Assisi Bridge House helps men recover from addiction

Published: Friday, January 23, 2015 at 6:01 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, January 23, 2015 at 12:08 a.m.

The Assisi Bridge House is a halfway home for men 18 and older. Some are there by choice, but most of the clients are court-ordered. Daniel Sugasti, 36, who has been recovering from a heroin addiction at the Bridge House for four weeks, said it was the right option for him.

Drug Court wanted me to come back to New Orleans. I said, 'Maybe that's not the best idea,' he said. I've been to six programs in my life. I don't know what it is about this one, but I feel a lot more comfortable.

Clients stay for four to six months, getting individualized rehabilitation involving medical care, mental health treatment and counseling. They participate in group and one-on-one therapy. Loved ones can visit on scheduled days, and the facility hosts family fun days in the spring and fall.

'We're building something'

Though not affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, the Bridge House supports the 12-step program, Associate Director Monique Albarado said. Once a month, counselors and other residents evaluate the guys in 12 areas, including leadership, social interaction and emotions. They point out both successes and room for improvement.

How many situations do you have somebody say, 'I was really angry with the way you just talked to me'? Albarado said. We get really honest here. They're learning things about themselves that nobody's ever brought to their attention before.

A small percentage of clients don't seem to want to recover and will fight the treatment, counselor Billy Degeyter said, but most are genuinely trying to start a new life.

I'm willing to help someone who's willing to help themselves, he said. For them to successfully achieve abstinence, three or four attempts at treatment is the average.

Albarado said the staff tracks clients' success rates, checking to see if they're still sober a year later. Nearly all find work after the program, and 70 percent typically remain clean after a year.

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Assisi Bridge House helps men recover from addiction