated Dual Diagnosis Care and plans to work for the Center as a content expert on stage specific interventions. Paula is a member of the Community Advisory Board for Medica Behavioral Health, and serves on the Anoka County Directors Network. She is serving a second four year term on the state mental health advisory council after her second appointment to the council by the Governor of Minnesota.