Rehab Centers in Louisiana

This twenty-second most populated state in the Commonwealth is beset with a drug trafficking problem from its adjoining areas. The Port of New Orleans has been a transit hub for illicit drugs coming from Latin America and the Caribbean. Illegal substance smuggling here has been a prevailing problem in the state. 

Louisiana has a drug history that dates back to the 1990s when cannabis was prescribed only to cure illnesses. A penalty was levied if found used for other purposes.

2 year ago, the state had more drug-related cases than other states in the Commonwealth. The state also has a high number of deaths due to substance abuse in recent decades. Also 2 years ago, Louisiana was ranked as the least healthy state in the country, with high levels of drug overdose deaths and excessive alcohol consumption. Drug abuse due to prescription drugs has also risen since then.

The most commonly consumed and distributed prescription drugs are: Hydrocet, Hydrocodone, Norco, Tramadol, Codeine, Demoral, Dilaudid, Fentanyl/Fentanyl transdermal, Hydromorphone, Lorcet, Lortab, Mepergan, Meperidine, Methadone, MS Contine, Morphine, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Percodan, Roxicet, Roxanol, Roxicodone, Tylenol, Tylox, Tussionex, Tylenol III & IV, Tylox, Vicoprofen, and Vicodin.

There is also the problem of health threats related to injected drug use (IDU). The rising statistics on HIV cases and Hepatitis C (HCV) incidence and prevalence attributed to IDU is alarming. 

Prescriptions of Opioids in Louisiana are also higher compared to the US average rate. 79.4 per 100 Louisiana residents versus 51.4 the nationwide average.

The illicit drug threat and prevalence of abuse in Louisiana is real and those who seek treatment from their addiction may turn to rehab centers across Louisiana which are professionally operated and equipped.

These rehab centers in Louisiana provide treatment, medicines, therapy, and different programs suited to the patient’s case. There are centers that cater to a specific group category like gender, age bracket, and religion to better provide them with specialized treatment based on their context and background. The duration of most alcohol rehab programs in Louisiana varies from 30-90 days, depending on the treatment structure recommended for every individual.

They also provide various amenities that can help the patients become more active, gain perspective, and socialize with other people they can relate to. Family visits are also allowed. There are also some rehab facilities that provide luxurious amenities such as spa, well-equipped gyms and recreational facilities like courts, horse riding, and golf course, as well as suites and gourmet dining.   

Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers in Louisiana

The base principle of all inpatient rehabilitation centers is to provide an ideal atmosphere for detoxifying the body of overused substances and treating any co-existing mental health issues as many of the patients also suffer from depression.

There are multiple support programs designed by state-owned and private rehab centers in Louisiana for the same. These include a systematic treatment structure to rehabilitate patients using the following therapies:

1. Individual therapy: The patient is assigned a counselor who assesses and treats the individual on a one-on-one basis using cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps shift the attention from drugs to more positive experiences.
2. Family Counseling: Families have a major role to play in the healing process of the individual. Sessions are planned with the family to bring them closer as a unit and help speed up recovery. Families can reach out better once they become sensitive to the individual’s emotional needs. Counselors play the role of mentors to families and help them work in tandem.
3. Reality therapy: Individuals are referred to an anonymous group where a feeling of inclusivity is fostered in anonymity, enabling a faster recovery. Various behavior modification techniques are used to shift focus from drugs to other constructive activities. Life skills are taught to individuals to live comfortably in mainstream society. Legal support is also extended to the individual and ways to cope with stress are taught.
4. Programs for Adolescents and Teens: A very sensitive age group (12-25 years), these young patients need greater attention in the treatment process. Since this age group is a physically and emotionally vulnerable one, programs are specially designed to help with both recovery and reintegration to society.
5. Anger management programs: Drugs make an individual develop mood swings, depression and violent behavior. Drug abuse causes a loss of control and reduced tolerance levels. This leads to committing violent crimes as well as social disruptions. Rehab programs are designed to help the individual manage and cope with anger and violent tendencies.

Cost of Rehab Centers in Louisiana

There are faith-based, state-owned to private, and luxurious rehab centers in Louisiana.  There are free rehab centers in Louisiana as well as paid private centers. The cost varies depending mainly on amenities and the severity of the addiction. Cost factors to be considered in choosing a rehab center include:

1. Free/Paid
2. Facilities/Amenities provided
3. Staff
4. Insurance
5. Medicare (health insurance for seniors and those with certain existing health issues)
6. Medicaid (health insurance for low-income earning families)
7. Financing

Financial assistance may come from insurance coverages. Other state programs and offices that help address the smuggling and addiction problems include:

• Louisiana State Substance Abuse Website
  Office for Addictive Disorders
  Department of Health and Hospitals
  1201 Capitol Access Road, 4th Fl
  Baton Rouge LA 70821-2790
  E-Mail: mduffy@dhh.la.gov
  Phone: 225-342-6717
• Prevention Contact
  Leslie H. Brougham, Ph.D., LPP
  Director, Prevention Services
  Louisiana Office for Addictive Disorders
  Prevention Services
  628 North 4th Street
  Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  E-mail: Leslie.Brougham@LA.gov (225) 342-5705 Fax: (225) 342-3931

Seeking treatment for substance abuse is not easy. There is social stigma, withdrawal pangs, and psychological issues that usually come with the addiction. The path to recovery may not be smooth but with the support of the state, families, communities, and the society, healing and reintegration can be possible.

If someone in your family, work, or community is going through some form of substance addiction, throw them a lifeline by leading them to rehab centers and programs that can help them. Professional treatment and a caring community can contribute to freeing someone from being bound to this problem that has wide ranging adverse effects not only on the individual but on their loved ones as well.