If you want to start a new business as a drug and alcohol counselor, there are many ways to do so. Building a lucrative business is serious business but if you are willing to give the time and effort, it’s completely within reach. Check out our 6 tips to get you started off in the right direction!
Gathering Information
First things first, if you plan to build any type of business in your community, let alone a (hopefully) long-standing one, you’ll want to gather all the information you’ll need ahead of time. Check with your local governing bodies by visiting your state and local county websites or information offices. You need all the information for rules and regulations, state and local licensing requirements, as well as information on making your business legal.
Establish Your Business Plan
Think you can wing it and fly by the seat of your pants? Think again. Many people have an idea, throw some things together, and get off to a great start. However, that’s all it is, what happens when things don’t keep on sailing smoothly and working out? If you don’t have a plan for how things are supposed to go, how will you figure it out when you start to lose momentum or things begin to go south? It’s best not to find out, establish a concrete business plan with actionable steps and back up plans, it’s worth the time and effort to ensure your business makes it over that first five-year hump.
Build Your Team
Even if you plan to start a solo business, you’ll want to think in advance about gathering the qualified staff you’ll need to run your business. If you think you’re going to fly solo for a while, make sure you’re completely prepared to do so, that includes achieving your drug and alcohol certificate. You may even think about hiring someone to help you out with the administrative duties that you’ll face if you want to spend most your time actually helping clients.
Establish your Ethical & Quality Assurance Practices
Part of building a successful practice within the field of substance abuse means incorporating ethical standards and practices. While you’re at it, you’ll want to establish quality assurance protocols. These protocols will help you maintain service delivery, payment reimbursement, your business’ infrastructure, and ensure that you abide by all local, state, and federal guidelines for practice.
Consider Location
Because of the sensitive nature of this field of business, location can be of utmost importance. Whether you’re establishing an outpatient center, a treatment center, or an outreach program, you’ll want to consider a location that will allow you to provide a nurturing and safe environment. Your business’ longevity and referral base could be affected by your location as well, making sure that your location is accessible to all the individuals seeking to utilize your services is a high priority. When you find a location, remember to consider not just your current need but your plans for future growth.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun and Enjoy What You Do
Last but certainly not least, there’s a reason you chose to become a drug and alcohol counselor, so, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy what you’re doing along the way. You might get busy, you might get stressed, and you can bet that at some point, you might get overwhelmed when you’re first starting your business. That’s all normal, just remember to keep your head held high and remember why it is you got started in the first place, it’s bound to be worth it.
Raymond Bilger 
Conrad Armer 
Daryl Green