Setting up a Substance Abuse Program

• 1). Visit existing substance abuse programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the United States.
  
  Talk to the staff. Some suggested questions:
  *What kind of supplementary programs would they would like to see in the area?
  *What are the successes of their program? How would they like to improve their program?
  *What are their suggestions for developing an alcohol and drug addiction program?
  
  Develop a working relationship with the existing programs and resources in the area. This will be immensely helpful in the future.
  
  
• 2). Secure funding. Drug and alcohol addiction programs are expensive to develop and run, but resources exist which provide funding for program development.
  *The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers grants when they are available.
  *The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) makes periodic announcements about Federal grant announcements for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment.
  *The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers assistance to obtain funding for substance abuse programs.
  Frequently check these websites because grants become available at periodic intervals.
  
  
• 3). Contact professional organizations such as the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors to keep in touch with other professionals who are working in the field of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Peer support and assistance is valuable to organizers of a new program.
  
  
• 4). Contact the local State Department of Human Services to find out what the local laws and regulations are to set up a new substance abuse program. Regulations and laws address:
  *Program capacity (number of clients authorized, staff-client ratio)
  *Program accountability
  *Accountability for the treatment process, treatment provisions and maintenance of treatment effects
  *Certification requirements for staff members