The Area Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) of Ames is the latest addition to the Campustown area.

ASAP of Ames, 207 Stanton Ave., is a treatment center for outpatient chemical dependency programs and substance abuse evaluations, said Nancy Tegeler, a certified alcohol and drug counselor.

“Opening this kind of center is a good thing for anyone with a drug problem who needs help,” said Lindsay Barsness, senior in journalism and mass communications.

Substance abuse evaluations usually come out of two situations, Tegeler said.

An individual can receive a court order for an evaluation because of an OWI or a drug possession charge. In addition, an individual can go into ASAP of Ames on his or her own accord.

“If you think your drinking or drug use is out of control, you can always come in for an evaluation,” Tegeler said.

Individuals needing help are encouraged to call for an appointment, but one advantage of ASAP of Ames is the short waiting period, Tegeler said. Appointments are usually scheduled for the same day or the next.

All evaluations and treatments are strictly confidential, and ASAP strives to protect their clients’ privacy, she said.

She said a substance abuse evaluation is conducted by a certified addictions counselor and consists of a series of questions about substance use, legal history, and family history.

The next step from the information obtained is to determine if there is a need for an individual to go through the outpatient treatment programs. If the evaluation stemmed from a court order, the individual is required to complete the steps recommended by ASAP, Tegeler said.

“The level of care depends on substance use, the recovery environment and relapse potential,” Tegeler said.

Since substance abuse can occur at any time, day or night, ASAP of Ames provides an emergency number on its answering machine for 24-hour support, she said.

The outpatient chemical dependency programs involve both individual and group counseling, Tegeler said. Having smaller groups, of usually around seven or eight people, is one advantageous aspect of ASAP.

“All treatments are done with experienced counselors and solely based on each individual’s needs,” she said.

ASAP of Ames is a privately owned facility, so treatments are covered by most health insurance plans, Tegeler said. However, payment plans are available for individuals without insurance.

Tegeler also said anyone with a concern about a potential drug addiction is welcome to call ASAP. Families are encouraged to get involved as a way to educate everyone about addiction.

“Oftentimes it’s the case that someone heavily into drugs and/or alcohol is abusive. We work with them on those issues and refer battered women to ACCESS if necessary,” Tegeler said.

ASAP of Ames moved from its Des Moines location and opened its doors to the Ames community on October 8. There is another treatment facility in Iowa City, Tegeler said.

Dr. Marc Shulman of the Thielen Student Health Center said there is definitely a demand for such services on campus.

So far, Tegeler said there has been a positive response to the program that is open to people of all ages.

“Treatment doesn’t have to be all bad,” Tegeler said. “It can be an educational opportunity to help everyone.”

ASAP of Ames can be reached any time at 515-598-9700.