by Kenneth Gregory Smith

Created on: January 24, 2011

    Setting up a substance abuse program is a tall challenge, but the effort is worth it when positive outcomes occur. The bottom line outcome for any substance abuse program is to assist those suffering from substance dependence or misuse to achieve sobriety.

     Very rarely can substance abusers achieve sobriety and healing on their own, therefore, they need help through a program tailor-made to fit their specific needs. 

     The first task is to decide what type and level of program to offer the substance abuser. Treatment programs range from: A) an outpatient clinic where clients meet with a counselor once per week; B) a substance abuse intensive outpatient program where clients are treated several times per week; C)  a hospital-based program where clients stay for several days straight in an unlocked facility; D) to the highest level of care, an inpatient locked hospital unit. The program will need to hire licensed nurses and substance abuse counselors who are trained to assess a client and determine what level of care is needed. In most programs, a medical doctor and/or psychiatrist comes on board to assess the physical and mental health issues of the substance abuser.

     Setting up a program also inevitably involves meeting national, state, and local criteria. in most cases, a license of some-type is needed and yearly inspections by the licensing agency or government is a standard.

     Another determining factor is what source of income the program will have. Will it primarily rely on government funds such as Medicaid and Medicare? Or will it only take patients who have private insurance that pays for the treatment? Many programs seek out a combination of government-funded and private-funded insurances. One of the most important hires a new program can make is a person who will act as the liaison between the program and the client's insurance company. Insurance companies need proof, for example, that the client actually needs the level of care provided before they will agree to pay for the treatment..

      The most crucial task is the decision of what population to serve. Adults only? Men or women only? Adolescents?

       Hiring of competent staff involves not only assuring that  each person hired has the proper credentials for the job they are being hired for, but making sure the person fits in with the program's vision and values. A "poor hire" can negatively affect the program;s reputation.

      In short, setting up a substance abuse program is a difficult but worthwhile challenge. Substance abusers can be especially difficult to treat because of the prevalence of relapse. A quality well thought out program, however, will assist many persons with substance abuse problems to find hope, healing, and sobriety.

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