BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirstNews) — Louisiana’s unemployment and poverty rates are contributing to a growing crisis in substance use disorder, according to Dr. Nzinga Harrison, a leading expert in addiction treatment. Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic to use MyChart starting in March At Eleanor Health, where Dr. Harrison works, the connection between job instability and substance abuse has become increasingly apparent. “We’ve seen that job instability can contribute significantly to the development of substance use disorder,” Dr. Harrison explained. “If someone develops a substance use disorder, it can affect their job performance, which can lead to job loss — a cycle that worsens the addiction.” The relationship between employment and addiction is a dangerous "chicken and egg" cycle, she added, with each issue exacerbating the other. For those struggling with both, the path to recovery becomes increasingly difficult. Dr. Harrison emphasizes that breaking this cycle requires a dual approach. “It's really twofold. It's about ensuring people have access to employment with healthy wages, and having adequate support systems in place for employees who may need help.” Having stability and the ability to provide for oneself and their family is crucial for health and well-being, Dr. Harrison said. “A life with purpose — for many of us, that comes through our employment. When that’s missing, it directly contributes to worsening substance use disorders and the risk of overdose death.” However, there is hope for those who seek help, especially with Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program. Dr. Harrison pointed out that while the state’s addiction statistics may seem grim, Medicaid expansion has been a lifeline for many residents living below the poverty line. “While Louisiana statistics can be scary, the expansion of Medicaid really is saving lives,” she said. “It gives people access to addiction treatment, which is key to facilitating recovery. This support helps individuals regain stability, making it possible to find employment that can ultimately help tether their feet to a path of recovery.” As Louisiana continues to grapple with high unemployment rates and rising substance use disorder cases, experts like Dr. Harrison stress the importance of both economic opportunity and accessible healthcare in breaking the cycle of addiction. ...read more read less