Moral Reconation Therapy in Newark NJ 973-679-3011

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a step-structured treatment program. It is based on a cognitive-behavioral approach that systematically addresses social, moral, and behavioral growth. Moral reconation therapy is delivered in individual and group counseling sessions, using structured exercises and workbook assignments to further instill the instruction and information learned in counseling. The moral reconation therapy program and workbook is built on a 16-step standardized system that focuses on seven basic humanistic and moral issues.

The strategy behind moral reconation therapy revolves around the idea that while addicts should come to treatment with a desire to change their behaviors of their own volition, part of their addition may be that they are lacking in the values, belief systems, self-actualization, and moral reasoning that would normally encourage a person to seek help and guide them successfully through treatment. The MRT program serves to strengthen these areas in the addicted person through self-discovery and awareness.

How MRT is Used in Treatment

Many of the available drug treatment centers in Newark use MRT to progressively attune patients to concepts and ideas that allow them to open-up to self-responsibility and discovery, and to learn how to better interact with family and society in order to change their habits, abstain from their addiction, guard against relapse, and implement these concepts into their daily lives. Often this program is supplemented by approaches that include anger management, responsible family and social interaction, character development, relapse prevention, intervention, and issues of codependency and enabling behaviors.

The seven basic humanistic and moral issues that are the focus of MRT are:

Confrontation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
Assessment of current relationships
Reinforcement of positive behavior and habits
Positive identity formation
Enhancement of self-concept
Decrease in hedonism and development of frustration tolerance
Development of higher stages of moral reasoning

Steps of MRT

There are 16 total steps in moral reconation therapy, but treatment facilities normally limit their programs to the 12 steps that are applicable to a treatment scenario. The 12 steps of MRT must not be confused with the AA/NA 12-steps. A brief description of the individual step subject matter is provided below:

Step one involves the need to accept personal responsibility for the consequences of the patient's behavior and addiction.

Step two builds self-trust and encourages open and honest dialog with others.

Step three teaches to adapt to environments and circumstances that will come. This step can be thought of as a plan of action for the patient.

Step four urges self-discovery and awareness as it encourages the patient to begin to understand the why of their addiction and how they (through their beliefs and personal characteristics) and others, influence their decisions and their lives.

Step five is a focus on personal relationships and the need to repair and rebuild them; and which relationships to let go.

Step six promotes selfless acts of aid to others. This step boosts self-esteem and builds character in patients as they perform acts of charity, help and kindness in the best interests of others while expecting nothing in return.

Step seven is a goal-setting step. Patients are asked to determine what and how they'd want to evolve in their lives and personal relationships, and are expected to formulate a plan of action to reach these goals.

Step eight delves into concepts of control and rightness. Awareness that circumstances are often beyond control must be accepted along with the concept that the patient can only make the best, and right decision for themselves at any given time in any circumstance.

Step nine helps the patient in strengthening their moral foundation, showing how to learn from mistakes and continue their recovery plan to push through difficult times.

Step ten works to recognize and eliminate negative thinking and beliefs, immoral behaviors and contradictory attitudes that work against desired outcomes.

Step eleven empowers the patient with the confidence to maintain the recovery plan and regain their lives with renewed moral and ethical conviction.

Step twelve is a review and reassessment of the patient's master life-plan and a recommitment to be the best person that they can be.

Moral reconation therapy serves the addict in life-changing ways. It builds moral character and empowers patients with tools and a mind-set that can be accessed throughout their lives, and helps them to maintain life-long recovery.

If you, or someone you know, needs help in finding a treatment center and program that provides MRT, call Drug Treatment Centers Newark at (973) 679-3011.