January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. What behavioral health providers can do that actually moves the needle

January is a strong time to reset the conversation around substance use disorders. Treatment works, recovery is real, and access should not be confusing, delayed, or dependent on luck.

If you run or work in a program, what is one change you have made that improved access to treatment or reduced stigma in a measurable way? Share it in the comments so others can copy what works.

If you are a behavioral health provider, here are practical ways to support Treatment Month in a way that helps patients, families, and your own workforce.

1) Make treatment easier to understand and easier to start
Confusion delays care. Use plain language to explain what treatment can look like: assessment, level of care, therapy, peer support, and medication options when clinically appropriate. Normalize that treatment is healthcare, not punishment.

2) Reduce stigma inside your own workflows
Stigma shows up in small places: intake language, staff assumptions, and “noncompliant” labels. Train teams on person first language. Audit the words used in your documentation, policies, and patient facing content. Small shifts improve engagement and outcomes.

3) Strengthen screening and warm handoffs
Review your screening process and referral pathways. Make warm handoffs the default. Instead of “here’s a phone number,” aim for “we called together, confirmed availability, and set the next step.”

4) Publish your access points, not just your mission statement
Post clear info on how to get help: who to call, hours, insurance basics, what to expect in the first 24 to 72 hours, and what happens if someone is unsure about committing to care. When people are ambivalent, clarity and speed matter.

5) Support continuity, not just admission
Retention is where outcomes improve. Strengthen discharge planning, step-down coordination, family engagement, and post discharge follow ups. Make relapse response plans explicit so people know they will not be “kicked out” for struggling.

6) Equip your team to care well
Look at staffing coverage, supervision, training cadence, and burnout risk. A supported workforce delivers safer care and better consistency, especially in high acuity programs.