The Minnesota model treatment is presented, which was originated in the United States during the 50s. Its approach has been used to develop rehabilitation programs for alcoholism and drug addiction in Mexico and worldwide. In this model a therapeutic environment is built to offer the professional support and necessary guidance to meet the treatment goals.

It is an integral and multidisciplinary approach focused on abstinence and based on the Twelve Steps principles. The principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are essential. The model advocates the incurable disease concept, but with recovering, provided that it adheres to de program’s proposals. This treatment aims to reach two long-term goals. The first is abstinence from alcohol and/or drugs. The second is a quality life with physical and emotional health. To reach long-term goals, it works with short-term goals, such as:

1. Help the addict and his or her family to face the illness and the outcome in their lives.
   
   
2. Help the person to admit he or she need help and to make sure he or she could live a constructive life with the reality of an incurable disease.
   
   
3. Help the person to identify which are the conducts he or she has to change in order to live with the disease in a positive and constructive manner.
   
   
4. Help the person to translate his or her understanding in action to develop a different lifestyle. The Minnesota Model includes a Continuing Care program, developed and structured as a support net for the person in recovering.