Medication-Assisted Treatment in Louisiana

Louisiana faces a pressing challenge with opioid use disorder. In 2022, the state reported roughly 45 lives lost every week, one of the highest rates in the country, according to the CDC. Behind every number is a person, and behind every person is a family hoping for recovery.

Access to treatment is further complicated by healthcare disparities. Many regions are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), meaning access to doctors and addiction specialists is limited. For someone struggling with addiction, this can mean delayed care, untreated withdrawal symptoms, and an increased risk of opioid overdose.

That’s why virtual addiction treatment matters. It offers a solution by bringing care directly to individuals, regardless of their location. Through telemedicine, patients can connect with licensed providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing barriers related to transportation and scheduling.

The Louisiana Medicaid program now covers Medication-Assisted Treatment in Louisiana, including methadone, through certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). This means that both adults and children with OUD who qualify for Medicaid can receive life-saving treatment at little or no cost.

Recent legislation is also helping to expand care. House Bill 1 provides funding for education and treatment programs, while HB316 promotes a more inclusive and supportive approach. That includes peer support, harm reduction, and early intervention, which are all crucial in helping people recover safely and with dignity.

The Louisiana Department of Health continues to offer behavioral health services for both mental health and substance use disorders, aiming to support the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Through these legislative efforts and programs, Louisiana is working to reduce barriers to addiction treatment and support individuals on their path to recovery. But access still isn’t easy for everyone. That’s where QuickMD can help by bringing addiction treatment to your home, with fewer barriers and more support.

How QuickMD helps Louisiana residents with virtual MAT

Struggling with opioid use isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a complex medical condition rooted in how the brain responds to certain substances. That’s why recovery often requires more than just willpower. It needs real medical support, compassionate care, and consistent follow-through.

At QuickMD, we help people across Louisiana begin or continue Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) from the privacy and comfort of home. You can connect with a licensed provider through a video or phone visit, often the same day. From there, we take time to understand your full story, not just your symptoms, and work with you to build a treatment plan that makes sense for your life.

We may prescribe FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications support the recovery journey by helping your brain and body regain balance. At every step, our goal is to make treatment feel doable, not disruptive.

Most of all, our care is judgment-free. We’re here to help you move forward, not look backward. Whether you’re just starting your recovery or picking it back up, we’ll meet you where you are with real solutions, real support, and a plan that fits your life.

1. Keep showing up, even on the hard days

There will be mornings when you don’t feel like attending a virtual appointment or taking your medication. Those are often the most important days to follow through. Missing a dose or skipping a session can spiral fast, but choosing to show up, even imperfectly, is an act of strength.

2. Talk to someone about the cravings

Cravings can be isolating and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. You don’t have to power through them alone. Whether it’s your provider, a friend, or a support group, opening up about what you’re feeling can lessen the intensity and remind you that this isn’t a battle you have to fight in silence.

3. Give yourself permission to start over

Some days won’t go as planned. A missed dose. A setback. A moment where the cravings feel too strong. When that happens, remember: your progress isn’t erased. Starting over isn’t failure, it’s practice. Tell someone. Take the next right step. Begin again, gently.

4. Build reminders of your why

Whether it’s a photo of someone you love, a journal entry from day one, or a note on your bathroom mirror, find a way to keep your reason for recovery close. On the days when motivation runs low, having that visible reminder can quietly pull you forward when nothing else does.