Expert Insights
Here’s a great example that proves drug abuse and addiction truly do impact everyone in the community. A recent wastewater analysis was completed by Louisiana Addiction Research Center of LSU Shreveport Health Science; the group has been working on the research for about a year. And the final compiled data shows the level of methamphetamines found in the wastewater of Shreveport is two times the levels found anywhere else in the nation. Scientists are able to trace drugs like methamphetamine when present in wastewater, and those results can be used to trace the amount of meth use among communities who share wastewater pools. Luckily, wastewater is treated and disinfected before it’s used again. And while no danger is posed to the water system of Shreveport, the extremely high levels of meth found in this concentrated area of Louisiana indicate something dangerous: it’s possible that Shreveport residents are abusing the highest rates of methamphetamine in the country.
~ Nikki Seay
Top Drug Rehabs in Louisianna
Every alcohol and drug rehab in Louisianna offers its own set of unique amenities, programs, and therapies. Evidence-based treatment is available at multiple inpatient centers in Louisianna. These facilities often provide a range of therapies, faith-based treatments, and outpatient options for recovery.
Below are the best addiction treatment centers in Louisianna based on the following criteria:
- Offering evidence-based treatment
- Accreditation
- Certifications
- Client testimonials / reviews
Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center – Rayville
For over 25 years the Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center has welcomed those who seek treatment for substance abuse, trauma, and dual diagnosis to one of their six locations in Louisiana. Their Rayville, Louisiana residential campus treats drugs, alcohol, gambling, eating disorders, and sex addiction.
Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center specializes in:
- Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Gambling
- Eating Disorders
- Sex Addiction
- Student Treatment
- Professionals Track
- Family Therapy
- Relapse Prevention
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Location and contact information:
86 Palmetto Road
Rayville, LA 71269
(318) 728-2970
Avenues Recovery Center – Metairie
Avenues Recovery Center offers detox and treatment programs for substance abuse disorder in Metairie, Louisiana. In addition to rehab, traditional therapy, music and art therapy, role playing, educational seminars, and fitness activities are offered on a weekly basis.
Treatment programs include:
- Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient
- Sober Living
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
- The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
- LegitScript Certified
Location and contact information:
4933 Wabash Street
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 470-04586
NOLA Detox and Recovery Center – New Orleans
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, NOLA Detox and Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol treatment center specializing in detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Serving adults with substance use disorders, NOLA Detox and Recovery offers inpatient and outpatient programs with same-day admissions available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Using the latest evidence-based treatment NOLA Detox and Recovery provide a full continuum of care. NOLA utilizes medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is considered the gold standard of treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders. With a four-phased treatment plan, NOLA’s clinical team provides stabilization and detoxification services to promote comfort and minimize withdrawal symptoms, prepares clients for recovery by establishing routines and recovery support, assists participants to create meaningful recovery activities in preparation to transition back to their home-life, and co-creates a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes relapse prevention strategies.
NOLA Detox and Recovery Center is certified by LegitScript and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Victory Addiction Recovery Center – Lafayette
Victory Addiction Recovery Center is a premier alcohol and drug treatment center offering affordable, quality treatment in Lafayette, Louisiana. They provide a multidisciplinary model of recovery that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit.
Treatment programs are supported by:
- Alcohol and Drug Detox
- Inpatient
- Intensive Outpatient
- Veteran Track
- Aftercare
- Family Care
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
- LegitScript Certified
Location and contact information:
111 Liberty Avenue
Lafayette, LA 70508
(855) 559-9822
Townsend Recovery Detox and Drug Rehab Center – Covington
Townsend Recovery Centers operate innovative drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout Louisiana. Their Covington location is a hospital-based detox and residential program with a contemporary and youthful vibe, helping remove the barrier of institutionalized treatment. They provide medical stabilization, treatment, and long-lasting recovery.
Townsend Recovery Detox and Drug Rehab Center specializes in:
- Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient Treatment
- Continuing Care
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Joint Commission
- The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Location and contact information:
195 Highland Park Plaza Suite 200
Covington, LA 70433
(504) 294-3611
CADA Bossier Treatment Center – Bossier City
The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana is a non-profit, health organization that provides substance abuse treatment, education, and support to individuals in need no matter what their financial situation. Their online admissions form, 24/7 call center, and peer recovery specialists, support an easy and informed-decision making process to those seeking to learn more about recovery.
CADA Bossier Treatment Center specializes in:
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient
- Teen Residential (male)
- Peer Recovery Support Specialists
Treatment programs are supported by:
- The Commission on Accreditation of Addiction Treatment Professionals
Location and contact information:
1525 Fullilove Drive
Bossier City, LA 71112
(318) 222-8511
Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center – Ethel
Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center, located in Ethel, Louisiana, emphasizes the 12-step model for treating addiction. They provide a full continuum of care for substance abuse issues, including detox, residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and general outpatient care.
Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center specializes in:
- Medical Detox
- Inpatient Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Family Counseling
- Professional Recovery Group
Location and contact information:
3015 Louisiana 956
Ethel, LA 70730
(225) 924-1910
Does Louisiana Have an Alcohol and Drug Use Problem?
![dead plant indicating death](https://www.addictions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/01-dead-plant-indicating-death.png)
The state saw a yearly increase in opioid-related deaths, going from 160 in 2012 to 588 in 2019.1
![ems blury photo of ambulance](https://www.addictions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/02-ems-blury-photo-of-ambulance.png)
The number of residents aged 18 to 25 with substance use disorders increased from 6.2% in 2017 to 6.9% in 2019.2
![empty bottles](https://www.addictions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/03-empty-bottles.png)
Binge drinking among this same age group rose from 35.2% to 37.1% during the same years.2
![serious woman with blue hair](https://www.addictions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/04-serious-woman-with-blue-hair.png)
Today, 8.3% of Louisiana’s population has a substance use disorder, higher than the national average of 7.4%.2
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Louisiana?
The cost of rehabilitation in Louisiana will vary based on a variety of factors, including the type of facilities available and the type of program you need. The best way to estimate potential costs is to consider the following:
The type of treatment program you need, i.e., inpatient care, outpatient care, etc.
The type of facility, such as luxury-style accommodations vs basic amenities
The duration of treatment, which could last 30, 60, or even 90 days
Whether you have insurance
Whether you’re eligible for special financing or government funding
The location of your intended facility
How to Find Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Louisiana
State-funded facilities receive their funding from both the federal and state government. They also receive support from local governments, which receive funding from insurance programs like Medicaid, special grants, and so on so that they can, in turn, provide low-cost or no-cost addiction treatment.
To receive free or low-cost drug and alcohol rehab in Louisiana, you’ll need to meet specific criteria. This would include the following:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must have proof of low income.
- You must prove that you don’t have health insurance coverage.
- You must be a tax-paying resident in the state of Louisiana.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, all states, including Louisiana, require that insurance providers automatically offer plans that include mental health and substance use disorder benefits.3
Therefore, if you have health insurance, you have some level of coverage for alcohol or drug rehab in Louisiana. The extent of your treatment coverage will depend entirely on your insurance plan and provider. You’ll need to verify what’s covered and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket with your insurance provider. You’ll also need to check which facilities are considered in-network to ensure coverage before making arrangements.
Medicaid
Medicaid is both a federal and state-funded program that offers healthcare coverage to low-income families. When it comes to substance use treatment, Medicaid covers:
- Initial screenings
- Intervention assistance
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Medically assisted detox
- Addiction treatment medications
- Mental health services
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program created for seniors 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. Unlike Medicaid, however, Medicare comes with monthly premiums that are based on your income. Essentially, people with lower incomes pay lower premiums.
Private Insurance
Private insurance plans under the MHPAEA must provide some extent of coverage for substance use disorder treatment as well as mental health disorders. Some of the top insurance providers that offer coverage for rehab include Humana, Aetna, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), COBRA, and Cigna.
How to Choose the Right Level of Care
Medical detox is the first step of the recovery process. It involves professional management of withdrawal symptoms so that you can stay safe and comfortable throughout the process as well as reduce the risk of returning to use. Medical detox involves 24/7 supervision and monitoring, as well as addiction withdrawal medications and supportive care.
Inpatient rehab refers to residential care, where you’ll be admitted to a facility and live there throughout the length of your program. These programs range from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the severity of your substance abuse and needs.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are also referred to as day treatment programs. They offer a high level of care while permitting you to live at home.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) have you getting involved in care for a few hours each day for between three and five days per week. This option offers more flexibility than a PHP.
Standard outpatient is the least intensive and most flexible treatment option. It involves a low rate of therapy throughout the week, which may be best for someone with a mild addiction and a strong support system.
Aftercare is a form of ongoing support that takes place after you have completed your rehabilitation program. You should receive continuing support that works for you. This may be as support group meetings or family therapy.
Should You Choose Specialized Drug Rehab?
No two Louisiana drug rehabs operate the same. While many follow evidence-based methods, each has its own philosophy and amenities, and many cater to specific groups.
Here’s a brief look at the various types of Louisiana addiction treatment centers:
Holistic: Holistic programs are centered on healing the mind, body, and spirit in addition to substance use recovery. As such, they combine evidence-based practices like psychotherapy with holistic methods like acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and creative arts therapy.
Christian and Faith-Based: The basis for Christian and other faith-based facilities is the acknowledgment that the individual isn’t just suffering physically but spiritually and emotionally as well. Thes encourage their patients to form a connection with a higher power during their recovery.
Luxury: Luxury programs involve upscale settings in beautiful locations that more closely resemble a resort. They also offer luxurious features like Olympic-sized pools, spa treatment, and massage therapy.
Executive: Executive rehabs are typically ideal for business professionals as they are tailored for the specific treatment of high-level and busy professionals who require more flexibility, privacy, and additional resources. These offer amenities such as private conference rooms, access to computers and Wi-Fi, travel support for work trips, and private rooms.
Dual Diagnosis: Dual diagnosis refers to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, both of which influence and complicate each other. A dual diagnosis program specializes in treating the unique needs of both disorders as well as their interactions.
Do You Need Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy and counseling to provide a “whole-patient” approach.4
Methadone is used to treat opioid addiction.5 It acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, minimizing pain and withdrawal symptoms, and stays active in the body for up to 36 hours.5
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is prescribed for opioid addiction. Suboxone is highly regulated, making it impossible to get without a doctor’s approval and prescription.
Naltrexone is an MAT option used to treat alcohol or opioid addiction and can be prescribed and administered by any doctor.7 It works to block the sedative and euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol by binding with and blocking the brain’s receptors to reduce cravings.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) was one of the first medications prescribed for alcohol use disorder. It works by blocking the enzymes the body uses to process alcohol and can cause unpleasant side effects if alcohol is consumed after it has been taken.
Acamprosate is another prescription medication used to help treat alcohol addiction. It comes in pill form and is typically taken up to three times per day with food. The medication works to restore the natural balance of the neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce cravings helping individuals to abstain from alcohol use.
Should You Travel for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Louisiana?
If you’re wondering whether you should travel to Louisiana to attend addiction treatment, you’ll have to first think about what your needs are. Sometimes getting far away from the environment that made you sick is the best medicine. In other cases, traveling to be closer to friends and family makes things easier.
Whether you’re traveling to the Pelican State from afar to get peace or staying local for support, you’ll want to consider the actual landscape of where you’ll be and what that means to you.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering traveling:
- You prefer the climate of Louisiana or need a change of scenery
- You want to attend a particular facility or detox center
- You have family or friends who live in Louisiana and can provide support
- Your insurance covers treatment there
Important Drug and Alcohol Laws in Louisiana
In response to the nationwide opioid epidemic, Louisiana has written several pieces of legislation into action to protect and support its residents. Here are some of the most recent laws to be aware of:
The Good Samaritan Law: Like most states now, Louisiana has enacted the Good Samaritan Law, which protects the victims of overdoses and bystanders from criminal charges. This, however, excludes possession of illicit drugs with the intent to distribute during the time of the distress call.
The HR291 Treatment System Transformation Initiative: The state of Louisiana has recognized that individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) are often unable to access MAT therapy as there are not enough community-based providers offering it. Therefore, HR291 is pushing the Department of Health to implement a plan to increase these offerings while urging Medicaid to pay for case management services in hospitals to help OUD patients transition from the emergency room into programs. The HR291 bill has been written in conjunction with Act 425, which requires that all licensed residential facilities now offer at least two forms of MAT on-site.
Act 10: Act 10 ensures that methadone is now covered by Louisiana’s Medicaid program, which did not previously cover this treatment. This left many residents without access to evidence-based care. In addition to Act 10, the HR257 bill urges the Department of Health to evaluate the costs associated with removing the prior authorization where clinicians had to first seek approval from insurers before administering MAT.
Resources
- Operation Engage Baton Rouge. (n.d.). Www.dea.gov.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Behavioral Health Barometer, Louisiana, Volume 6.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, December 1). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
- Chanell Baylor. SAMHSA (2021). Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021, June 8). Methadone.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administratino. (2020, September 15). Naltrexone.