Any advice/info on Louisiana 30-day residential treatment programs??

babydoll08 · Jan 23, 2012

congragulations on your new found recovery I wanted to know it took you a lot of courage to do what you are doing I too am a nurse and have been in recovery for 11 years do not be afraid you will feel more comfortable with the people at this 30 day uprogramjust keep in mind your exactly where god expects you to be just remember these people are going through exactly what you are if you ever need to talk or just need somebody to listen I will be here

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jan 27, 2012

Hey! Glad to have u on the recovery forums. I am an RN in Louisiana and been in recovery since 1999. I was SO overwhelmed when I was caught diverting at work. I had no idea what to do, when or how. I did attend Red River in Pineville. I was there 30 days - they told me when I called that If you're enrolling for the 30 tx, they want u there either Sunday night or early Monday morning. Wasn't written in stone, but requested.

After getting fired, I was placed on a waiting list for almost another month - that was the longest month of my life by far.

They were pretty nice when I arrived. I just figured they'd all look down on me since I was a nurse and stealing the drugs at work. They were VERY nonjudgemental - did make me feel better.

The counselor I worked with said that she automatically referred all her nurse patients to a halfway house for 3 months. Thankfully, she just sent me home with the threat that if I relapsed, she'd send me to the halfway house for 6 months.

When u get ur packet from the RNP group, try to follow everything to the letter - remember to get all paperwork signed - and they'll tell u that they don't accept the "I didn't know" for anything.

Sorry so longwinded, if I can give u any help, feel free to write or pm. Good luck to u - Anne

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

Hey - just wanted to check back with you, and see how things were going. PM if u need to.

Anne, RNC

puppylove504 · Feb 1, 2012

Hi Anne,

Thanks for the info about Red River. (I would have sent you a PM back but I think I need a few more posts to be able to do so). The latest update is, my case manager at the state board has sent my evaluation info over to Red River, and it looks like I have about a 4-week wait also. I was told to make an appointment with my local Addictions Disorders Clinic to go to meetings in the meantime...not sure how long that will be for. It is just SO frustrating. In the meantime, the $$ is slowly dwindling away and I'm getting more anxious about all this. I've been trying not to think too much about the inpatient stay because it just makes me upset. Are there any times during your stay that they allowed family to visit if they could?? I know they take away all cell phones. Were you rooming with other people when you were there? I know it was a long time ago, but it's nice to talk to someone who's gotten through this

I would love to be able to find a short-term part time (non-nursing) job in the meantime, but haven't had any luck with that yet. I know it's going to be difficult to find anything as well once I am allowed to re-enter the nursing field.

Thanks again for writing, talk to you soon..

tish09 · Feb 5, 2012

I went through Red River in 2006 It scared me when I drove up and saw an old leaky building. But there is something special about that place. I feel like it is blessed somehow. The staff was great and caring while allowing me to sort through the mess my drug use had made of my life. Like anything you get out what you put in. I wish you well in your recovery-Tish

tish09 · Feb 5, 2012

They let your fmly visit on Sunday's, you can use the payphone in the evenings. You will need a prepaid phone card to use it. You also need plenty of quarters for the coke and snack machines, if you smoke bring your own. You will share a room with 3 other ladies the unit houses about 20-24 ladies Bring about 3-4 sets of comfortable clothes. There is a washer and dryer you can use at night. There is a group of RNP nurses that meet there once a week and they let you attend the meeting

I had to wait 6 mths. to get in (Katrina) I worked at a vets office not much money but a job. I've heard alot of nurses work as aids. I was able to get a job in psych. after getting re-instated, but I have never been able to get back into ICU or ER

grandee3 · Feb 25, 2012

Congratulations, you have taken the first step!

I self reported in Aug 2010 after 3 major surgeries and months of pain medication. When it came time to return to work, I could not stop the pain meds and I knew I would get in real serious trouble and divert. Thank God I realized this and got myself in treatment before I went back.

I went to Acadiana Addiction in Lafayette, it was a 34 day program. I was 3 hours away from home and physicially and mentally drained. The staff, docs, nurses and other patients got me through a really bad withdrawal. I met some of the most wonderful people from all walks of life. My time there was great. Yes, I was scared, yes, I cried myself to sleep sometimes at night but it was all worth every minute.

Don't really know a lot about Red River, a few people in my group have been there. It is all in what you make it. You can do this.

Please keep us informed of your progress and best of luck to you. You have been given a gift, not everyone is that lucky. I know you will be ok.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 25, 2012

Hey puppy - just wanted to check on u, and see how things were going. I am sorry ur having to wait so long. For me, the "unknown" has always been the hardest for me to deal with.

I was at RRTC in 1999, so some things may have changed. The unit where they place you on admission is "unit 6" (I think - lol) It's a big dorm style place. When I got there, I was put in a room with just 1 other person. but most of the other rooms usually held 4 to 6 people, if I remember right. The first few days (I think) u don't get to go out in the group for outside meetings. The outside meetings were usually pretty good. My favorite was "High Noon" - after d/c, I did drive back to go to a few more of their meetings. It wasn't too hard to find a temp sponsor - the outside attendees were great about it.

If u have to detox, they send u to "Rainbow House". Thankfully, since I had been waiting a month, that part was over. (Blleecchhh!) I can't remember how many of us were these, but there was only 1 other nurse there during my stay. She ended up getting kicked out after a few weeks for a "boy girl" violation.

We had no internet or cell phones, but they did let us watch tv/movies, but no news, ect. The counselors were for the most part very nice - Family day was brutal to me, I guess since I had no idea what to expect. U will need money for coke/snack machines - and the prepaid calling card.

Money wise, RRTC was for me - since I lost my health insurance - they didn't charge me ANYTHING at all, which was such a blessing.

When u get ur packet from boards, there will be a monthly calender for meetings. U need to get this signed by a meeting member - PLEASE keep a copy of that and everything else - SB was notorious for losing their copy.

Good luck - hope everything goes well. Holler if u want to.

Anne