Moral Reconation Therapy in Worcester, MA
There are many different treatment options offered when a person is trying to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. However, until a person is in treatment, they may not be aware of all of the different options available to them. One such treatment option is Moral Reconation Therapy (also commonly referred to as MRT).
What is Moral Reconation Therapy?
Moral Reconation Therapy is a specific form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This means that it deals with a person’s thoughts and feelings as well as the actions and patterns of behavior that they follow. The primary goal of Moral Reconation Therapy is to help a person with a drug addiction to achieve a higher level of moral reasoning.
The primary basis of MRT is the idea that people with addictions to drugs or alcohol are motivated by a desire to always experience pleasurable sensations, often in the form of instant gratification, and to avoid discomfort and pain at all costs. These hedonistic tendencies mean that a person will seek out immediate pleasure with little regard to the consequences of such action (a common characteristic of an addiction).
MRT seeks to remedy these tendencies by helping a person with a drug or alcohol addiction to become more tolerant of negative states of being and discomfort. The process also involves building a positive sense of self, confidence, self-awareness, and an ability to recognize and avoid self-destructive behaviors and tendencies.
Is MRT Effective?
Some people may wonder if a treatment like MRT would be effective at helping people overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol. Much research has been done on the subject and the results are quite conclusive. MRT is an effective way to help a person overcome their addiction. In fact, Moral Reconation Therapy has been shown to significantly increase a person’s self esteem and to increase their principled (logical and moral) reasoning skills. It also helps to teach recovering addicts to express negative emotions in healthier ways and to build up a tolerance of those emotions so that they do not engage in thrill-seeking behaviors or substance abuse going forward.
The Primary Focus of Moral Reconation Therapy
Self-esteem and self-efficacy are two of the areas of a person’s life that are most significantly damaged when a person develops an addiction to drugs or alcohol. A person’s thoughts and patterns of behavior are altered through substance abuse and addiction, and these alterations can lead to serious financial and legal troubles, as well as damage to relationships, a loss of employment, and damage to their physical and mental health.
MRT is primarily about building a positive self-image and improving self-esteem. This is accomplished through the development of goals and finding a purpose in life. Setting meaningful goals that are also attainable can give recovering addicts the boost and focus they need to break the cycle of self-destructive thoughts and behaviors.
The Moral Reconation Therapy Steps
The seven steps of MRT are:
- Confrontation of false beliefs and self-destructive behaviors and attitudes
- Assessment of relationships with others
- Reinforcement of positive behaviors, habits, and self-talk
- Formation of a more positive identity
- Enhancement of self-concept
- Learning of delayed gratification and reduction of hedonistic tendencies
- Development of a higher moral reasoning (big picture reasoning)
Worcester Drug Treatment Centers can help you get the Moral Reconation Therapy as well as any additional treatments you require to overcome your drug or alcohol addiction. We are a mere phone call away at (774) 221-6005 you are ready.