Expert Insights
Many people might think that Mardi Gras would be off limits to those who are in recovery, but thanks to a smart woman on a mission, that’s no longer the case. Elaine Tang, who is originally from Tennessee, says she had nothing but bad memories of Mardi Gras – she was usually blacked out or getting her stomach pumped at the local ER. After she got sober, she had an idea: why not get a large group of sober people together, hold each other accountable, and go to Mardi Gras sober? And that’s how Mardi Gras Sover Safe Spots were born. One “Safe Spot” is on the Orleans parade route on St. Charles and Napoleon, while the other is on the Jefferson parade route at Veterans and Causeway. This is a great example of how you can still go out and have fun without alcohol and drugs!
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in New Orleans?
What you pay for drug rehab in New Orleans will vary depending on many factors, including the insurance coverage you have, if any. Outpatient drug rehab may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000—sometimes more, depending on the intensiveness of the program and how long you attend.
Meanwhile, inpatient rehab in New Orleans may cost anywhere from $5,000-$50,000.
Other factors that determine New Orleans drug rehab costs are location, private versus public, amenities, level of care, and length of stay. Don’t let potential costs prevent you from seeking substance abuse treatment. Most drug rehabs in New Orleans offer multiple payment options at a discounted rate or free of charge.
Drug and alcohol rehabs in New Orleans can do this with scholarships, grants, state and federal funding, payment plans, sliding-scale fees, foundations, etc.
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in New Orleans?
State-funded New Orleans alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs provide drug and alcohol treatment to anyone needing recovery resources. If you have no income, treatment is free. Treatment fees may be a small percentage of the total costs if you have an income.
Priority for treatment is given to disadvantaged populations, people eligible for Medicare, and pregnant women. State-funded drug rehabs in New Orleans are paid using tax dollars. They will provide you with an assessment for an accurate level of care. Upon your first meeting, you may need to show identification and proof of income or lack of income. Proof of insurance coverage or lack of insurance may also be required.
Drug and alcohol misuse often causes financial difficulties. With the help of state and federal grants, New Orleans drug rehabs can provide detox, inpatient, and outpatient services to you at low or no charge.
Examples of federally funded alcohol and drug programs in New Orleans working to ensure everyone receives the help they need include:4
- Opioid Survival Connection
- New Orleans Opioid Task Force
- Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
- Sobering House at Odyssey House Louisiana
- Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)
- Naloxone Distribution
If you have insurance, using it can significantly reduce the payment you are responsible for. Some free drug and alcohol rehabs in New Orleans charge a small percentage of the cost the insurance company does not pay.
How Does New Orleans Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras, Jazz Festivals, Parades, and Bourbon Street. The city is also known for a staggering rise in overdose deaths. In 2021, NOLA saw drug fatalities grow to five times the number in 2015. And the powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl, was involved in 94% of those deaths.2 But there’s another side to the Big Easy – it’s a side where recovery is possible, thanks to the 40 accredited alcohol and drug rehabs in New Orleans.
The DEA New Orleans Division reports the following facts about substance abuse in the area:1
Heroin is the greatest threat, with more resources spent on it than any other drug.
Fentanyl is the second greatest threat and is being mixed into other synthetic opioids, leading to many overdose fatalities.
Marijuana, when obtained illegally, accounted for the highest number of drug seizures by authorities.
Controlled prescription drugs are seen as a big problem by 50% of survey respondents who live in Greater New Orleans.
In 2020, there were 365 drug overdose deaths, a 51% increase from 2019. That equals one death for every day of the year. Out of those overdose deaths, 78% involved fentanyl, 40% involved cocaine and 18% involved amphetamines. Considering there were a total of 1,769 overdose deaths in the state of Louisiana, this number is exceptionally high for Orleans Parish.2
The latest New Orleans Community Health Assessment reveals that between 2014 and 2018, half of all motor vehicle fatalities involved alcohol. It also found:3
of motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol.
of bicycle fatalities involved alcohol.
of adults report excessive drinking.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in New Orleans
The Good Samaritan Law in Louisiana protects anyone who calls for help for a person they perceive as overdosing on drugs or alcohol. Even if they are misusing substances, they cannot be arrested or charged with a crime because they are making efforts to save a life.7
Act 676 authorized the Pharmacy Board to create an in-state prescription monitoring system in Louisiana. In 2011 this bill expanded to allow anyone to access the monitoring system. The naloxone standing order will enable pharmacists to dispense naloxone (Narcan). In 2016, House Concurrent Resolution 113 allowed the creation of the Louisiana Commission on Preventing Opioid Abuse.7
Resources
- DEA New Orleans Division. (2016). Greater New Orleans Situational Drug Report.
- New Orleans Coroner. (2021). 2019/2020 Coroner’s Report on Accidental Drug-Related Deaths in New Orleans.
- New Orleans Health Department. (2019). New Orleans Community Health Assessment.
- The city of New Orleans. (2022). Behavioral Health.
- The city of New Orleans. (2014). A Guide to Behavioral Health Resources in the Greater New Orleans Area.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2017). Mental Health By The Numbers.
- Louisiana Department of Health. (2017). Opioid Abuse, Prevention, Treatment, and Policy.
