How to Start a Drug Rehab

Choosing to open a residential drug rehabilitation facility is a massive goal. The time, effort and dedication involved are monumental. Though people have a variety of reasons and motivations to open such a facility, proper planning is required for successful execution. Obtaining funding, gaining approval from the state health department, undergoing construction and hiring necessary staff are a few of the challenging aspects of starting a residential drug rehabilitation facility.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop a treatment model. A variety of treatment models have been shown to be effective, though some practitioners have a preference for one model over another. For example, cognitive behavioral models are common, though some practitioners prefer a 12-step model. Research what type of treatment model is likely to have the most success with the type of addictions and populations of people you plan to treat.

• 2

  Design a business plan. Though a drug rehabilitation facility's primary mission is to assist drug addicts with obtaining and sustaining sobriety, it is important to remember it is also a business and must have a solid business plan.

• 3

  Acquire funding for the drug rehabilitation program. Loans and grants are two sources of funding that are popular to utilize when starting a drug rehabilitation facility. Grants are available from both government and private sources. A sound business plan will be an asset when applying for grants and loans because it shows the funding source that the facility is likely to be successful.

• 4

  Arrange a facility to use for the program. Locating or constructing a suitable facility for a drug rehabilitation program can take several months. Therefore, it is wise to start planning early.

• 5

  Obtain approval from your state to operate a facility. Most states handle this type of approval through their department of health. It is essential that a solid business plan and treatment model be available at this point in time.

• 6

  Obtain contracts with as many health insurance companies as possible. Many people are unable to pay for the cost of drug rehabilitation out-of-pocket and rely on the funding of their insurance companies to attend treatment.

• 7

  Hire administrative staff to operate the facility and medical-health and mental-health care professionals to provide treatment to the patients. Ensure that all staff are thoroughly screened and that only qualified applicants are hired.

• 8

  Advertise the treatment facility in community bulletins, online and with outpatient addiction counselors and therapists. Include all pertinent information, such as the type of facility, cost of treatment, insurance carriers accepted, addictions treated and contact information.