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Fentanyl is a wicked addiction but there is help for those who struggle
By LBJ,
2 days ago
NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — The arrival of fentanyl exposed the critical need for treatment beds across the state, and for some time the need outmatched the number of beds available.
Louisiana has actually improved those options and WGNO’s LBJ visited one of the long-term treatment facilities with a history of tending to those with substance abuse disorder.
“Those who have come to us rally have just lost everything. They’ve lost ties with family, friends and loved ones. No job, no income, the majority are homeless. They really have nowhere else to go and it’s often considered the last house on the block,” said CEO of Bridge House Grace House Kevin Gardere.
Gardere says Fentanyl continues to rank high as a drug of choice locally but before enrolling in long-term care, detox is necessary and medical detox units are critical.
“For alcohol, it can be life-threatening, and for someone on opiates, if you don’t have medical detox, it’s very difficult to get through because your involuntary muscles, your diaphragm, your GI system, they’re still trying to pull the opiates, the heroin and fentanyl and it’s not there anymore so it’s pretty painful,” said Gardere.
The Opioid lawsuit settlement and the expansion of Medicaid in the state have been key in getting help to individuals who want and seek help.
The Louisiana Department of Health officials say they are better positioned than ever to help addicts but not everyone seeks help.
“Unfortunately we know nationally and in some of our numbers here, only 25% of people with opioid use disorder are getting life-saving treatment. We have treatment options and we don’t have that for other additions in the same way. But we’ve got very effective treatments for opioid use disorder,” said Louisiana Department of Health Dr. Pete Crougan.
At Bridge House Grace House, the long-term treatment has been effective by implementing an extensive program from stabilization to reentry and transition. 12-step programs have been implemented along with job placement at one of their thrift stores or used car lots.
“When you get out of here we have the same four goals: We want you to be clean and sober, we want you to have a job, we want you to have a safe place to stay, and we want you to have a network of individuals that are in recovery outside of our walls,” said Gardere.
To take advantage of treatment options nationwide, visit the Opioid Help Louisiana website .
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really? then why did Medicaid drop all those who had a success in stopping them could no longer afford the medicine? you say one thing then do another. do you want people with addiction to get better or not? make your mind up world
Jon Thompson
1d ago
My son and I was riding though town the other day and I this young lady standing in one place looking like she was going to fall over. I said WTF. my son says that's the new drug in town that she's on.
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