Outreach

The role of outreach programs in substance abuse treatment is an important part of facilities’ attempts to engage treatment-naïve patients. The intervention of outreach workers in often difficult settings is a vital part of these facilities efforts to increase access to treatment. Another important aspect of outreach is the response of health and social services in the community. For many individuals with alcohol and drug problems their first opportunity to address these issues will be with community professionals outside of specialty substance abuse treatment programs. Recognizing the opportunity for these professionals to intervene with and engage substance abusers, who are often early on in their addiction career, has been shown to have a positive impact on treatment entry and outcomes. It is important for treatment facilities to educate these community professionals and organizations on options available to them for screening and referral.