Louisiana Drug Rehab

Introduction

When facing drug or alcohol addiction, feeling powerless and alone is common, and sobriety can seem impossible. However, recovery from an addiction is achievable. Seeking professional help from a drug and alcohol addiction program can make the difference between addiction and sobriety for you or your loved one.

The state of Louisiana has consistently appeared as one of the top ten states for illicit drug use, particularly with mind-altering drugs, such as certain prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. For the first time ever, the number of accidental deaths due to drugs surpassed the number of murders in New Orleans during 2016, and the number just keeps climbing.

There is no better time than now to ensure this type of tragedy doesn’t strike you or your family. Below, see information about the different types of drug treatment available in Louisiana and throughout the United States.

Addiction Treatment Center Type & Length of Care:

Several types of addiction treatment programs exist, each with its own methods and benefits for those looking to overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Long Term Treatment Programs (90-Day)

Administered in a residential community-based setting, long-term treatment programs offer patients a comprehensive set of rehabilitation services aimed at helping them overcome their substance addiction. Both individual and group therapy are often provided in order to help recovering addicts develop personal accountability and break from their cycle of addiction.

Short Term Treatment Programs (28 / 30 Day)

Like long-term treatment facilities, short-term programs provide inpatient drug addiction treatment so that patients can focus on their path to recovery away from the influence of their home environment. These 28- or 30-day programs employ a treatment model that is aimed at providing patients with coping techniques to help them maintain sobriety once treatment is complete.

Outpatient vs Inpatient Rehab Centers

After completing a course of inpatient treatment at a short-term or long-term residential facility, many recovering addicts continue their treatment on an outpatient basis. In addition, some patients choose to bypass inpatient treatment and enter outpatient treatment directly, often due to these programs’ flexibility around work and school. Inpatient drug rehab is for more serious cases. A medical professional can determine the necessary treatment plan, levels of care, and the course of action for a potential patient.

Several types of outpatient services exist, ranging from the intensive weekly commitment required by partial hospitalization programs to the less demanding standard outpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient is similar but requires more client work, but may not need detox and its use is determined by intake counselors and medical staff. Some medical advisors will recommend intensive outpatient programs (IOP’s).

Residential Treatment Services:

Detox

A detoxification program is often the initial step taken before entering an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Because most addicts are physically dependent on the substance that they abuse, abruptly discontinuing the use of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms and side effects caused by withdrawal.

Detox programs assist patients during the withdrawal stage, and often medication is used to help reduce the intensity of the symptoms until physical dependence is finished. Drug and alcohol detox can take several days to more than a week to complete, and are often an essential step before entering a standard drug rehab program.

Sober-living house

After completing inpatient treatment, many recovering addicts no longer need continuous aftercare monitoring but are not yet ready for independent living. For these individuals, sober-living homes can help assist in the transition back into normal life by providing a supportive yet less rigid environment that promotes continued sobriety. These can assist greatly with relapse prevention.

Dual diagnosis

Substance abuse is commonly accompanied by mental illness, and facilities exist that can help those seeking addiction treatment who also need therapy for a mental health disorder. These dual diagnosis programs utilize both substance abuse counselors as well as licensed mental health professionals in order to provide comprehensive and effective behavioral health treatment for substance use disorders.

Commonly Abused & Treated Drugs:

The substances considered most dangerous throughout the country are not necessarily the same ones that threaten the lives of each state’s residents. In New Orleans and its suburbs, heroin is the most prevalent drug. Elsewhere throughout Louisiana, however, cocaine poses the most serious threat of being abused. According to an August 2016 report from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl and heroin combined are the riskiest. Even the agents who conduct Fentanyl-related field tests are at risk of overdosing because contact with a mere 1 mL can be fatal.

Cities with high drug rehab center demands include New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Metairie, Shreveport, Acadiana, Alexandria, and Monroe.

Conclusion

If you or someone you love is trying to overcome a substance abuse problem, professional help can make the recovery process much easier. As you explore your treatment options and addiction recovery centers, consider recovery programs with facilities far from your home environment; often being removed from the people and situations that influenced your addiction can allow treatment to be more effective.

Payment methods range from private insurance, self-pay, work insurance, military insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, and other options depending on the situation.

If you live in Louisiana and would like to learn more about your drug or alcohol addiction treatment options, please contact us.