Have you been struggling to find a treatment “spot” for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with addiction – also called Substance Use Disorder (SUD) – in Portland, Oregon?
This problem is widespread as we continue to wade through the opioid epidemic and the mental health fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, we’ll look at why this problem is particularly bad in Portland and in Oregon in general and where you can find immediate help for addiction treatment in the Rose City no matter how many facilities have turned you away.
Portland, Oregon’s Addiction Treatment Waitlists Remain Astronomically Long at a The Worst Possible Time
As a state, Oregon often holds the top spot nationally for illicit drug use while coming in last place for access to appropriate treatment and support.
The problem has been getting steadily worse, not better, with the passage of Measure 110. Since 2020, alcohol-related deaths are up 70% and opioid-related overdose deaths are up 40%. Sadly, residential treatment beds have decreased in number as the need for behavioral healthcare continues to skyrocket in Oregon.
All is not lost, however. New clinics are opening in 2023, such as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s Great Circle Recovery Clinic on 82nd Ave. Still, though, finding waitlist-free addiction treatment in Portland can be very tricky.
Addiction Treatment Waitlists Dangerously Impede Recovery for Many in Portland
Making the decision to research or find treatment is a huge step for anyone in active addiction. If you or your loved one is engaging in “change talk” about how life would be different and better without substances, this is a great sign that you’re ready for the next step.
The best treatment is the one that is available as soon as “change talk” begins and willingness to engage in treatment presents itself. Often this window opens and closes quickly. When the window opens, timely treatment is imperative.
Waitlist Free Help is Available in Portland Oregon for Drug Abuse and Addiction
At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, our non-residential, evidence-based, outpatient program is frequently wait-list free. While we can’t offer residential treatment or medical detox, we can work with patients who want to stay active at home, at work and with family while accessing the most state-of-the-art treatment available.
We provide medical care, treatment planning, medication assisted treatment (also called MAT), nutritional counseling and mental health care all under one roof. Our small, family-friendly clinic is nestled in the heart of SE Portland and is easily accessible by public transit.
Because our clinic is on the smaller side, it is one of the best kept secrets to finding waitlist-free help in Portland. Give us a call at (503) 206-8850 to see if we’d be a good fit for your needs.
What to Do if You or Your Loved One Have No Other Options But to Wait for Addiction Treatment
Unfortunately, the level of care we provide at Shanti Wellness and Recovery isn’t a good fit for every patient.
If you or your loved one is placed on a waitlist for addiction treatment in Portland and no other appropriate options are available, there are steps you can take to help make this wait time a safer and more productive one.
First, educate yourself (and/or your loved one) about harm reduction practices that can make their substance use safer while they wait for treatment. For example, stock up on Naloxone and learn how to use it. Encourage your loved one to use with trusted friends and avoid using alone. Find and use needle exchange programs. Test your supply for adulterants such as fentanyl whenever possible. Avoid unknown or unproven supply sources. Always start low and go slow when controlling your dosage.
Second, begin the process of signing up for health insurance or contact your existing insurance company and begin learning about your behavioral health benefits so that you are ready to get started when your number is up.
Lastly, resist the urge to go “cold turkey” if you are physically dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines. Withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening and needs to be supervised medically in order to keep you safe.
Finally, know that you can reach addiction crisis support and mental health first aid 24/7 at our local Lines for Life addiction crisis call center at 1-800-923-4357. While this free hotline is no substitute for proper addiction treatment, it is staffed by counselors who are ready to listen and help support you on your path to recovery, no matter what phase of the journey you are in.
Do You Need Help With Finding Waitlist-Free Help for Addiction Treatment in Portland, Oregon?
Good news – at Shanti Wellness and Recovery, we work with you to tailor treatment plans to your situation, your goals and your life. Everything we do is evidence based and shame-free.
Best of all, we’re frequently waitlist-free, as well!
Interested to learn more about how we can help? Give us a call today to get started.