Office-Based Opioid Treatment

Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that alters the mechanism of brain function. It creates uncontrollable cravings for drugs in one region of the brain while short-circuiting the part of the brain that normally guides self-control, goal achievement, and self-awareness.

Treatment for this type of disease is likely to require long term care and includes therapies that address each of the affected regions of the brain.

If you’re struggling with opioid use disorder, it may feel like you’re alone, but you’re not. Opioid addiction affects many local families. We’ve worked with hundreds of people in Clallam County who have shared your struggle. Seeking medical help is a strong step in your journey to health.

One person's hands reaching out and holding another person's hands in supportive gesture

Treating Opioid Use Disorder

We know from many studies that the combination of medication and counseling is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. This two-pronged approach quiets opioid cravings deep in the brain’s limbic region with medication. And it strengthens the ability of the brain to guide people wisely through the challenges of recovery with counseling and other treatment programs.

The medications attach to opioid receptors in the brain’s limbic region, yet do not produce the same “high” as heroin and other opioids. By completely occupying those receptors, the medications decrease opioid cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of other opioids in the system.

The effect is to reduce cravings for opiates and reduce the extreme highs and lows of opiate addiction so patients can do the work they need to do, often with the help of a counselor or other treatment programs. With the limbic region of the brain in a more balanced state, the cortex — the thinking, planning area of the brain — can rally to assist in the recovery process.

What to Expect

Addiction is an illness that is likely to require long-term management. Much like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis, opioid addiction requires ongoing management and control. We’re here to partner with you as you seek to heal and strengthen your brain for a life of recovery and health.

  • Treatment plans with a combination of medication and counseling to fit your needs and lifestyle
  • Medication treatment options: Suboxone, Vivitrol and Sublocade
  • Convenient scheduling:
    • Same-day and Saturday appointments
    • Thursday drop-in clinic for pregnant patients
  • Additional services:
    • Full-spectrum primary care
    • Behavioral health counseling
    • Family dentistry
    • Eyecare services
  • Community resource support: Housing, food, access to care, insurance

Early in your recovery, you will have weekly appointments with your provider to make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan. As your health and confidence improves, your appointments are likely to decrease in frequency.

Your recovery journey can start TODAY by calling the clinic at (360) 452-7891 ext. 2854 and asking to speak with someone about office-based opioid treatment.

SUPPORT Clinic

Are you pregnant and struggling with addiction? The SUPPORT Clinic is an integrated prenatal (OB) and addiction care clinic. Stop by NOHN’s Downtown Health Center clinic at 240 W. Front Street in Port Angeles any Thursday between 8:30am and 4:00pm to discuss addiction treatment during pregnancy.