Challenges of Running a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility

Running a substance abuse treatment facility can be challenging, yet rewarding. Helping people overcome their addictions and go on to lead productive lives motivates most people who choose this career path. However, an owner or manager must know the challenges and pitfalls of running this type of facility and be prepared to confront them.

Financial

• The treatment facility manager needs to be financially responsible. Employees need to be paid, and rent and utilities need to be paid. Facilities charge residents in one of two ways: weekly payments or upfront fees. Much of this depends on the length and type of facility. For halfway house programs, residents are transitioning back into the community. As such, they usually work at an approved job and may not quit without discussing their work situation with the house manager.

Employees

• Facility managers must hire responsible employees. While ex-addicts often work at treatment programs, this can have drawbacks. Although the ex-addict may be able to relate well to the residents, the possibility of relapse continues to pose a threat for most addicts, even those in the treatment profession. For this reason, many programs require that employees have a certain amount of sobriety under their belt, usually a year. In addition, this adds credibility to the program.

Relapse Prevention

• The main focus of a substance abuse treatment facility, relapse prevention, presents one of the biggest challenges of all for the program director. Many facilities offer on-site 12-step meetings for the convenience of the group. Members must attend a minimum number of meetings weekly and have a confirmed sponsor through the 12-step program. Other requirements may include no working for at least 30 days to give the resident time to adjust to the community, and receiving permission prior to leaving the grounds. All medications are usually distributed by the house manager. Residents must usually submit to a drug test any time they are asked to do so.

Organizational

• Organizing the facility, including general maintenance and upkeep, can present an additional challenge. Most facilities require that residents commit to mandatory chores as part of their treatment.

Legal

• Often, those who stay at a residential treatment facility do so because of probation or parole requirements. As such, the presence of convicted criminals can bring ongoing legal issues. In addition, the nature of substance abuse addictions can cause legal problems or continued police contact. Some programs require a resident to contact a manager first before calling 911 for any reason. Another common rule is to require prior approval for any visitors.