FAQ - Addiction Services

A. Yes, educational materials are available, in limited supply, from Washington County's Addiction Services Program. Call 503/846-4903, for information and requests.

A variety of educational materials are also available through Oregon's Addiction and Mental Health Services Resource Center. Order materials on substance abuse, mental health and problem gambling by calling, 800-822-6772.

A. Yes. Washington County's Addiction Services staff will speak to groups and organizations in the evening and on weekends. We will work with your schedule as best we can. Call 503/846-4903, to schedule a presentation.

A. Yes. Washington County's Addiction Services Program offers on-site presentations for virtually any group or organization. The professional staff provides informative presentations on the nature of addiction and problem/pathological gambling.  

A. Telling someone you think they have an addiction is a difficult thing to do. Nine out of ten people that are dependent on alcohol or drugs deny they have a problem. Denial isn’t always a conscious act…in other words, they aren’t lying when they say they don’t have a problem. Each addicted individual affects, on average, six to twelve other people. These others often see the effects of abuse and addiction, often more so than the addicted person themselves. YOU see the issues, the negative effects of using. Understand that it is up to the individual whether or not they get help. You can tell them how their use is affecting you, as well as others. Tell the person how you feel and that you’re willing to help them get help. Arm yourself with resource information, so it can be provided on the spot, if needed. It is up to the person what they do with the information you offer. 

A. It depends on the substance, the dose, frequency of use, and the testing method.  Nicotine, for example, can remain detectable for a couple of days through a urine test, but cotinine (a breakdown product of nicotine) remains detectable for up to 90 days, if testing hair. Same for marijuana. Alcohol, usually for a day or two. Drugs such a Phenobarbital can remain detectable for up to three months, while benzodiazepines (diazepam, etc.) can be there for up to several weeks. 

A. In Oregon, a person must be 18 years old to play traditional lottery games (i.e. scratch off tickets), and to participate in pari-mutuel betting (i.e. horse racing), and to participate in charitable gaming. A person must be 21 years old to play video lottery (i.e. video poker and video slots), and to gamble in a tribal casino.

A. We suggest that you first talk to your doctor, who can make a referral. If that is not an option, Hillsboro’s Tuality Hospital Lab Services (503/681-1140) can take walk-in requests. Also, Legacy Central Lab Services (800/950-5295) can tell you where area collection sites are located. Finally, local drug stores such as Walgreens, Fred Meyer and Rite Aid, carry home test kits for a variety of substances. 

A. No. Washington County contracts with a number of providers throughout the county to provide direct service. Washington County, in partnership with the state of Oregon, provides funding for chemical dependency and gambling treatment services. Therefore, cost will not be a barrier to service.
See also:

• Treatment Services

A. Providers that contract with Washington County will work with the individual regarding cost of treatment. Washington County’s Department of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) assures the delivery of chemical dependency and problem gambling treatment services. The Department contracts with a number of addiction treatment providers in the community, located geographically throughout the county. WCHHS, in partnership with the state of Oregon, provides funding for chemical dependency and gambling treatment services. Therefore, cost will not be a barrier to service. In the case of treatment for problem gambling, treatment is free of charge.

A. Providers that contract with Washington County will work with the individual regarding cost of treatment, regardless if the person has insurance or not. Washington County’s Department of Health and Human Services (WCHHS) assures the delivery of chemical dependency and problem gambling treatment services. The Department contracts with a number of addiction treatment providers in the community, located geographically throughout the county. WCHHS, in partnership with the state of Oregon, provides funding for chemical dependency and gambling treatment services. Therefore, cost will not be a barrier to service.

A. Washington County contracts with a number of providers that provide all levels of outpatient treatment. See the “Providers” list on this web site, for a detailed list of service providers.

A. Washington county contracts with area providers that offer residential treatment. DePaul Treatment Centers (503/535-1166), CODA’s Tigard Recovery Center for men (503/624-0312), and LifeWorks Northwest’s Mountaindale Recovery Center for women and children (503/647-0165), all have beds for Washington County residents. Waiting lists are a distinct possibility, so start the process sooner rather than later.

A. The Oregon Lottery® and its commission recognize that some people gamble to the point where it is damaging to themselves and their families. Though most gamble without a problem, an estimated 90,000 are either problem or pathological gamblers. To address the issue, the state has mandated that 1% of lottery proceeds will be dedicated to the prevention and treatment of problem/pathological gambling. Oregon boasts one of the leading prevention and treatment systems in the world. Treatment is free to anyone who wants it, including the gambler and his/her family. Not only is treatment free, it is confidential and it works!