Substance Use

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) occurs when someone’s use of alcohol or drugs leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home. People who get treatment for SUD are able to overcome the effects of their addiction. Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you care about, you can find SUD treatment locally.

• Get immediate, 24-hour help for substance abuse at the Washington Recovery Helpline.
• Find a list of local substance use disorder treatment providers (PDF).
• Substance use disorder treatment may be covered by your insurance. Talk with a provider to find out if they accept your insurance plan. Ask them to help you figure out the costs of any co-payments you are responsible for.
• If you don’t have private insurance, you may be eligible for SUD treatment through Medicaid (also known as Apple Health). Find out how to enroll through Washington HealthPlan Finder.
• Learn how to talk to a teen who you’re concerned might be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
• Thousands of people become sober every year with the help of a twelve step fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous. The meetings are completely confidential and anonymous. The only requirement to attend meetings is to have an earnest desire to stop drinking. Visit the Whatcom County AA website to get more information.

Finding Treatment

To start treatment for SUD, contact the providers of your choice (PDF), and decide which provider you’ll work with. You will set up an assessment with the provider.

During the assessment, the provider will learn about your history and living conditions, and if they find there is a substance use disorder that requires treatment, they will recommend a level of treatment. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is medication prescribed by a doctor to help with addiction. It eases withdrawal symptoms and helps people get back to normal functioning and daily activities. 

• MAT only works for opioid or alcohol addictions.
• Use this list to find Whatcom County doctors who offer MAT.

Low-Income Options

If you don’t have private insurance coverage for SUD treatment, there are still options for you. You may be eligible for Medicaid (also known as Apple Health) or other programs that can help cover the costs of treatment if you meet certain federal income guidelines. Visit Washington HealthPlan Finder to learn more.

Crisis Services

Immediate help is available for substance abuse by phone, text, online chat, or in-person:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-6620-HELP (4357)
• Washington Recovery Helpline: 1-866-789-1511
• Whatcom County Crisis Stabilization Facility: 360-676-2020

Life-Threatening Situations

• If the situation is life-threatening, you should call 911 and get help immediately.
• If you are around someone taking opioids, you can prepare yourself by learning how to use naloxone in case of an overdose. Naloxone can save lives, and there are no negative side effects.

Non-Life-Threatening Situations

• If the situation is not life-threatening and the person you are helping is able to walk and talk, you can call Whatcom Community Detox at 360-676-2020 extension 5. 
• Whatcom County Detox staff can tell you about the next steps for help. 

Talking to a Loved one About Substance Use

If you’re worried that someone you care about has a problem with drugs or alcohol, there are many ways you can help. Don’t wait to talk to them. Help find treatment and recovery support. These resources can help:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration
• Washington Recovery Helpline

Our Role

We work together with local agencies to fill in gaps in our community’s system so that SUD treatment is more easily available for anyone in our community who needs it. We don’t provide treatment. But when state or federal funds don’t pay for SUD treatment services - particularly for people without insurance - we help make sure services are there.

Additional Resources

• National Institute for Drug Abuse
• University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute Clearinghouse
• SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Whatcom Has HOPE – opioid prevention and treatment
• Whatcom County Syringe Exchange Program
• Whatcom Overdose Prevention