Support for Chemical Dependency Program Managers
Support for Chemical Dependency Program Managers
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Issue Date
2010
Authors
Grozier, Ivey Ike, III
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Abstract
Administering and managing substance abuse treatment programs raises issues and challenges unique to the substance abuse field, yet an intensive literature search reveals very little data or training materials targeting addiction program managers. The premise of this research project was to identify specific areas of concern for Substance Abuse Managers. Eleven current substance abuse program administrators in Santa Clara County, CA, were contacted by telephone, and each agreed to meet with the writer to complete a 19-question survey. The resulting responses were evaluated using a content analysis, and several themes emerged that supported the original hypothesis that there are field-specific issues of concern, such as:
* A general lack of preparation for transition from line staff to management roles.
* Personnel management issues unique to the recovering staff population included a lack of professionalism, poor work ethic, authority issues, boundary weaknesses, a need for interpersonal crisis management among the staff, and intractable staff behaviors.
* Polarization between the upper levels of supervision. Respondents frequently felt isolated, lonely, and unsupported in their positions.
* The predominance of managers also in personal recovery from addiction led them to identify the role of "Codependency" in their management style.
* Poor job role delineation led to poor delegation of tasks - being pulled in too many directions
* Management qualities identified as desirable strongly correlate with Motivational Interviewing skills, the primary substance abuse intervention model in Santa Clara County.
The presence of the themes identified, along with further stressors and challenges revealed in the interviews, highlights the need for training for new administrators to better prepare them for their management role.