Common Recovery Questions

What is opioid use disorder?

An opioid is a substance, like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, Percocet, Darvocet, hydrocodone, codeine, or morphine. Words like addiction, drug abuse, and overdose are all used to describe the clinical condition called substance use disorder. When opioids are involved, the medical condition is called opioid use disorder.

What is “Recovery”?

Recovery may include therapy, group work, medication management, 12-step programs like AA or NA, or getting help with housing, work, and family life. The recovery process can also include handling health needs, exercise, nutrition, finding ways to relax and have fun, and developing skills.

Our project helps women and families on their recovery journey by promoting peer and family support. We also offer life skills development, sober social activities, and training and education.

You define recovery your own way. Whatever path you choose, recovery is beautiful.

Services and programs >

Is this a rehab program?

Recovery is Beautiful NWPA is not an inpatient rehab or detox program. The goal of our program is to give you opportunities to find the support you need in different ways. We offer counseling through one-on-one and peer support. We help you work together with your family so that they can better understand the process. And we provide sober social events so you can have fun and meet new people in a safe and judgment-free environment. Learn more about our services and programs >

Will I lose my kids if I use the Recovery Is Beautiful NWPA programs?

Any new service that you sign up for will provide you with information about what is and is not confidential to help you make informed decisions about your care and learn your rights before you start. We do not automatically refer anyone to child protective services.

Even when child protective services are involved, their primary goal is to keep families together. Getting the help you need is often the first step to ensuring your family can be safe and together.

Does Social Services get involved?

Usually when people say “social services” they are thinking about child protective services and other types of programs that check home safety.

This project is not associated with any of these providers, and we do not automatically refer anyone to these agencies. If you are involved with any other services or organizations, we will be glad to work in partnership with you and that team.

Can I call anonymously?

You can call to get information about services at any time with no commitment. However, to give you the best referral information it is most helpful to know about your situation. In order to receive services through our project, we do need to know your name and identifying information.

Does substance use disorder (“addiction”) treatment work?

Sometimes people think substance use disorder treatment doesn’t work because it’s possible for people to be in treatment and still have a hard time with their substance use. Substance use disorder is a medical condition and the recovery process can have ups and downs, just like someone might have during treatment for diabetes, asthma, or depression. In fact, the “relapse” rate for substance use disorder is similar to other chronic medical conditions. Learn more >

What about the stigma?

There is a lot of evidence that treatment for substance use disorder is effective. Unfortunately, stigma, which is often the shame we feel about drug and alcohol problems, can get in the way. This makes it harder to see the possibilities because we don’t talk about substance use or its care. There are some great resources out there about the evidence supporting substance abuse treatment and what we know is most helpful: Principles of Effective Treatment | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

One way we can all reduce stigma is to avoid talking about people with words like “addict” or “junkie” and to learn the facts about things like medications for opioid use disorder that are evidence-based and saving lives every day! Learn more about stigma.

Should I be worried about my privacy?

Information about substance use is protected by federal and state privacy rules. At the start of any service, including participation in our project, these rules will be shared with you. If you have specific concerns about a location, other members in a group, or another specific need, please discuss this when you call to talk about getting started with us.


Helpful Resources