Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras and New Orleans, the city that never sleeps. But excessive indulgence can contribute to mental and behavioral health disorders. Louisiana’s number of residents with alcohol and drug use disorders has escalated in recent years. This has led many to seek help in locating free substance abuse resources in Louisiana.
Drug Statistics in Louisiana
Addiction Nonprofits in Louisiana
Coalition of Louisiana Addiction Services & Prevention Providers (CLASPP)
This statewide organization provides education resources and advocacy for public policies to reduce SUD stigmas and increase access to treatment.
Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center
This organization provides community resources, maternal and primary care, and education workshops to improve health outcomes in Southwest Louisiana.
Louisiana Spirit
This program originated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to provide crisis management and counseling to clients impacted by natural disasters. The center offers social services, referrals to support groups, and networking opportunities to assist long term recovery
U-ACT: Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana
Centered in Union Parish, this group provides assistance to teenagers impacted by substance abuse. The organization also provides peer support for teen pregnancy, students struggling in school, and victims of bullying.
Louisiana 211
This network provides referrals on the community level to underserved populations in Louisiana.
Harm Reduction Programs
TryStereo
This volunteer organization operates in New Orleans and provides primary care, naloxone, and personal hygiene supplies to prevent opioid overdose and infections and illnesses related to drug misuse.
Northeast Delta HSA
Starting in 2023, the state government has begun to roll out vending machines that provide no-cost syringes, hygiene products, condoms, and drug testing kits.
Fresh Works
This program is based in Central Louisiana and offers free sterile syringes, fentanyl test strips, personal hygiene products, and Narcan. A counselor is available on site to provide additional resources.
Government Grants & Resources
Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana Medicaid provides health insurance and coverage to low-income residents, including seniors, children, and the disabled. Clients can determine their eligibility for services, study their benefits, and coordinate with healthcare providers.
Project Launch
This government program is designed to assist children who have cognitive and behavioral health disorders.
Louisiana State Opioid Response (LaSOR)
This grant initiative funds existing substance abuse treatment programs.
Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)
This government program is designed specifically to address opioid addictions in rural areas. The program allocates funding, tests, and training to boost recovery rates.
College Addiction Resources
Louisiana State University–Collegiate Recovery
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRCRC) provides a safe space for undergrads and grad students to network and offer support. Recovery meetings are hosted regularly on campus.
Southern University and A&M College–Center for Prevention Resources
The Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources provides training and education materials to students interested in becoming substance abuse prevention professionals. The program includes classes, workshops, and partnerships with other organizations.
South Louisiana Community College
South Louisiana Community College provides off-campus links to resources for substance abuse and alcohol consumption. Links to general counseling for mental and behavioral health disorders are also provided.
LGBTQ+ Resources
LocALL
This group promotes trans rights within the state, and networks with other activist organizations. LocALL provides resources for mental and behavioral healthcare, a crisis hotline, and faith/family-based assistance.
PFlag New Orleans
This chapter of the PFlag network offers education resources, community outreach programs, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans. The center participates in local events and provides media outlets for its programs.
Acadiana Queer Collective
This organization, based in Lafayette, offers safe spaces and LGBTQ+ resources for community members. The site maintains a Health & Wellness Expo to provide mental and behavioral services, access to primary care, opportunities to network with local businesses, and participate in community events.
Veterans Programs
Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs
This state agency provides an overview of benefits and services available to military veterans and their families. Services include counseling, rehabilitation homes, links to VA medical centers, and resources for homeless/indigent veterans.
Louisiana Veterans Homes
These residential facilities offer veterans and their spouses long- and short-term care, including mental health services, nursing, rehabilitative therapies, and pharmaceutical needs. Currently, five homes are available throughout the state.
New Orleans VA Medical Center
The VA maintains a medical center with branches throughout the state. The New Orleans facility is open 24/7 and provides specialized care for mental and behavioral health disorders, seniors, the LGBTQ+ community, and homeless/indigent veterans.
Veterans Hotline
This dedicated crisis line for veterans provides immediate assistance via chat, telephone, or text, and is available 24/7. All calls are confidential and are toll free. Specialized services are available for clients with audible needs.
Indigenous & Tribal Programs
Louisiana Office of Indian Affairs
This state agency coordinates education, awareness programs, and resources among Native American groups within the state. The agency promotes indigenous culture and works to increase access to state and local resources.
Drug Laws in Louisiana
Naloxone Standing Order
This standing order requires the wide availability and distribution of nasal-spray naloxone kits. Naloxone is available at local pharmacies and at no cost for clients with Medicaid insurance.
Louisiana Good Samaritan Law
RS 14:403.10 §403.10 allows good faith volunteers and first responders to be exempt for liability and persecution if they render aid to individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose.
Louisiana Social Host Law
RS 9:2800.1 mandates that persons, including vendors, who sell or furnish alcohol to legal-aged persons are not liable for the damage that the intoxicated person conducts off the premises under the host’s jurisdiction.
Sources
- “Opioid Overdose Deaths by Age Group,” KFF, last modified 2024.
- “Louisiana,” National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))
- “National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Estimated Totals (2021-2022)”, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- “State Fact Sheets: Addressing Excessive Alcohol Use–Louisiana,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- “Louisiana Alcohol Abuse Statistics,” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), last modified 2024.
- “Average Cost of Drug Rehab,” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), last modified 2024.