Paths to Recovery

There are over 20 million Americans living in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drugs.The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. Paths may include clinical treatment, medication management, faith-based approaches/support, peer support, family support, self-care, and more.

Below is a breakdown of some of these pathways in which individuals have found success in their recovery as well as some local resources where help can be found. We are committed to supporting you and/or your loved one navigate the path to recovery so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. 

Detoxification 

Outpatient & Inpatient Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) 

Support Groups

Sober Living

DETOXIFICATION (DETOX)

What is detox?

When an individual consistently or repeatedly uses a substance, it is likely that they will develop physical dependence over time. Physical dependence is the body’s natural adaptation to the presence of a drug and, once it is significantly established, the body requires the drug to function as normal. When someone dependent on a substance abruptly discontinues or dramatically reduces use, withdrawal symptoms are likely to emerge. Withdrawal symptoms vary from substance to substance, and while some may be only mildly uncomfortable, some can be life-threatening. Detox should not be regarded as a standalone treatment however, it is a key first step in the route towards recovery when there is physical dependence.

How long is the process? 

Withdrawal severity will vary among individuals. A person’s physiology, age, gender, and mental and physical health impact the severity and timeline of symptoms. Likewise, the different types of interventions may affect the duration of withdrawal symptoms, since the administration of medication in a medical detox setting could somewhat lengthen the process, while a social detox program doesn’t intervene medically.

Medical Detox vs. Non-Medical or “Social” Detox

Medical Detox

Unlike the “natural” method, medical detox provides patients with medication and medical treatment in order to prevent and address complications. As previously mentioned, withdrawing from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can be dangerous to attempt alone, due to the risk of serious symptoms. Seizures may emerge that require immediate medical management, which may not be available in a social detox program. Further, withdrawal can lead to delirium, a confused, agitated state, in which the person may experience hallucinations and exhibit dangerous, unpredictable behaviors. Click here to learn more.

Non-Medical or “Social” Detox

Social detox, which is a non-medical type of detox program, involves the individual stopping the use of the drugs entirely—essentially going “cold turkey” while under the care of treatment professionals. This social model of detox involves professionals providing the patient with emotional and psychological support throughout the withdrawal process but not administering medications to manage symptoms and complications. Click here to learn more.

Note: Many times social detox programs will ask for medical clearance before accepting individuals into the program to avoid medical complications. Since Walla Walla does not currently have a detox program individuals can first go to Providence St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room to be medically cleared and referred to a regional non-medical detox program such as:Desert Hope1020 S 7th AvePasco, WA509.416.8810 Eastern Oregon Detox Center4708 N W Pioneer PlPendleton, OR541.278.2558

OUTPATIENT & INPATIENT TREATMENT

What is Outpatient & Inpatient Treatment?

There are many settings and levels of addiction treatment. Following a drug assessment, typically done by a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP), the appropriate level of treatment is recommended which can include:

Outpatient Treatment (OT) & Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) 

OT and IOP is treatment in which is provided at a licensed agency with the ability for the individual receiving treatment to return home and attend school and/or work. OT or IOP are excellent options for those whose condition is sufficiently stable, symptoms are mild, and they are willing to participate in the treatment plan. OT programs vary in frequency, intensity, and duration. 

Inpatient Treatment 

Inpatient Treatment is the highest level of care for people struggling with substance use. Inpatient treatment may be short-term (21-30 days), highly structured, and most appropriate for people that have significant medical or psychiatric issues that present with their substance use.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs):

1. How do I start the process of getting into inpatient treatment?

Option #1: Schedule a drug assessment. The results of this assessment can assist in the search for the most appropriate inpatient treatment search as well as the professional who does the assessment should have quick connections with the treatment facilities.

Option #2: Do your own research (but be sure to ask the right questions)! 

2. What is a drug assessment?

An assessment done by a certified professional, Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) in WA state, that determines the severity and extent of the substance use concern, whether there are co-occuring conditions, and to assist in the recommendation of appropriate treatment.

 3. How do I choose the right treatment for me or my loved one?

Ask questions! You are the customer!!! Some important questions to ask when researching an inpatient treatment program are…

  • How much does the program cost? Does my insurance cover it?
  • How long is the program?
  • What genders are served?
  • Does the program address co-occuring needs (if applicable)?
  • Do the program have the capacity to provide care for additional medical conditions (if applicable)?
  • What is the program’s philosphy and what approaches do they use?
  • What are the credentials of the staff?
  • What does the program do to address aftercare? 
  • Is there family involvement and what does that look like?

 4. What if I don’t have insurance?

Sign up for insurance online at: https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/

Call Family Medical Center in Walla Walla and schedule an appointment with Karen to sign up for medical insurance. 509.525.6650

Local Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient Treatment & Drug Assessments:

Serenity Point Counseling

919 S 2nd Ave Walla Walla, WA 99362

509.529.6036 

Some State Inpatient Treatment Options:

Adult Male

Sundown M Ranch

2280 State Route 821

Yakima, WA 98901

800-326-7444 

Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services (Co-occuring impatient treatment)

312 West 8th Avenue

Spokane, WA 99204

509-477-4631

 Free by The Sea

25517 Park Avenue

Ocean Park, WA 98640

360-665-4494

 Milestones Family Recovery Program

306 SW 8th StreetCorvallis, OR 97333541-753-2230

 Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers (SPARC)

812 S. Walnut

Spokane, WA 99204

Phone: (509) 624-3251

 Shaw & Delany House

1509 W. 8th Ave.

Spokane, WA 99204

Phone: (509) 624-7456 

Pacific Northwest Adult and Teen Challenge

Spokane Campus
N Craig Rd
Spokane, WA 99224
509-244-5610

 Tri-Cities Campus
2524 W Pearl St
Pasco, WA 99301
509-547-2389

Adult Female

Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services (Co-occuring impatient treatment)

312 West 8th Avenue

Spokane, WA 99204

509-477-4631

 Free by The Sea

25517 Park Avenue

Ocean Park, WA 98640

360-665-4494 

Sundown M Ranch

2280 State Route 821

Yakima, WA 98901

800-326-7444

 Milestones Family Recovery Program

306 SW 8th Street

Corvallis, OR 97333

541-753-2230 

Pacific Northwest Adult and Teen Challenge

Graham Women’s Campus

253-846-0888

21115 E 92nd Ave

Graham, WA 98338

Adult Female (pregnant/with children)

Awakenings by the Sea

1325 North Holladay Drive

Seaside, OR 97138

503-738-7700 

CUPW (Chemically Using Pregnant Women) Program

Swedish Medical Center/Ballard Campus

5300 Tallman Ave. NW

Seattle, WA 98107-3932

206-781-6209

 Isabella House

2308 West 3rd Avenue

Spokane, WA 99201

509-624-1244 x204

Youth Female or Male

Daybreak

628 South Cowley Street

Spokane, WA 99202

509-624-3227

 Excelsior Youth Center

3754 West Indian Trail Road

Spokane, WA 99208

509-328-7041 x101 

Sundown M Ranch

2280 State Route 821

Yakima, WA 98901

800-326-7444

 The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations

5600 E 8th Ave

Spokane Valley, WA 99212

(509) 533-6910 

Click here to search a database of treatment options and recovery support!

MEDICATION- ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)

 Pharmacotherapy is treatment in which utilizes medication to manage various substance dependencies, ease symptoms of withdrawal, prevent relapse, and treat co-occuring mental health conditions that complicate substance use.When medications are use specifically for the treatment of substance use disorders, it is called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Note: The use of medication in addiction treatment typically has better results when combined with behavioral therapy (see resources below). 

Ideal Options

210 N 2nd Ave

Walla Walla, WA 

877.522.1275 

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): “Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.” 

Find local AA groups times and locations here

Narcotic Anonymous (NA)Narcotic Anonymous (NA): “NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.”

Find local NA groups times and locations here Find local NA groups times and locations here

LifeRing: “Secular Recovery provides an abstinence-based, non-12 step program, where people can get together in face-to-face meetings, online chat, and email groups to talk about recovery from alcohol and drug use.” 

Walla Walla LifeRing meets at the First Congregational Church Fireplace Room (3rd Floor) at 73 S. Palouse St. every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00pm.

Celebrate Recovery: “Celebrate Recovery encourages fellowship and celebrates God’s healing power in our lives as we work our way along the road to recovery.”

Celebrate Recovery Walla Walla meets at the City SDA Church at 2133 Howard St. every Friday at 6:30pm (dinner served at 5:30pm)

Men call Tracey at 509.301.8400 and Women call Ruth at 509.301.5685

SMART Recovery: “The world’s largest and fastest-growing community of mutual support group meetings using science and self-empowerment to help people overcome addiction problems with drugs, alcohol and behavior such as gambling. Tens of thousands of people gather weekly at more than 2,600 meetings in 24 countries,1 including more than 1,500 in the U.S. alone. People anywhere in the world can attend another 25 weekly meetings online and receive support through 24/7 chatrooms and message boards.”

SOBER LIVING

Oxford Housing: Clean and sober housing that is democratically ran, self-supporting and a drug-free home. For rental assistance, contact Blue Mountain Action Council.

Oxford House Walla Walla (Male only)

602 Military St.

Walla Walla, WA

509.240.8001 

Oxford House Melrose (Male only)

574 Ash St.

Walla Walla, WA

509.876.2921 

Oxford House Blue Mountain (Women and Children only)

1634 Porland Ave

509.876.4389

  Christian Aid Center (Shelter)

 202 W Birch St.

Walla Walla, WA

509.525.7153