The opioid epidemic began with prescription medications but has become a complex public health challenge affecting millions of families. Explore how modern treatment approaches are breaking down stigma and providing real hope for recovery.
The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time, impacting millions of individuals and families across the U.S. Understanding the crisis goes beyond the numbers, it’s about real people and real recovery. Understanding this crisis requires looking beyond statistics to see the faces behind the numbers and recognizing that recovery is possible.
At New Day Recovery, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact opioids can have on individuals, families and entire communities. We’ve also seen the incredible transformation that occurs when people receive comprehensive, compassionate care. This epidemic didn’t happen overnight, and healing from it requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
“I went into New Day knowing I had a problem but not knowing what I would get out of it. I’ve been an addict for a long time and the past 2 years I’ve been using heroin. I knew that if I didn’t get help I would end up another opioid death statistic! The employees of New Day, from the techs to the inpatient counseling staff to the IOP counselors, are all amazing people who genuinely care about your recovery. . .I’d recommend this place to anyone who needs help, because believe me, being sober and genuinely happy beats any feeling that drugs ever gave me! “
— Tyler S.
How the Opioid Epidemic Started, From Prescription to Crisis
The current opioid epidemic unfolded in three distinct waves, each presenting unique challenges that have shaped today’s landscape. When opioid prescriptions were first introduced in the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies marketed them aggressively with claims that the risk of addiction was very low. Believing they were helping patients manage legitimate pain, providers began readily prescribing these medications, leading to the first wave of the epidemic.
- The First Wave (1990s-2010s): Prescription Opioids
The most commonly prescribed opioids included oxycodone and hydrocodone, also known as OxyContin and Vicodin. OxyContin, in particular, was marketed as a less-addictive opioid. As these medications became more widely available, overdoses surged while patterns of addiction and dependence began to emerge.
- The Second Wave (2010-2013): Heroin
The second wave of the opioid crisis started around 2010 with a rapid increase in deaths from heroin use. With early efforts to decrease opioid prescribing, many people found themselves turning to dangerous alternatives as prescriptions became less accessible.
- The Third Wave (2013-Present): Fentanyl & Synthetic Opioids
The third wave began in 2013 and is characterized by an increase in overdose deaths caused by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Today, many overdose deaths also involve other drugs, such as xylazine.
Where Louisiana Stands Today
Louisiana has experienced both successes and setbacks in addressing the opioid crisis. Louisiana’s drug overdose deaths fell 34.6% between 2024 and 2025, according to preliminary CDC data, an improvement due in part to a decline in opioid-related deaths. This reduction demonstrates that coordinated public health efforts can make a meaningful difference. However, Louisiana still faces considerable challenges, including a higher-than-average overdose rate, stigma and insufficient access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use.
The Opioid Epidemic’s Impact on Families & Communities
The impact of the opioid epidemic goes far beyond individual users, creating ripple effects throughout families and communities. Children of parents with addiction may experience trauma or instability. Grandparents might become primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Healthcare systems strain under the burden of treating overdoses and addiction-related complications.
Louisiana communities have experienced many of these effects firsthand. Exposure to substance use, family conflict and availability of drugs or alcohol are risk factors for disruptive behaviors in teens and adolescents, negatively impacting their overall well-being, while first responders are often handling multiple overdose calls daily. There is also an economic impact associated with lost productivity, increased health care and the criminal justice system.
Despite these challenges, recent data shows that effective treatment approaches can create lasting change. Medication-assisted treatment has become one of the most powerful tools available for helping individuals reclaim their lives and rebuild stronger, healthier communities.
The Role of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Recovery
MAT is an evidence-based approach for treating opioid use disorder. It combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, block the effects of opioids and help individuals gain a foothold in recovery. MAT is associated with higher retention rates, fewer overdoses and improved long-term outcomes.
Some medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) include:
- Methadone: Methadone is an opioid medication that has been used for more than 50 years to treat opioid addiction. It binds to and activates the same receptors as other opioid drugs, but with a gradual, long-acting effect that helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At prescribed levels, it doesn’t produce a “high” in those with opioid use disorder and partially blocks the effects of more euphoric opioids.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist medication, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain to a lesser degree than other opioids. It is able to control withdrawal symptoms without euphoria and carries a low risk of overdose.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of other opioids. It can be used to treat both opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder.
At New Day Recovery, we offer a variety of MAT options for individuals with opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine (Suboxone® or Subutex®) and naltrexone (Vivitrol®). Our facility in Shreveport is one of a few in Louisiana to offer Brixadi®, an extended-release buprenorphine injection available once weekly or once monthly. If MAT is right for you, our providers can help determine which approach might be suitable for your needs and treatment goals.
Is MAT Considered Safe & Effective?
Although MAT still carries some stigma, experts overwhelmingly agree that it is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with opioid use disorder. Research has proven that it reduces opioid use and cravings, lowers the risk of overdose and, when combined with therapy and counseling, helps individuals rebuild their lives. Compared with other treatment options, it also improves retention rates and increases the overall chances of a successful recovery.
In addition to these benefits, MAT gives individuals an opportunity to focus on the psychological and social side of recovery by addressing the physical aspects of dependence. The stability that these medications provide makes it possible for those with opioid use disorder to focus on repairing damaged relationships, attain stable employment and improve their mental health.
Evidence-Based Benefits of MAT
- Decreased likelihood of overdose
- Lower risk of relapse
- Improved treatment retention
- Reduced incarceration rates
- Better employment outcomes
- Enhanced quality of life
- Improved mental and emotional well-being
- Support for pregnant women
Comprehensive Treatment at New Day Recovery
At New Day Recovery, we understand that effective opioid addiction treatment requires addressing the whole person, not just the addiction. Our Louisiana facilities in West Monroe and Shreveport offer comprehensive services designed to support individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder. Our treatment approach includes the following:
- Medical Detox
We provide medically supervised detox to help individuals get through opioid withdrawal and start their recovery on the right foot. Our experienced medical staff closely monitors each patient to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the detox process.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
We offer medication-assisted treatment to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing our clients to focus on a well-rounded recovery through counseling and other therapies. We work with each patient to determine the most appropriate medication option for their individual needs.
- Therapeutic Support
Our evidence-based therapy programs address the psychological aspects of addiction while helping individuals develop healthy coping strategies. We offer one-on-one counseling, group therapy and family therapy to support comprehensive healing.
- Continuum of Care
Our continuum of care includes inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programming (IOP) to support long-term sobriety at each stage of the recovery process. We also emphasize the importance of aftercare, including regular counseling appointments, group therapy and the ongoing use of medication to prevent relapse.
We know that recovery is possible with the right support — we’ve seen it happen. Every person who enters recovery and maintains their sobriety not only transforms their own life but also positively impacts their family and community. The courage to seek help is just the first step toward healing and renewed hope, and at New Day Recovery, we’re here to help you take it.
“My son, after over 20 years of being in addiction, is FINALLY sober and doing AMAZING!! They have done a miracle for my son in many ways. Of course, my first praise is to GOD but my second is to New Day Recovery. I appreciate them and the fact they truly care and got him on the correct meds so he no longer has to self medicate, or feel as if he had to. They have made a huge difference in his life!!”
— Tana B.
Find Support for Opioid Addiction at New Day Recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, know that help is available and recovery is possible. New Day Recovery provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that addresses the complex needs of individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder.
Our compassionate team understands the challenges of addiction and the courage required to seek help. Contact us today by calling 855-605-0644 to learn more about our treatment programs and take the first step toward hope and healing.
