Recovery Navigator Program at Pierce County Alliance in Tacoma, WA, Treatment for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health

At Pierce County Alliance (PCA), nestled in the scenic landscapes of Tacoma, Washington, we are dedicated to leading the way in providing exemplary behavioral health services. With a specialized focus on substance use dependency treatment, mental health therapy, and youth services, we aim to enhance the overall health of individuals, families, and our community. Through continuous quality improvement initiatives, we ensure cost-effective services yield measurable, favorable outcomes, fostering client satisfaction and lasting progress. Our licensed programs include:

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
• Mental Health Disorder Treatment.
• Problem Gambling.
• Domestic Violence Counseling.

The epidemic of drug overdose and opioid misuse continues to ravage communities across the United States. This crisis encompasses the abuse of heroin, prescription opioids, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Since 1999, drug overdose deaths related to prescription and illicit opioids have surged dramatically, claiming the lives of over 300,000 individuals nationwide in the past 15 years alone. That staggering statistic translates to approximately 55 lives lost each day. Washington State has not been immune to this devastating trend. Between 2007 and 2021, 17,502 Washington residents have lost their lives due to drug overdoses, with opioids implicated in 68% of these fatalities. Alarmingly, the annual number of opioid-related overdose deaths has nearly doubled since 2019, escalating from 827 deaths to 1619 deaths in 2021 alone. [1]

Don't hesitate to seek assistance. Together, we strive to mitigate the harmful effects of addiction. Contact us today for support. Moreover, explore our comprehensive directory of drug treatment centers in Tacoma for further options.

Established in 1994 in collaboration with the Pierce County Superior Court, County Prosecutor, and the Department of Assigned Counsel, PCA offers a traditional adult drug court program for eligible offenders. Our treatment approach integrates evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed care, moral reconation therapy (MRT), relapse prevention, life skills, and mental health services. 

How long has Pierce County Alliance been treating behavioral health?

For over 50 years, the Pierce County Alliance (PCA) has collaborated with federal, state, and local justice systems to address treatment needs among offenders. This collaboration intensified in the early 1990s with the introduction of "drug treatment courts." Working alongside the Pierce County Superior Court and Council, PCA initiated one of the nation's earliest felony drug court programs. The program expanded to include the Family Recovery Court through significant federal, state, and city grants, furthering its impact.

Drug treatment courts (DTCs) have been shown to produce positive outcomes and effects related to substance use while individuals are actively participating in the program. These beneficial outcomes include reduced rates of drug use, improved compliance with treatment protocols, and increased engagement in supportive services, contributing to overall rehabilitation and recovery efforts. [2]

What kinds of drug treatment services does Pierce County Alliance offer?

PCA provides a comprehensive adult drug court program catering to eligible offenders. Our treatment approach integrates the latest evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed care, moral reconation therapy (MRT), relapse prevention strategies, and life skills development. Moreover, our program provides essential mental health treatment services.

Trauma-informed care involves creating an environment that emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. Practitioners are trained to understand the signs of trauma and its effects on behavior, allowing them to provide compassionate and effective care that promotes healing and resilience. Moral reconation therapy, on the other hand, is a cognitive-behavioral therapy program designed to address ethical reasoning, decision-making, and behavior issues. It focuses on helping individuals better understand the consequences of their actions, enhance moral reasoning skills, and adopt more prosocial behaviors. MRT utilizes structured exercises, group discussions, and assignments to challenge and change patterns of thinking and behavior associated with criminal behavior and substance abuse.

With a minimum duration of one year, participants typically require 18 to 24 months to complete successfully. Those interested in learning more about our program are encouraged to seek further information through their defense counsel. Join us on the journey towards rehabilitation and recovery.

What is the recovery navigator program?

The recovery navigator program is a specialized support service designed to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of addiction recovery. Recovery navigators, often peers with lived experience in recovery, provide guidance, resources, and support to individuals seeking to overcome substance use disorders. They help connect individuals with treatment options, support groups, community resources, and other services tailored to their needs and circumstances. The recovery navigator program aims to empower individuals in their recovery journey and facilitate access to the necessary support systems for long-term success and wellness.

Meet Dave. Dave had been struggling with addiction for years, feeling trapped and hopeless in the grip of substance abuse. However, everything changed when he connected with the recovery navigator program. With the guidance and support of his recovery navigator, Dave found the resources and encouragement he needed to take control of his life. From connecting him with treatment options to providing emotional support during challenging times, the recovery navigator became Dave's trusted ally on his journey to sobriety. With their help, Dave not only overcame his addiction but also discovered a newfound sense of hope, purpose, and resilience.

PCA's recovery navigator program offers voluntary assistance for individuals facing challenges stemming from substance abuse or mental health issues. It provides personalized support from licensed peers to help access the fundamental aspects of recovery for any behavioral health concerns. PCA provides a specialized Recovery Navigator track for individuals referred by law enforcement, courts, or prosecutors. This program offers peer support to assist clients with justice-related requirements. The recovery navigator program is free of charge and does not entail enrollment in a treatment program or random drug testing. Contact Pierce County Alliance to learn more.

Embrace a New Beginning Now with Pierce County Alliance in Tacoma, Washington

Start a new life free from the bonds of substance abuse with Pierce County Alliance. Our comprehensive programs and compassionate support are here to guide you toward lasting recovery. Unlock the path to better emotional health with PCA's licensed mental health therapists. Our expert team offers personalized mental health assessments and individual and group counseling sessions tailored to clients with co-occurring or mental health disorders.

Although Pierce County saw a slight decline in its opioid-related death rate, dropping from 10.8 in 2017 to 9.0 in 2018, the issue persists. Despite this improvement, it emphasizes the continued need for comprehensive efforts to address opioid misuse and prevent further tragedies in the community. Pierce County remains committed to combating the opioid crisis through education, prevention, and treatment initiatives. [3]

Drug addiction can lead individuals to engage in illegal activities to support their habit, such as drug possession or trafficking, resulting in legal consequences. Moreover, substance abuse can impair judgment and lead to behaviors that violate laws, putting individuals at risk of arrest and incarceration. Find hope and support with PCA's compassionate services. You can also locate top-rated drug rehab centers in Tacoma by accessing our directory. Take the first step towards a brighter future – contact us now.

Resources: 

[1] Opioid Date - Washington State Department of Health (.gov)

[2] Wittouck C, Dekkers A, De Ruyver B, Vanderplasschen W, Vander Laenen F. The impact of drug treatment courts on recovery: a systematic review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:493679. Doi: 10.1155/2013/493679. Epub 2013 Mar 21. PMID: 23576903; PMCID: PMC3618932.

[3] Pierce County Opioid-Related Death Rate - Pierce County WA (.gov)