This compelling story of The Retreat, told by Damian McElrath and John Curtiss, should give us all hope that recovery from alcohol and drug dependency can be affordable, accessible, and effective for all who need it. This time-tested "caring community" approach to recovery has become a standard of care that has helped thousands of individuals and their families access a life of recovery. This book provides a historical perspective of the Minnesota Model of treatment, the impact of managed care on the treatment field, and chronicles the step-by-step process this group of dedicated addiction professionals and recovered individuals undertook to change the way people access a life of meaningful and productive recovery.