Assessments done on treatment options in the state at this time indicated that low access is largely driven by the limited number of providers across the state. However, when searching for treatment, one of the first steps is an assessment or evaluation for drug and alcohol addiction. Many professionals working in Louisiana provide addiction assessment or evaluation. The purpose of the assessment is to determine if there is an addiction, the extent of the drug problem, and what method of treatment is needed. For example, those drug users struggling with opioid addiction can access withdrawal management or a medication-assisted treatment option.
There are inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs, and before beginning one of these services, the patient is assessed. These assessments are done to ensure the patient receives the proper care, and it is vital to know the drug history along with other underlying issues connected to the addiction. If a family or addict is unsure of what step to take, an assessment is usually a good first step.
What tools are used to help screen for addictions?
There are some very common questionnaires used by industry professionals to help screen for addiction or drug dependency problems. Each state and federally operated organization, as well as the private sector, will utilize a different approach when screening for substance abuse disorders. There are nationally recognized tests and questionnaires given, but each one is simply a list of questions asked, which gathers the necessary information.
Substance Abuse Trends in Louisiana
According to a Substance Use Treatment Policy Recommendations for the State of Louisiana, between 2014 and 2017, the number of fatal and non-fatal opioid-related overdoses and opioid-related hospital visits continued to rise within the state. The southeastern parishes of Jefferson, St. Tammany, Orleans, Washington, and East Baton Rouge had the highest number of opioid-related deaths in 2017. However, the northern parishes like Caddo and Ouachita ranked at the top for the amount of fatal and non-fatal deaths. Between 2013 and 2015, emergency department visits due to suspected opioid overdose increased by 33%. Also, between 2013 and 2016, there was a 53% increase in the number of opioid-related emergency department visits. Per this report, many of the treatment resources in the state have been unable to keep pace with the number of people requiring help. In 2017, roughly only 5% of people who needed help received treatment.
LIST OF ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION PROGRAM IN LOUISIANA
Below you can find a listing of different assessment/evaluation programs for drug and alcohol addiction in Louisiana. The list can be incomplete so if you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact one of our treatment specialists at 1-800-304-2219.
