House Concurrent Resolution 70 Passes

Townsend Works with Representative LaBruzzo to Provide Better Access for Substance Abuse Treatment

Lafayette, LA, June 2, 2008

Patients suffering from the disease of addiction will now have easier access to addiction medicine physicians with the passage of HCR 70. House Concurrent Resolution 70, sponsored by Rep. John LaBruzzo, amends the current rules for admittance into a substance abuse intensive outpatient program to allow for initial examinations to be done via telemedicine platforms provided that a licensed health care professional is in the examination room with the patient at the time of the video conference.

“Louisiana suffers from a critical shortage of qualified addiction specialists,” said Michael Handley, Townsend CEO. “When an addict finally says ‘I Need Help,’ time is of the essence. By allowing technology to be used for examinations, patients presenting with the disease of addiction can be seen within a matter of hours instead of weeks. We applaud Rep. LaBruzzo for his understanding of this critical issue and his fortitude in expanding the availability if quality substance abuse treatment in Louisiana.”

About Townsend

Townsend is a network of outpatient treatment centers that provide help and hope for anyone affected by the disease of addiction. The innovative, young company features a revolutionary approach to addiction treatment by combining traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with advanced medical treatment to stabilize the brain’s reward system and minimize the effects of withdrawal. Private Pay and insurance are accepted and financing is available. For more information on Townsend and its treatment system, visit www.townsendla.com.

The Problem with Substance Abuse in Louisiana

Substance abuse is a major problem in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state has one of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the nation. In 2019, there were 1,140 drug overdose deaths in Louisiana, with opioids being involved in 70% of those deaths.

Despite these alarming statistics, many people in Louisiana are unable to access the treatment they need. There are simply not enough providers, and insurance coverage can be limited. This is especially true for people who live in rural areas.

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Louisiana Communities

The devastating effects of substance abuse in Louisiana go beyond overdose deaths. Families are torn apart, children are left without parents, and communities suffer. Substance abuse can lead to job loss, financial insecurity, and homelessness. It also puts a strain on the healthcare system and law enforcement.

Furthermore, substance abuse has long-term impacts on individuals and their families. Even those who manage to overcome addiction may struggle with physical and mental health issues for years to come. Children who grow up in homes affected by substance abuse may struggle with trauma and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

It's clear that addressing substance abuse is not just about saving lives from overdose deaths; it's also about improving the overall well-being of Louisiana communities. This is why Townsend's partnership with Representative LaBruzzo is so important - by improving access to treatment, we can help prevent these negative impacts from occurring in the first place.

The Role of Stigma in Preventing Individuals from Seeking Treatment

One of the biggest barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment is the stigma surrounding addiction. Many people who struggle with addiction are afraid to seek help because they fear being judged or labeled as "weak" or "bad." This stigma can be particularly strong in small towns and rural areas, where everyone knows each other and gossip travels fast.

Unfortunately, this stigma can have serious consequences. When people don't seek treatment for their addiction, their condition can worsen over time. They may lose their jobs, their families, and even their lives. It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, not a choice. Like any other medical condition, it requires professional treatment in order to be overcome.

That's why Townsend and Representative LaBruzzo are working together to raise awareness about the importance of seeking treatment for addiction. By educating people about the nature of addiction and breaking down the stigma surrounding it, they hope to encourage more individuals in Louisiana to seek the help they need.

Townsend's Solution

Townsend, a leading provider of addiction treatment services, has been working to address this problem. The company has been expanding its services in Louisiana, opening new facilities and hiring more staff.

But Townsend knows that it can't do this alone. That's why the company has teamed up with Representative Paul LaBruzzo to advocate for better access to substance abuse treatment in Louisiana.

LaBruzzo has been a strong advocate for addiction treatment services. He has worked to increase funding for treatment programs and to improve access to care. He understands the severity of the opioid epidemic in Louisiana and is committed to finding solutions.

Efforts to Increase the Availability of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Rural Areas

One of the biggest challenges in addressing substance abuse in Louisiana is ensuring that people who live in rural areas have access to treatment. Many small towns and rural communities lack the resources and infrastructure needed to provide comprehensive addiction treatment services.

To address this problem, Townsend and Representative LaBruzzo are working to increase the availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in rural areas. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance abuse disorders. It has been shown to be highly effective in helping people overcome addiction.

Townsend has been investing in telemedicine technology, which allows patients in remote areas to receive medical care through video conferencing. This technology enables patients to receive MAT without having to travel long distances or miss work. Townsend is also working with local healthcare providers to train them on how to provide MAT services.

In addition, Representative LaBruzzo has introduced legislation that would provide funding for addiction treatment programs in rural areas. The bill would allocate funds for training healthcare providers, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to medication-assisted treatment.

By increasing the availability of MAT in rural areas, we can help ensure that more people in Louisiana have access to the care they need. This will not only save lives but also improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.

Initiatives to Reduce Over-Prescription of Opioids

One of the major causes of the opioid epidemic is the over-prescription of opioids by healthcare providers. Many people who become addicted to opioids start by taking prescription painkillers for legitimate medical reasons. Unfortunately, some healthcare providers have been prescribing these medications in excessive amounts, leading to addiction and overdose.

To address this problem, there have been several initiatives aimed at reducing the over-prescription of opioids. For example, Louisiana has implemented a Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) that tracks prescriptions for controlled substances. Healthcare providers can use this system to identify patients who may be at risk for addiction or overdose and adjust their treatment accordingly.

In addition, many healthcare providers are now using alternative treatments for pain management, such as physical therapy and non-opioid medications. This approach not only reduces the risk of addiction but also provides more effective long-term pain relief.

Furthermore, there has been an increased focus on educating healthcare providers about the risks of opioid prescribing. Medical schools and residency programs are now teaching students about responsible opioid prescribing practices, and continuing education courses are available for practicing physicians.

By reducing the over-prescription of opioids, we can help prevent new cases of addiction from developing. This is an important step in addressing the opioid epidemic in Louisiana and ensuring that our communities remain healthy and safe.

The Importance of Early Intervention and Prevention Programs

While access to treatment is crucial, it's also important to address substance abuse before it becomes a full-blown addiction. This is where early intervention and prevention programs come in.

Early intervention programs can help identify individuals who are at risk of developing addiction and provide them with the support they need before their condition worsens. These programs can include screenings, education, counseling, and support groups.

Prevention programs aim to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse in the first place. These programs can target specific populations, such as youth or people with a family history of addiction. They can also involve community-wide efforts, such as public awareness campaigns or policy changes.

By focusing on early intervention and prevention, we can help reduce the number of people who develop addiction in Louisiana. This will not only save lives but also improve the economic and social well-being of our communities.

Townsend recognizes the importance of these programs and has been working to expand its outreach efforts in Louisiana. The company has been partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention and early intervention. By working together with Representative LaBruzzo and other stakeholders, Townsend hopes to make a significant impact on the opioid epidemic in Louisiana.

The Benefits of Peer Support Programs in Addiction Recovery

Peer support programs have become increasingly popular in addiction recovery. These programs involve individuals who are in recovery supporting and encouraging each other through the challenges of addiction. Research has shown that peer support programs can be highly effective in promoting long-term recovery.

One of the main benefits of peer support programs is that they provide a sense of community and connection for individuals in recovery. Many people who struggle with addiction feel isolated and alone, but peer support programs can help them feel like they are part of a larger group. This can be especially important for those who have lost relationships due to their addiction.

Another benefit of peer support programs is that they offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or stigma. Members of these groups often have similar experiences, which can make it easier to relate to each other and build trust.

Peer support programs also provide opportunities for learning and growth. Members can share tips and strategies for managing cravings, coping with stress, and building healthy habits. They can also offer guidance on navigating challenges such as family conflicts or legal issues.

Overall, peer support programs can be an invaluable resource for individuals in addiction recovery. By providing a sense of community, offering a safe space for sharing, and promoting learning and growth, these programs can help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

Working Together to Make a Difference

Townsend and LaBruzzo are working together to improve access to substance abuse treatment in Louisiana. They are advocating for increased funding for treatment programs, better insurance coverage, and improved access to care in rural areas.

Their efforts are already making a difference. In 2020, Louisiana received $10.6 million in federal funding to expand access to substance abuse treatment. This funding will help to support programs that provide medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support services.

Conclusion

The opioid epidemic is a major problem in Louisiana, but Townsend and Representative Paul LaBruzzo are working to make a difference. By advocating for better access to substance abuse treatment, they are helping to save lives and improve the health of communities throughout the state.

Contact

Dan Forman
1-800-392-9186
info@addictiondoctor.org

Sources:

• Louisiana Department of Health: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3962
• National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline