Drug addiction in Gretna

Gretna, Louisiana has a population of over 16,786 people as per 2009 estimates and is located in Jefferson Parish, which lies on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The suburb was in the news for all the wrong reasons in 2005- the year Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans and southern Louisiana- when thousands of New Orleans evacuees were sent back by Gretna police, who blocked the Crescent City Connection bridge to prevent the influx of many New Orleans residents who fled their homes. Many evacuees were threatened at gunpoint, and the administration of Gretna was accused of being racist due to their refusal to allow many African Americans from entering city limits.

Gretna as a suburb has always been wary of its neighbor New Orleans due to the latters image as a crime and illegal drug hotspot. Given its proximity to Louisianas largest city, Gretna does have its share of drug addiction problems. Statistics of drug addiction in Gretna Louisiana are only increasing by the day. Substances like crack cocaine, marijuana, meth, and even prescription drugs and alcohol are being blatantly abused, and Gretna officials, NGOs, and the local government have been doing their bit to set up drug counseling centers and rehab facilities offering both long term treatment and short term treatment.

Various rehab and drug addiction treatment centers in Gretna LA advocate the two-fold approach of healing addicts, i.e. they include mental or psychological and physical healing methods in their programs. Since substance abuse is, more often than not, the result of suppressed personal issues like depression, paranoia, loneliness, lack of confidence, abuse, et al, rehab centers in Gretna Louisiana seek to offer 24x7 guidance, behavioral therapy, group and individual counseling, and psychotherapy to patients.

Physical treatment includes medication, detoxification, and subsequent health monitoring as part of its ambit. The two-fold approach is highly productive, because merely addressing the physical after-effects of drug addiction and alcoholism will only work on a temporary basis till the addict is released and only goes back to a life of further abuse, since his or her personal and psychological problems have not been dealt with. It is a known fact that those who give in to drug addiction often do so as they view narcotics, alcohol etc. as crutches that can help them cope with lifes problems.

Some treatment facilities in Gretna offer long term treatment programs to those who have been the victims of prolonged and constant drug and alcohol abuse. Inpatient and residential treatments often last for around 3-6 months and involve psychological counseling, life skills workshops, group therapy, detox, etc. On the other hand, short term programs are apt for those who are somewhat addicted to a substance and require a less comprehensive treatment option that usually lasts for a month.

Sober living homes in Gretna allow former drug addicts who have completed long term treatments to make a smooth transition to a sober life by enabling patients to have access to constant support and care courtesy resident staff members. Since sober living is such a crucial step in the recovery process, patients are always monitored and encouraged to take up activities and jobs to feel more confident. Sober living homes are very similar to apartment blocks, and some facilities even allow patients to go home over the weekend.