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Merit Resources: (509) 837-7700

Substance Use or Mental Health Crisis Line: 988

Serving Central Washington for Over 40 Years

Drug addiction

Drug Addiction Treatment Program Overview

What can you expect when you or a loved one reaches out to MERIT for drug addiction treatment? Our goal is to provide people with a better quality of life, and we want you to be comfortable on your journey to recovery. A brighter future is on the horizon, and we’re here to light the way, providing complete addiction treatment services.

Clinical Assessment and Drug Addiction Treatment Referrals

MERIT provides the highest level of CARF-accredited addiction treatment services. Our staff is trained to treat adults, teens, and children suffering from substance abuse disorders. When you seek treatment at our drug rehabilitation center, we will evaluate you to determine the best type of program to meet your needs based on your drug use history and habits. We offer intensive outpatient and outpatient recovery programs, including telehealth options for native English and Spanish speakers, to make the transition from addiction as easy as possible.

Beginning Treatment for Substance Abuse

After your assessment, a counselor or care manager works with you (and your family) to develop a treatment plan, listing goals and ways to help you stay on track. Outpatient rehab typically begins with intensive outpatient (IOP) services three nights a week, three hours a night, for about 6-8 weeks. Addiction treatment programs also include family counseling one night per week. After you complete IOP services, you step down to our outpatient program, meeting once or twice a week for about 90 minutes. You may also transition into a weekly or monthly program if you’re under treatment while awaiting a court-ordered 2-year deferred prosecution or in a drug court program.

Navigating the Six Dimensions of ASAM

It is important to understand that detoxification is not treatment – it is only the first step on the road to addiction recovery. Clinical assessment continues throughout drug treatment and rehabilitation based on the six dimensions of ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine). These include:

1. Acute intoxication and withdrawal potential
2. Biomedical conditions and complications
3. Emotional, behavioral, or cognitive conditions and complications
4. Readiness to change
5. Relapse, continued use, or continued problem potential
6. Recovery and living environment *Learn more about ASAM dimensions.

Once you’re stable in all six dimensions, you may be eligible for discharge or choose to enroll in one of our relapse prevention programs. We recommend follow-up care because the longer a person stays in treatment, the longer they’re likely to stay in recovery. If you relapse, rest assured we’re here for you to reassess your level of care and get you the help you need to maintain your path to recovery.

Why Does Recovery Take So Long?

Addiction impacts every part of a person’s life. Stopping drug use is just the beginning of recovery. Many seek treatment under pressure from the legal system, employers, or family, and it takes time for them to see they have a problem and decide they want to make a positive change. This process can be overwhelming and requires support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals. Forming new patterns and finding new ways to cope with the stress and emotions of daily life takes time and work. Drug addiction takes a long time to develop and likewise requires a significant time to treat.


Take Steps to a Brighter Tomorrow

Learn more about MERIT’s addiction recovery services, or schedule an assessment at one of our Ellensburg, Yakima, Sunnyside, Wapato, Toppenish, Pasco, and Kennewick outpatient treatment centers today.


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