Covington Police Chief Supports Opioid Addiction Treatment, Louisiana Drug Rehab Centers
In an effort to attack the nation’s current opioid addiction crisis, Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz joined a national panel of law enforcement leaders aimed at improving the epidemic. This panel, called the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative Council, is devoted to expanding access to substance abuse treatment for those who suffer from addiction — particularly opioid addiction.
Local residents who abuse opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and morphine can get help from police stations and Louisiana drug rehab centers that can guide them safely toward sobriety.
If you are suffering from opioid addiction and live in Louisiana, understand that you don’t have to overcome addiction by yourself without help. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local drug rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction and dependence.
Launching Programs In Favor of Addiction Treatment
As part of Operation Angel, police officers in Louisiana are helping addicts seek treatment.
Earlier this year, law enforcement leaders in St. Tammany Parish rolled out a program called “Operation Angel,” which connects drug addicts with addiction treatment. Those who struggle with addiction can show up at any local police station, turn in any unused substances, and ask for help without fearing arrest or incarceration. These individuals are then paired with “angels” who connect them with addiction treatment programs and rehab centers that specialize in treating the addiction type.
Before the existence of Operation Angel, law enforcement agencies addressed drug addiction by placing addicts in jail, which prevented them from seeking help. But the new program encourages drug addicts to come forward so they become clean and enhance their lives — improving public safety in the process. Programs like Operation Angel also help remove the stigma surrounding addiction and those who suffer from the condition.
The initiative Lentz joined will communicate regularly with other law enforcement agencies in the county using programs similar to Operation Angel. This will allow all agencies to share best practices and develop new and updated policies and guidelines that can improve the program, as well as the opioid epidemic. Lentz is encouraging those who suffer from addiction to step forward and visit the nearest police station for help.
Treating Opioid Addiction at Louisiana Rehab Centers
Opioid addiction causes changes in brain chemistry that make it difficult for users to stop using. Most opioid users develop a strong physical dependence on the drug, and suffer intense cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms upon quitting abruptly. But when combined with counseling and 12-step programs, medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone are effective at helping addicts stay sober.
These medications mirror the effects of opioids while blocking feelings of pain relief and euphoria. This allows addicts to stop using opioids without suffering cravings and withdrawal symptoms. After overcoming opioid dependence, patients undergo counseling to address the psychological and social factors behind addiction.
Following counseling and therapy, patients can resume healthy, satisfying lives without drug abuse. Most rehab programs also offer ongoing education courses that teach recovering addicts how to stay sober, and how to avoid relapse in the years following treatment.
If you are struggling with opioid addiction and need help, our caring treatment specialists can guide you in the right direction. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to locate Louisiana drug rehab centers that will guide you safely along the path to improved health and sobriety.
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