Substance Abuse Consultant

There are a lot of agencies that deal with clients who have a substance abuse problem requiring immediate attention. Some of these agencies deal directly with the person who has the illness. Others have to make a determination whether or not that particular person requires any of the following:

• Hospitalization to Get Off Drugs or Alcohol (Detoxify)
• Medical Treatment at a Doctor’s Office
• Inpatient or Outpatient Recovery Programs
• Medications
• Financial Assistance
• Transportation
• Assistance Communicating with Family Members

Because this process may be very time-consuming, many of these agencies hire a Substance Abuse Consultant who specializes in working with this particular type of client. Since the consultant will have to deal with many different organizations and medical personnel, he or she must have extensive education, training, and experience in this field.

These focused Substance Abuse Consultants are generally paid according to each specific case they handle. The consulting fee is based on how much time is required to find appropriate solutions. How much effort it takes to resolve the client’s present situation is also taken into account.



Usually, the Substance Abuse Consultant will meet with the client for at least one session to assess the condition of the client as well as the specific areas of greatest urgency. After the assessment has been made, the consultant will meet with others who are involved with this client. That meeting could include:

• Primary Care Physician
• Any Medical Specialists
• Spouse and/or Other Family Members
• Social Service Worker
• Drug or Alcohol Counselor

During this session, the consultant will communicate the conclusions reached about the condition and needs of the client. Meeting those needs will be discussed with the specific person who would best be able to help in each particular area.

Hopefully, after this session, the client will either be hospitalized for related medical problems or to a detoxification unit. Then the primary care physician and any specialists with begin to work together to take care of the client’s medical needs. The social services worker will begin preparing paperwork for the client to receive adequate health care insurance.

A plan will be developed for an inpatient or outpatient recovery program. This plan should also include after-care. The drug abuse counselor will meet with the client’s physician to discuss this and any medications needed to be prescribed. Ideas will be shared about how to best be a support to the family. Once the plan has been initiated, the Substance Abuse Consultant will make an evaluation. This will be submitted to the requesting agency.