1(800) 615-1067Substance abuse treatment has been around for centuries, but it has evolved significantly over time. The first modern substance abuse treatment program in the United States began in the 1930s with the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In the mid-20th century, the medical model of addiction emerged, which viewed addiction as a disease that required medical treatment. The first methadone maintenance program for heroin addiction was established in New York City in the 1960s, and the first therapeutic communities for drug addiction were established in the 1970s. Today, substance abuse treatment encompasses a wide range of interventions, including behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and other support services.