The Health Department is closed Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

    • Opioid Treatment Services

    Are you struggling?

    Treatment Services—Call (253) 649-1406.

    Billing/Insurance—Email ubradford@tpchd.org or call (253) 649-1626.

    We can help you.

    Are you ready to start your path toward recovery? Medications for opioid use disorder provide hope and support.

    Patient-centered services

    • Medications for opioid use disorder.
    • Substance use disorder treatment. 
    • Group and individual counseling.
    • Ongoing care and follow-up.
    • Education.
    • Resource and referrals.

    Medications we offer:

    • Methadone.
    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone).
    • Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade and Brixadi).
    • Long-acting injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol).

    Hours

    • New patients:
      • Monday–Friday: 5–10:30 a.m. 
    • Existing patients:
      • Monday–Friday: 5–11:30 a.m.
      • Saturday: 5–8:30 a.m.

    Walk-ins welcome

    Walk in through the Pacific Avenue Public Health Clinic entrance (lower level) of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and ask for services.

    Naloxone (Narcan)

    If you or people around you use opioids, always carry naloxone. Naloxone (Narcan) is an easy-to-administer nasal spray.

    We offer free naloxone kits at our office. Our staff provide a short training so you can be prepared for an emergency. You’ll know how to stop the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life. We don’t require ID or documentation.

    Walk in through the Pacific Avenue Public Health Clinic entrance (lower level) Monday–Friday, 8–11:30 a.m. You can also call (253) 649-1406 to make an appointment to pick up naloxone Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

    If you are part of an agency seeking naloxone, email naloxoneprogram@doh.wa.gov.

    Download naloxone flyer.

    Resources

    Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

    Talking About Opioid Use Disorder

    Opioid Information for Providers

    Get help early, get help often.

    It’s okay to ask for help. Start here with these great resources.

    If you believe someone is having a life-threatening crisis, call 911.

    Crisis line: 
    (800) 273-8255
    Veterans: Press 1

    Crisis text line:
    Text 741741

    Trans Lifeline:
    (877) 565-8860

    Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+): 
    (866) 488-7386

    Opioid Treatment Services FAQs

    a

    What is methadone? Is it safe?

    Learn about getting started.

    The Addiction Treatment Forum has lots of details.

    Learn about Methadone details and safety. 

    a

    Are there any openings for new patients in the clinic?

    Yes! We have openings now. 

    a

    How long does it take to get on the clinic?

    Our goal is same-day medication. Plan to be in the clinic for a couple hours your first day to complete intake.

    a

    How long does treatment last?

    Our Methadone Program is long-term. It is NOT a detox program. Some of our patients have been on the clinic for many years (2-20). It is based on your needs. The length of time can vary dramatically.

    a

    How do I pay for treatment? What are my options?

    Payment Options

    • Medicaid
    • Cash
    • Insurance*

    NOTE: Some exclusion may apply.

    *Check with your insurance plan (Kaiser, Aetna, Cigna, Premera, etc.) to see if we are included in your network or can be added to your benefits.

    For more details, you can contact Ursula Bradford at ubradford@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1626.

    a

    Does the Health Department offer courtesy dosing?

    Yes!

    Medications for Opioid Use Disorder FAQ

    a

    What is MOUD?

    MOUD stands for medications for opioid use disorder. These evidence-based medications reduce cravings and withdrawal to help people recover from opioid addiction.

    a

    What medications are used in MOUD?

    The main medications used in MOUD are:

    • Methadone—Long-acting full opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal. Given in a daily liquid dose.
    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sunlocade, Brixadi)—Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal. Given in a daily oral film dose or a weekly or monthly subcutaneous injection by a healthcare provider.
    • Naltrexone (Vivitrol)—Opioid antagonist that prevents opioids from causing feelings of pleasure and helps reduce cravings. Given in a monthly intramuscular injection by a healthcare provider.
    a

    How does MOUD work?

    MOUD:

    • Reduces cravings.
    • Prevents withdrawal symptoms.
    • Reduces overdose risk by 50%.
    • Normalizes brain chemistry.
    • Decreases illicit opioid use.
    • Improves long-term recovery outcomes.
    a

    How long do people stay on MOUD?

    It varies. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people use MOUD short-term, while others stay on it for years or indefinitely.

    a

    Is MOUD safe during pregnancy?

    Yes. Methadone and buprenorphine are considered safe and are the standard of care during pregnancy. They reduce risks to both parent and baby.

    a

    Does insurance cover MOUD?

    Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover MOUD and related services.

    a

    Can I work, drive, and live normally while on MOUD?

    Yes. Most people on MOUD can work, attend school, care for their families, drive safely, and live stable lives.