The Iowa therapeutic community model of chemical dependency treatment

A model of inpatient chemical dependency treatment used in several facilities in Iowa is described. Through combining 12 Step, Therapeutic Community and Reality Therapy concepts, the issues of denial, control, and self centeredness are addressed in developmental phases. Individualizing the program through multidisciplinary input is explained in terms of identifying hindrances in perceiving reality and assisting the patients reduce resistance in a downhill process of increasing wholeness and growth.