Medication-Assisted Treatment in Washington

Addiction touches every aspect of life. It’s not just the lives of those using substances. It affects their loved ones, friends, family, colleagues, communities, and neighborhoods. Washington has seen a significant rise in opioid-related deaths over the past decade.

In 2022 alone, the CDC reported that more than 2,700 people in the state lost their lives to overdose. This loss was an increase primarily driven by fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. According to the Washington State Department of Health, opioids were involved in over 68% of those deaths.

And it’s not just happening in big cities. Rural counties like Mason, Okanogan, and Klickitat have seen overdose rates rise tenfold over the past 20 years, as reported by the University of Washington. That means care isn’t just urgent, it has to be accessible no matter where you live.

But even as the need for treatment grows, many people struggle to access care. That’s why virtual care is so important. With telemedicine, you can talk to a licensed provider from home, quietly, privately, and without having to rearrange your life just to get an appointment. Whether you’re in Seattle, Yakima, or a town without a clinic, care can come to you. And for many people, that’s what finally makes getting help feel possible.

One of the biggest wins came when the Washington State Health Care Authority removed both prior authorization requirements and lifetime prescription limits for buprenorphine. This decision has made it significantly easier for people with opioid use disorder to start and continue treatment with Suboxone® and similar medications, without delays that could cost lives.

At the same time, Washington is working to integrate mental health and addiction services more fully. State-funded programs now emphasize trauma-informed, whole-person care that addresses substance use alongside mental health, housing, employment, and other core needs like family stability. Because addiction doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and neither should your treatment.

Lawmakers are also stepping in. In 2023, Washington passed legislation, Senate Bill 5536, to shift the focus from punishment to support. Instead of automatic jail time, law enforcement can now refer people to treatment first. The new law also funds more community treatment programs and brings MAT into jails, so more people have a real chance at recovery, wherever they are in the system.

Recognizing the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on Native American communities, Washington has also proposed a bill allocating close to $8 million annually to support the 29 federally recognized tribes in the state. These funds support tribal treatment and recovery programs, addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.

All of these movements aren’t just policy changes. They’re lifelines. And they reflect a bigger shift in Washington. A shift toward care that feels real, respectful, and rooted in people’s actual lives.

How QuickMD’s online MAT helps

Our online MAT program is designed to treat opioid addiction and remove the obstacles that can get in the way of recovery.

With QuickMD, you can meet with a licensed provider from anywhere in Washington, whether you’re in Seattle, Yakima, Spokane, or a rural area where in-person clinics are hard to find. You’ll get a treatment plan that’s specific to your needs, plus ongoing support to help you stay on track.

Appointments are available seven days a week, often same-day. Get Medication-Assisted Treatment in Washington from anywhere with us. No long waits. No judgment. Just compassionate care that fits into your life so that you can take control of your health.

1. Get familiar with your medication

Knowing how your medication works and what to expect can help you feel more in control of your recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider questions or request printed information if it helps you stay informed.

2. Plan for stressful moments

Identify situations or triggers that might challenge your recovery, like certain people, places, or emotions, and think through how you’ll handle them. Having a plan makes it easier to stay grounded when things get tough.

3. Take breaks when you need them

Healing isn’t just about doing more. It’s also about knowing when to rest. Give yourself permission to take quiet time when you’re feeling emotionally drained or overstimulated.

4. Set boundaries to protect your progress

Recovery can mean making changes in your relationships, routines, or environment. It’s okay to say no to people or situations that put your progress at risk. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish. It’s part of staying well.