Ochsner Recovery Program

When you enroll in the Ochsner recovery program, our expert team will work with you to develop an individualized care plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Your program will last between 20 and 30 days. You’ll come to the outpatient treatment center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until about 3 p.m.

The Ochsner recovery program uses a group-based model. While at Ochsner, you’ll participate in daily group therapy sessions and recovery-related classes. You'll also meet with your psychiatrist individually multiple times a week. Depending on your needs, you may also receive additional individual appointments.

The group approach allows patients to support and learn from each other. It also allows the care team to stay up to date with your recovery process and adjust your treatment plan quickly if needed.

The Ochsner recovery program team includes:

• Nurses

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

• Social workers

Because Ochsner is an academic healthcare center, our team often includes psychology and medical residents as well.

To learn more about the Ochsner recovery program, call 504-842-3999 and select option 2. A member of the recovery program team will talk with you about your situation and work with you to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.

If the team member thinks you need immediate or 24-hour care, they will instruct you to go to an Ochsner Emergency Department.

The Ochsner recovery program is located on the fourth floor of the Brent House Hotel. The hotel connects to Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans.

Many people with a substance use disorder also often have one or more chronic physical or mental health conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain or depression. The Ochsner recovery program allows you to receive treatment for these conditions while also receiving treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Our team can coordinate your care with your existing Ochsner physicians if you need additional services. We can also refer you to other doctors if needed.

While enrolled in the program, all patients receive regular blood and urine testing. This allows us to adjust your care plan in the case of relapse.

The 4 Pillars of Recovery

Mental health and substance abuse are interconnected. Ochsner recovery program treatments address the four pillars of recovery to improve your overall mental wellness. These are:

1. Health, or managing health conditions and symptoms
2. Home, creating a safe, stable living environment
3. Purpose, engaging in meaningful activities
4. Community, building social connections and a support system

Our team also works with you to increase recovery capital, or the resources you have to maintain your recovery. The three main types of recovery capital are:

• Community resources

• Family and social resources

• Personal resources

Group Therapy and Classes

While other treatment programs often focus on one type of psychotherapy, Ochsner incorporates therapy techniques from several different psychotherapy models. By doing this, we expand the number of skills and tools patients learn in the program. Group therapy sessions and classes include training in:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Dialectical behavior therapy — talk therapy for people with conditions that make it difficult to manage their emotions

Medication-Assisted Therapy

The Ochsner recovery program offers medication-assisted therapy. Medication can often help people stick with their treatment program and maintain recovery when combined with psychotherapy and other treatments. The Ochsner recovery program offers several medication options, including:

• Acamprosate, or Campral

• Buprenorphine, or Suboxone

• Naltrexone

Mindfulness Practices and Expressive Therapy

Our expert team members provide a wide range of evidence-based treatments related to mindfulness and expressive therapy, including:

• Art therapy

• Mindfulness-based activities and education

• Yoga

Family Involvement and Support

Ochsner recovery program patients aren’t the only ones affected by substance use disorders. Their spouses, children and other family members are also affected. Because of this, we encourage family members to take an active role in your recovery. Ochsner offers many ways for families to get involved and also receive treatment, including:

• Educational sessions

• Family therapy

• Group therapy

• Individual therapy

We can also help connect family members with additional community resources and self-help groups.

After finishing the recovery program, we will ensure you have an individual therapist and group therapy to continue your treatment. Additionally, the Ochsner recovery program team offers a weekly aftercare group. Depending on your needs, Ochsner also offers continued blood or urine screening.

Participating in a community-based self-help program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, is an excellent way to receive additional, ongoing support.

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Baton Rouge: Capital Area Human Services
• Bayou Region: South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority
• Jefferson Parish: Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority
• Louisiana Department of Health: Behavioral Health Local Governing Entities Locations Map
• New Orleans area, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes
• North Shore: Florida Parishes Human Services Authority

If you experience other forms of addiction, these community resources may help.

Sex addiction:

Lighthouse Counseling

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services

Gambling addiction:

The Louisiana Department of Health has compiled a list of inpatient and outpatient treatment providers.

Addiction is when a person can't stop doing something that might be harmful, even if they want to stop. This could be using drugs, drinking alcohol, or even playing video games too much. People with addiction often feel like they need to keep doing the activity to feel normal or happy, and it can be hard for them to quit on their own.

A substance use disorder is when someone has trouble controlling their use of drugs or alcohol. Even if they know it's causing problems in their life, like at school, with friends, or with their health, they still find it hard to stop using the substance. It affects how they think and act, making it tough for them to live a normal life without the drug or alcohol.

Signs of alcohol abuse include drinking more than you planned, trying to cut down but not being able to, and spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking. It can also mean having trouble at school, home, or with friends because of drinking, and continuing to drink even though it's causing problems. Other signs include needing to drink more to get the same effect, feeling sick when you don't drink, and losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.

Yes, alcohol is a drug. It's a substance that changes how your body and mind work. When people drink alcohol, it can affect their mood, behavior and thinking. Even though it's legal for adults, drinking too much can be dangerous and cause serious health problems. Like other drugs, alcohol can also lead to addiction, making it hard for people to stop drinking even when they want to.

Yes, drug addiction is considered a disease. It affects the brain and changes how it works, making it hard for people to control their use of drugs. Just like other diseases, addiction needs treatment and care. People with addiction often need help from doctors, counselors and support groups to recover. It's important to understand that addiction isn't just a bad habit; it's a serious condition that requires understanding and support to overcome.

Stopping drinking can be challenging, but it's possible with determination and support. Here are some steps that can help:

1. Set a goal: Decide why you want to stop drinking and set a clear goal.
2. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or join a support group for encouragement.
3. Remove temptations: Get rid of alcohol in your home to avoid temptation.
4. Find alternatives: Keep yourself busy with hobbies, sports or other activities you enjoy.
5. Get professional help, like the Ochsner Recovery Program: Doctors or counselors can provide guidance and treatment options.
6. Stay positive: Celebrate small successes and stay focused on your goal.

Remember, it's OK to ask for help and take it one step at a time.