Supporting Healthy Recovery

What is Addiction?

Substance use disorder and addiction grab hold and don’t want to let go. We know how hard it is. But, now you're here and we want to help you or your loved one start healing. To get your questions answered or to learn about the next steps, reach out to the LifeWorks NW team. We have over 60 years of experience supporting those who experience addiction in Portland Oregon and its surrounding areas including Clackamas County, Multnomah County and Washington County, Oregon.

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Overcome by addiction, loss of hope can push people to think desperate thoughts. Our compassionate approach includes conversations about suicide. As a result, in 2018, we reduced completed suicides among clients by 30 percent. 

Addiction Symptoms

Addiction is an uncontrolled emotional or physical dependence on a substance like alcohol or drugs. There are clear warning signs that can help you recognize addiction. Symptoms of addiction include:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Denying or trying to hide drinking or drug use
  • Forgetting or denying things that happen while under the influence
  • Spending time with other drinkers or drug users
  • Downplaying or justifying drinking or drug use
  • Using alcohol or drugs to improve self-esteem
  • Marked behavior changes
  • Drastic decrease in school or work performance
  • Continuing to use substances despite negative consequences

Youth and Adult Addiction Programs

There is no one right way to addiction recovery. We will work together to help you or your loved one see progress toward a renewed life. Our youth and adult programs focus on these types of addiction:

Our compassionate team is here to help in any way we can. Should you have questions or concerns about getting help, please contact us.

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Addiction Treatment Programs

The youth addictions program works closely with schools, courts and family-referred teens to address the problems associated with drugs and alcohol for youth.

Program staff help develop abstinence plans through:

  • Comprehensive assessments and referral (if indicated) for integrated mental health sessions
  • Individual and group counseling sessions
  • Therapy sessions with parent and child

Youth also receive education about the long-term dangers of substance use. Referral services are also available for adolescent clients needing comprehensive inpatient treatment to address ongoing/problem substance use.

Locations:

  • Beaverton
  • Hillsboro-Walnut
  • Gladstone
  • Gresham
  • Northeast Portland (MLK Jr. Blvd.)

Referrals and first-time appointments can be made by calling 503-645-9010.

Recovery, Empowerment, Achievement in Life (REAL)

REAL is a youth addictions program culturally focused for African-American youth, but welcomes everyone. REAL provides individual, group, family, recovery mentoring, case management and care coordination using traditional addictions treatment models modified to meet the principles of Kwanzaa. The program, located in NE Portland, is available to youth living in Multnomah County.

For more information, call 503-282-3296 6812, or the Intake line at 503-645-9010.

In Washington County, our Gambling Treatment Program offers a client-centered, group-supported, dual-diagnosis approach to treatment. A blend of individual and group therapy, family involvement, and reduced access to money have been found to be most effective in addressing compulsive gambling. Treatment is provided at no cost and is confidential. 

Aimed at assisting young people experiencing homelessness, exiting from the foster care system and/or residential treatment, and individuals who identify with the LGBTQ community.

STRIDE (Strengthening Tools to Recovery, Independence, Determination, and Empowerment) helps identify goals and connect to community resources to help overcome barriers and improve wellbeing.

Availability: Provides outreach and engagement to individuals ages 14-24, regardless of insurance, income, or medical/treatment history.

Service Locations: Services are community-based, Monday through Saturday, and offered in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.

Contact: Referrals can be made by calling 503-619-9007 or email STRIDE@lifeworksnw.org.

Our flexible, customized programs address the individual needs of adults struggling with substance abuse or addiction with individual and group treatment.

By focusing on each person’s core strengths and treating more than just symptoms, our expert team can also address any mental health issues at play to help our consumers handle their addiction and regain life balance.

We offer outpatient addiction treatment and recovery programs that focus specifically on older adult populations. 

These programs include help for the full scope of substance use and addictions, including narcotics, alcohol, gambling, and more.

PCR is an African-American culturally focused outpatient addiction treatment program. It offers a full continuum of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug services, including:

  • Screening and assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Group therapy
  • Multi-family groups and individual and family services

Treatment addresses the wide range of needs critical to recovery, including strengthening family systems, skills training, recreation, smoking cessation, cultural and gender-specific needs.

Our on-site, Oregon State-certified, DUII rehabilitation programs for adults are designed to work closely with clients referred by criminal justice/Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Specialists to address substance use that led to impaired driving or other related legal charges. Our staff work closely with court- and attorney-referred clients to address existing substance use problems and develop a plan for monitored abstinence to comply with court requirements.

The treatment model includes:

  • Comprehensive assessments and referral (if indicated) for integrated mental health sessions
  • Individual counseling
  • One or more weekly group/peer counseling sessions
  • Referral to community support/recovery groups and sessions with the consumer and their self-identified support team
  • Education around long-term dangers of substance use and develop a plan to abstain from impaired driving prior to discharge

Locations: Beaverton, Hillsboro-Walnut, Northeast Portland (MLK Jr. Blvd.), International Way and Gresham.

Availability: 

  • Outpatient treatment services to clients needing education-only, or comprehensive Level 1.0 and Level 2.1 treatment programs for DUII offenders.
  • A DUII rehabilitation program to self-referring clients which complies with Oregon DMV requirements for license reinstatement following a past DUII conviction.
  • Step-down care and referral services available for clients needing more comprehensive inpatient treatment.

Contact:  Referrals and first-time appointments call 503-645-9010. Court evaluators, probation/community corrections staff, or legal/attorney referents may fax referrals to 503-726-5487.

Our addiction treatment programs offer a full continuum of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug treatment services, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential treatment for pregnant and parenting women with young children.  

Our treatment programs include:

  • Screening and assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Group therapy, multi-family groups and individual and family services

Treatment meets the wide range of needs critical to recovery, including strengthening family systems, skills training, recreation, smoking cessation, cultural and gender-specific needs.

For referrals and first-time appointments call, 503-645-9010.

New Options offers trauma-informed Mental Health and/or Substance Use support for people of all genders who wish to address the physical, emotional and psychological outcomes related to sex work and sex trafficking.

When you enter the New Options program, you will be provided with personalize treatment services to include individual and group therapy, case management, and Peer/Recovery Mentor services.

Locations: Services are offered in the community, at the Rockwood site, by telephone, and Telehealth.  

Availability: New Options accepts OHP; other funding options may be available and can be discussed at screening.

Contact: Call 971-297-0495 or our Intake line at 503-645-9010

Our IOP program provides clients with a safe, stable place to go on a regular basis while they begin their recovery journey.  Treatment groups focus on withdrawal management, stabilization, relapse prevention, anger management, co-dependency, domestic violence education, building parenting skills, addressing criminality, family involvement in the recovery process, and understanding and managing mental health symptoms.

The program offers:

  • Weekly group work (four to five days per week)
  • Regular individual sessions with a primary chemical dependency counselor
  • Recovery mentor/peer-delivered services
  • Mental health counseling, when indicated

We place a strong emphasis on supporting parents to reunite with their children, however that is not a requirement to be in the program.

Many clients are also eligible for subsidized housing while in treatment. 

Location: Hillsboro

Availability: Hillsboro IOP serves men and women age 18 and over who meet American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria for Level II intensive outpatient treatment.

Contact: Call our Intake line at 503-645-9010.

Project Network

Located in Multnomah County, Project Network provides residential substance abuse services for women who are pregnant or have children under age six. The program is designed to be culturally focused for African Americans, but welcomes all.

Mountaindale Recovery Center

In rural western Washington County, Mountaindale Recovery Center provides residential substance abuse services for women who are pregnant or have children under six years of age.

In Washington County, our Gambling Treatment Program offers a client-centered, group-supported, dual-diagnosis approach to treatment. A blend of individual and group therapy, family involvement, and reduced access to money have been found to be most effective in addressing compulsive gambling. Treatment is provided at no cost and is confidential. 

Addiction treatment helps individuals overcome addiction—whether to alcohol, gambling, or something else—and regain control of their lives. Taking the first step is oftentimes the hardest part of seeking treatment. However, we value and strive to create an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for all. Our Safe Zone signs greet all that walk through our doors and message that no matter how you may identify as an individual, you are safe and welcomed. Each staff person is also tasked with ongoing training to ensure that every individual is approached with cultural humility and cultural responsiveness.

Addiction treatment—whether individualized or in a group—is tailored to the unique needs of each client. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the addiction, the complexity of symptoms, and other personal variables. We offer a full range of confidential addiction services throughout Portland OR and the surrounding metro area for those with an unhealthy dependence on drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more—including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential services. LifeWorks NW offers support for those with or without insurance. For more information, please contact 503.645.9010.

Addiction FAQ

Addiction is an uncontrolled emotional or physical dependence on a substance like alcohol or drugs. There are clear warning signs that can help you recognize addiction, such as:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Denying or trying to hide drinking or drug use
  • Forgetting or denying things which happen while under the influence
  • Spending time with other drinkers or drug users
  • Downplaying or justifying drinking or drug use
  • Behaving very differently when intoxicated
  • Using alcohol or drugs to improve self-esteem

Addiction treatment helps individuals overcome addiction—whether to alcohol, gambling or something else—and regain control of their lives.

Addiction treatment—whether individualized or in a group—is tailored to the unique needs of each client. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the addiction, the complexity of symptoms and other personal variables.

 

Yes. Our staff speaks multiple languages and represent a multitude of races and heritages, reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We value and strive to create an environment that is welcoming, respectful and inclusive for all. This is evidenced by our Safe Zone signs, which greet all that walk through our doors and message that no matter how you may identify as an individual, you are safe and welcomed.

Each staff person is also tasked with ongoing training to ensure that every individual is approached with cultural humility and cultural responsiveness.

 

We offer a full range of confidential addiction services for those with an unhealthy dependence on drugs, alcohol, gambling and more—including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential services.

We have many programs for insured and non-insured people. Please contact us at 503.645.9010 to find out what programs are available to you.

Yes. Supporting a friend or loved one during addiction treatment can be challenging. It requires patience, understanding and a non-judgmental attitude, but also allows you to offer your support in a variety of ways.

Be sure to care for your own physical and emotional health during this period, as recovery can be a very trying time for all involved. Al-Anon/Alateen is an excellent support resource for families and friends of those addicted to alcohol.

 

Problem gambling is an addiction—and includes all gambling behaviors that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Symptoms include:

  • Increasing preoccupation with gambling
  • A need to bet more money more frequently
  • Restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop
  • Loss of control and more.

In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.

 

Unfortunately no. Problem gambling is an addiction and illness based on having an uncontrollable obsession with gambling. Financial problems are merely side effects.

Yes. Peers can provide emotional support, insight into navigating complex systems, and share resources unique to your situation.

Peer services are offered in tandem with clinical services to help participants reach their self-identified goals.

If you are interested in receiving peer services, ask your clinician or case manager for more information.