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Monday, March 13, 2017

CADA

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Agency provides addiction treatment services

Substance abuse due to addictive disorders affects everyone, from families and children to taxpayers in every state. Drug abuse is often linked to major crimes including sexual abuse, which can make it seem like drug use is far removed from the average American family. The truth is, however, that some of the most addictive drugs are found in the medicine cabinet. Thankfully, Shreveport-Bossier has a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping people overcome these addictive disorders: the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana (CADA).

was established in 1958 and is one of 100 affiliates of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as primarily an information and referral base for people seeking treatment for substance abuse. In 1986, CADA began providing addiction treatment services in Shreveport-Bossier. Today, CADA offers 14 programs out of four facilities serving Shreveport- Bossier and the state of Louisiana. CADA offers a wide variety of payment options including Medicaid, private insurance and self-pay. CADA also serves indigent clients who sometimes receive state funding.

Programs provided by CADA include those for adults, adolescents, veterans and families. For example, the Biedenharn Family Program in Bossier City, also known as the Family Success Institute, is a residential program that provides substance abuse treatment services for adult women who are pregnant and adult women with children up to 12 years of age. The goal of this program is to provide structured, supervised, residential living services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using treatment models which are research-based and outcome-oriented for individuals with addictive disorders. The children of clients participate in a series of children’s therapy groups twice a week based on a psychosocial evaluation. Children’s therapy group topics include conflict resolution, communication skills, anger management, art and play therapy, and family relationship skills. One recent graduate of that program shares her gratitude with the community, saying, “Today, I am present in all of my children’s lives.”

Kit Gamble is board president for CADA of Northwest Louisiana. “I support CADA because it is the 'best bang for the buck' of any charity that I know,” he said. “While there are many great charitable organizations in Northwest Louisiana, I know of no other one that changes lives like CADA, and does it so frugally. People who were slaves to addictive substances are given their lives back."

Anyone who has struggled with addiction or loved someone who has struggled knows how hopeless overcoming it can seem. Chris Susilovich is director of development and marketing at Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse of NWLA. “CADA brings hope to over 1,700 clients a year,” he said. “We get to witness the miracle of recovery every day.”

According to Susilovich, there are some signs that might indicate someone should seek help for substance abuse. They include: • Feeling that you have to use the substance regularly – this can be daily or even several times a day and having intense urges for the substance; • Over time, needing more of the substance to get the same effect; • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the substance; • Spending money on the substance, even though you can't afford it; • Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of substance use; • Doing things to get the substance that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing; • Failing in your attempts to stop using; • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop using. There are also signs that a friend or loved one might be struggling with addiction. “Problems at school or work, such as frequently missing school or work is one,” said Susilovich, “a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance. Physical health issues, such as a lack of energy and motivation or neglected appearance, such as the lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks are signs, as well.”

Susilovich said changes in behavior could include exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends. “Spending money is a sign, as well,” he said, “such as sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation – or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen, or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're being sold to support drug use.”

How can people in our community help CADA? “Awareness,” exclaimed Susilovich. “Attend one of CADA’s Miracles of Recovery Tour at our Bossier Treatment Facility, become a tour host and serve as a CADA ambassador. People can make a financial contribution at Give for Good on May 2 at https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/cada.” Thousands of people now have their lives back because of the staff and volunteers at CADA. “We see hope where there was once none,” Susilovich said. We see the transformation. We see the healing process, and we see happiness return to individual lives and to the lives around them.”

– Susan Reeks

For More Information:

For more information or help with an addiction problem, call 222-8511 or visit www.cadanwla.org, where you will find resources and information on each program.

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