When a person embarks on a journey of recovery from addiction, a strong support system can make all the difference. In fact, the impact of a loving and understanding network cannot be overstated. Supportive family and friends play a crucial role in helping a person navigate the challenges of seeking care and maintaining sobriety. If you have a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse, you can play a critical role in helping them achieve a lasting recovery by calling a Louisiana drug addiction hotline.

The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free number 1-844-289-0879 that is available around the clock. Our goal is to provide instant access to updated information about addiction treatment in Louisiana to anyone who needs it. Calls to the helpline are answered by trained professionals who can connect you with local resources and offer guidance in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Call 1-844-289-0789 today to discuss your concerns and get answers to all your questions about substance abuse and addiction. We guarantee complete privacy and confidentiality for yourself and your loved one. Call us to find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and other communities in Louisiana.

LOUISIANA SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN LOUISIANA

The Louisiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]

ALCOHOL USE

  • Percentage of students who had their first alcoholic drink before age 13 years: 20.1%
  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 26.7%
  • Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 11.0%
  • Percentage of students who go the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them: 40.9%
  • Percentage of students who reported they had 10 or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours in the past 30 days: 3.1%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of students who ever used marijuana: 34.6%
  • Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 5.7%
  • Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 18.0%
  • Percentage of students who ever used synthetic marijuana (spice, K2, black mamba, fake weed): 9.8%

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION MISUSE

  • Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 17.1%

EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

  • Percentage of students who ever used cocaine: 4.3%
  • Percentage of students who ever used inhalants (glue, aerosol cans, paints, sprays): 9.2%
  • Percentage of students who ever used heroin (smack, junk, China White): 3.6%
  • Percentage of students who ever used methamphetamines (speed, crystal meth, ice, crank): 5.0%
  • Percentage of students who ever used ecstasy: 6.8%
  • Percentage of students who ever injected an illegal drug: 3.6%
  • Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 20.7%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN LOUISIANA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in Louisiana: [2]

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 4.1% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 6.7% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average decreased from 7.9% in 2002-2004 to 6.8% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month alcohol use was reported by 11.8% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 20.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average also showed a downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 5.8% of Louisiana teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 6.8% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable at 8.2% during this time.
  • Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 11.2% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 2.8% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 2.2% (US average 2.3%).

Marijuana, alcohol, and illicit drug use among adolescents in Louisiana have all shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, the numbers for alcohol use are at 11.2% are higher than the US average of 9.3%.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in Louisiana is as follows:

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 28.6% of young adults in Louisiana in 2017-2019 compared to 27.1% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average increased from 28.7% in 2002-2004 to 35.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder was reported in 4.2% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Louisiana in 2017-2019, compared to 5.6% in 2002-2004. The US national average changed from 6.0% in 2002-2004 to 5.6% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year opioid use disorder was reported in 1.1% of young adults in Louisiana in 2017-2019 compared to 1.3% in 2015-2017. The US national average changed from 1.3% in 2015-2017 to 1.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder was reported in 6.2% of Louisiana residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 6.9% in 2015-2017. The US national average was around 7.2% to 7.5% during this time period.
  • Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 35.2% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 37.1% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Louisiana is about the same compared to the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 9.7% of Louisiana residents in 2017-2019, compared to 16.9% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Louisiana therefore has a similar percentage of young adults battling alcohol use disorder compared to the US average for all states.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 13.2% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Louisiana in 2017-2019 compared to 14.1% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in Louisiana residents aged 12 years and older:

  • Past-year tobacco use: 34.7% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 12.4% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.4% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.26% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 4.5% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.9% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 3.0% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 6.3% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 8.3% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 10,633
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 3,008
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 58.5% drug problem only, 10.6% alcohol problem only, 30.9% both drug and alcohol problems
A therapist sitting with their hands in their lap in the foreground with silhouettes of four other people in the background during a group therapy session.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF A SUPPORT SYSTEM IN ADDICTION RECOVERY?

Family and friends can be pillars of strength during addiction recovery, which is probably one of the most challenging endeavors you will undertake in your life. These are the people who care deeply about your wellbeing and want to see you living a healthy and fulfilling life. Their support is vital to give you the motivation to persevere through the most difficult moments, celebrate your progress, and avoid relapses. Here are some tips on making the most of your support system:

Communicate Openly

Open and honest communication is the foundation of a successful support system. You should talk frankly with your loved ones about your struggles, fears, and successes. Let them know how they can help, and be receptive to their concerns and suggestions. By sharing your feelings and experiences, you will allow your loved ones to better understand your journey and provide the support you need.

Educate Your Loved Ones

Sometimes, loved ones do not fully understand the complexities of addiction and recovery. It’s important to educate them about the nature of your condition, the treatment process, and the challenges you are facing. This will help them be empathetic, non-judgmental, compassionate, and patient.

Involve Them in Treatment Decisions

When appropriate, it’s a good idea to involve your loved ones in treatment decisions. Seek their input and get their perspective. Their insights can be a source of valuable support as you navigate through the various treatment options. This will help you and your healthcare team develop a recovery plan that is tailored to your unique needs.

Encourage Attendance in Therapy Sessions

The presence of your family and friends in therapy sessions, for example, at family therapy or support groups, can be invaluable. These sessions can facilitate open discussions, address any underlying negative family dynamics, and strengthen your bonds. They also offer an opportunity for your loved ones to learn healthy ways to support your recovery.

Establish Healthy Boundaries

While your family and friends play a pivotal role in your recovery, it’s also important to set boundaries to protect your privacy and wellbeing. Communicate your needs clearly and respectfully. Let your loved ones know how they can best support you without enabling harmful behaviors.

Create a Sober Environment

Maintaining sobriety can be very challenging if your immediate environment includes temptations or people with unhealthy habits. Engage with your loved ones and work together to create a supportive, substance-free environment. Encourage sober activities, plan outings that don’t involve substance use, and surround yourself with positivity.

Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

Recognize and celebrate your progress together with the people who care about you. Whether it’s been a week, a month, or a year of sobriety, take time to commemorate these milestones with your support system. Their acknowledgment and encouragement can be incredibly motivating.

Seek Help for Family and Friends

Addiction affects not only you but also the people around you. Find a support network or seek professional help for your loved ones if they feel overwhelmed by your recovery process. Assure them that their wellbeing is important too.

Call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 to find comprehensive treatment programs for substance abuse in Louisiana that include family and friends in the recovery process.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Louisiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on July 20, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Louisiana. Available online. Accessed on July 20, 2023.

Last updated: July 25, 2023