Pines Treatment Center

April 1, 1976 - December 31, 2010

The Pines Treatment Center admitted its first patient April 1, 1976. The Pines ceased operation as a state operated facility December 31, 2010.
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Whether called alcoholism, drug addiction, or chemical dependency, the Pines has provided treatment for the condition for over thirty years. An estimated 16,000 men and women have received treatment services at the Pines since 1976. The Pines Treatment Center ceased operations as a state operated facility December 31, 2010.

The Pines is located on the grounds of the former Pines Tuberculosis Sanitarium which operated much of the twentieth century before closing in the early 1970’s.

Patients are in residence for approximately four weeks. The principle mode of treatment is group therapy with medical, recreational, educational, and twelve-step support. The treatment philosophy is simple - if you're unhappy with your life, change your thinking - when thinking changes, results change. The Mission Statement of the Office for Addictive Disorders Region VII is Changing Minds. Changing Lives.

Residents are assigned to a primary therapy group. There are three groups for men and two for women. The groups are in session about three hours each day. Each resident has a primary counselor—a licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, or licensed addictions counselor—who develops a treatment plan with them.

The Pines has a Family Focus program which involves the family in the recovery process. This service is voluntary and recommended.

The Office for Addictive Disorders supports a twelve to eighteen month continuum of treatment and support services in its statewide system. All Pines residents are referred to an appropriate level of continuing care prior to discharge.

Follow this link to hear directly from persons who are successfully treating their disease and are in Recovery. Read comments from Pines Treatment Center graduates in the feedback section, lower left page.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Saints win Super Bowl! PTC gets snow!

Just in time for Mardi Gras!

Check earlier posts to see the last time the Pines got snow - when Senator Mount visited.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Duffy retirement

OAD head Michael Duffy stopped off at the Pines as a part of his multi-region "retirement tour" to say goodby to staff, contractors, patients, and clients. The reception at the Pines was held December 17, 2009. Region VII Administrator Trudie Abner noted that Shreveport and Bossier City had declared December 17 as Michael Duffy day.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

New Group

Halloween is always an interesting week at the Pines. This year the patients created a Sixth therapy group - a diverse collection of, well, pumpkinheads. Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin is rumored to facilitate the group.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Fall arrives!

The hummingbirds have been busy of late.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Recovery Day (in the rain)

Ably represented by Director of Nursing, Michele Johnson, Assistant D.O.N. LaShonda Williams, Martha Miles, Lula Anderson, and Janis Dumdei, the Pines participated in a regional Recovery Day even in Coushatta, Louisiana, September 19. So what if it rained, off and on. A lot of folks made the rounds to learn about OAD and other supports for recovery available to residents in N

orth

west Louisiana.

The "traveling" information show is booked October 6 for a Night Out display in a Bossier City neighborhodd.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

June 2009

Early summer is busy at the Pines with flowers blooming, emergency generators being installed, a new gate to the long fence added, the Challenge-by-Choice course meeting and storage building upgraded and called the PTC Candy Bar (Chocolate Mint) and the PTC Staff "Ropes" Course break area finished.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Spring Karaoke

Every other Friday PTC Administrative Manager Carol Robertson leads the patients in an afternoon of Karaoke. Sometimes inside, but on a pleasant spring day, she sets up on the deck.

Patient Feedback

When a patient is discharged he/she completes an anonymous satisfaction survey which allows for written comments and suggestions. Here are some:

"I had a very positive experience here at the Pines. We need more facilities like this one. I feel this treatment center gave me somuch more than I expected. Thank you to all..." April 2010

"This is an awsome program. I recommend the Pines treatment center to anyone who needs treatment." April 2010

"My stay here at the Pines was a wonderful and great experience. I really learned some things that can help me stay sober. My counselor ____ is the best, it has been very inspirational." March 2010

"Group were good, food was good, they treated (me) good and with respect." March 2010

"I like being here a lot, all of the people here was (sic) nice. The food was so good. If I know anybody who need help I would tell them to come to the Pines. Thank y'all!" March 2010

"I had a good experience here. My counselor was very nice. The people, staff, and food was (sic) good. Thank you, and have a nice day." March 2010

"Everything was excellent, the workers do their job and I can't complain." February 2010

"No need for improvement. Very well handled." February 2010

"I think it is a real good program and I got a lot out of it. I like it." February 2010

"The staff was firm yet fair. The activities were understandable, everything was clean and neat." January 2010

"I suggest everybody that need(s) help to come to Pines Treatment. It's a wonderful place and everybody cares about us." January 2010

"I enjoyed coming to the Pines. It made me learn a lot about myself." January 2010

"Everything was professional and recovery related and I appreciate all that PTC was able to give." December 2009

"The smaller groups were very beneficial, more one on one counseling helped." December 2009

"I had a great experience at the Pines Treatment Center. I did not want to come here at first but I am glad I did because I have learned a lot and it has truly mde me a better person than I was before. Thank you!" December 2009

"Every aspect was great. I love the structure, the Techs, and the counselors are very professional." November 2009

"I think that the entire program and staff were wonderful and I also feel that coming was one of the best decisions I've made in a long, long time. I feel prepared and well informed about my disease and what it's going to take to stay clean." October 2009

"Treatment at the Pines was recommended by a friend who graduated the program in '04. Although I have been treated for alcoholism at other facilities in the past, I am pleasantly surprised at the amount of personalized caring attention paid to the clients at the Pines. Keep up the great work & thank you so much." October 2009

"The program has helped me a lot. And my counselor helped me a lot. I got a lot out of the program. If someone needed treatment I would recommend the Pines Treatment Center." September 2009

"I believe the Pines to be a great part of the overall chain of treatment in this state, it has served us well." September 2009

"I've enjoyed myself and have learned so much. The staff is awesome and really takes the time to listen and help you." September 2009

"It was a learning experience for me. Everything about Region VII was good to me." September 2009

"The services provided were excellent. Mrs. Alice Hall was a great counselor. I learned a lot of good information while here. The food was really good. I enjoyed my 28 days h ere. Job well done!" September 2009

"Everything was excellent, counseling, classes, food & staff. I was very well taken care of. I has been a good learning experience." August 2009

"I have been extremely happy here. No problems at all. It has been very informative and I have some great tools to take with me for my recovery journey." August 2009

"I loved all the activities, definately a positive thing. Enjoyed Rev. Joy's spiritual reflection. I enjoyed the counseling from all aspects. Naptime should be moved to after lunch..." July 2009

"I have had a great and memorable experience at the Pines. The knowledge I have gained will be of great help, not only with my addictions, but also with my life as a whole." June 2009

"What I liked about this program was the employees here was (sic) real professional. My counselor did a real good job by pointing out some issues that I really needed to pay attention to. It was good and I would recommend this for someone else." June 2009

"This was an awesome experience. My counselor was/is fantastic. The place is clean and the food great. My only problem was with the coffee machine." June 2009

"The program was very good. I learned a lot. It's just really hott!" June 2009

"The services were good. I feel like I really got a lot of help here. My counselor was a very intelligent person. (Counselor) has a way of making someone look at things with an open mind. I was very happy here." May 2009

"I think this treatment was very good and helpful to me. It have me a sense of pride and respect and structure." May 2009

"It was a great place and I learned a lot. Honestly, everyone here especially the counselors was helpful. I can't find the words to express how (sic) greatful I am." April 2009

"The Pine(s) Treatment Center is a very clean place to stay and the people here take really good care of their client, and the food is really good. The rooms are very clean. PS: The staff does really good work." March 2009

"Everything was just perfect and y'all do a good job here. I tell anybody that the Pines is a good place to have treatment" March 2009

"A must for everybody in trouble with addiction" March 2009"I enjoyed everything about the Pines. My counselor especially, she guided group very well...Food is great. I am very thankful to the Pines..." March 2009

"The best I could ask for. What I put in is what I got out" March 2009

"I am very grateful for every staff member that was here and everyone always made themselves available for me" February 2009

"I was completely satisfied with my counselor & staff, and my help with recovery" February 2009

"This ist he best program here in Shreveport, it's a solid foundation" February 2009

"You all know what you are doing and are dedicated!" February 2009

"I feel the counselor did an excellent job in getting me to open up and deal with my personal issues. The staff were all courteous and helpful." January 2009

"I have no complaints about the PTC. The food was excellent and everyone was nice and I had an excellent counselor." January 2009

"The AA, NA and CA meetings were real good. The food is fantastic." January 2009

"I liked the group therapy sessions and the N.A. meetings. I really enjoyed my stay at the Pines." January 2009

"By coming to the Pines, I had the opportunity to find out who I was again. This program helped me in areas I didn't know existed. It saved my life." January 2009

"I really feel it help(ed) me to understand my problems with alcohol and drugs. I truly needed this program. I am truly thankful for all involved. The only improvement I can see would be more time in group." December 2008

"I think what I liked the most was group. I like(d) the food, and most of all the AA, NA and CA meetings..." December 2008

"My experience here fhas been very positive for me. I'm more informed and aware of patterns in my behavior..." December 2008

"The services were very good and the staff is awesome!" November 2008

"The staff at the Pines are an exceptional group of people. In my experience they cared about my well being. The food was exceptional. Overall my experience here was great." October 2008

"Excellent staff. Dedicated to providing the best care possi ble." October 2008

"I am very grateful for all of the information that was given to me. The staff was very helpful and the tools given to me I can use when I get out. Thanks, Pines!" Octoer 2008

"I really enjoyed it here. This is a great program. The staff really cares about the clients. Thanks for the help." October 2008

"The treatment program here at the Pines has been a wonderful experience for me. I was very satisfied with the staff and all activities." October 2008

"Adm. staff was very courteous and helful. My counselor was extremely helpful at getting me to talk (felt at ease) about myself and my past behaviors and attitude. Exceptionally well at putting me in touch with my faith/spirituality." October 2008

"The food was great. My counselor really had some good input on what I need to do as far as staying clean." August 2008

"The food was good. Everything was really nice. I liked the way the daily activity was set up. The staff was very nice and helpful." August 2008

"This is a wonderful program and it is truly one of the best things that I have ever done in my life." July 2008

"The Pines was a very good experience for me, I loved it - a new way of life, thanks." July 2008

"It was a great program, that I really needed." July 2008

"This is an excellent program and it has helped guide me in the right direction." July 2008

"My whole experience with Pines Treatment Center was the best education on my addiction & was the best classes to learn from. The staff was very helpful in my recovery also. Thank you so much!""PTC is a very good program. A lot of good medical attention & caring." June 2008

"The Pines Treatment Center has a great support system and great AA meetings and the groups are very educational and helped me to understand my addiction and how to treat my addiction." May 2008

"I've gotten a lot out of the Pines. I think it's a wonderful experience if you put your mind to it and focus on yourself." May 2008

"I think that the group is the best and I got a lot out of it." May 2008

"I thought the program was great overall. My counselor was very helpful and the group discussions were wonderful. I have no complaints." April 2008

"The Pines in my opinion is one of the best drug and alcohol treatment programs in the country. The only thing lacking is more space to accomodate more patients." April 2008

"The program was excellent to me because I learned a lot about my addiction. My counselors were also excellent, they open(ed) my eyes on a lot of things that I did not understand." April 2008

"(Add) Vegetarian meals." April 2008

"The staff and premise was fantastic. I enjoyed every moment." April 2008

"I enjoyed everything I was taught. I learned a lot." April 2008

The food was great and the cooks. This program is very interesting." April 2008

"I was especially impressed with staff becasue of the professional way they handled things." (March 2008)

"This was my first time in rehab and by the grace of God my last time. I had a wonderful counselor while I was here and I really learned a lot and have only good things to say about the Pines." (March 2008)

"The staff and counselors are extremely helpful. It has been a great experience." (March 2008)

"I enjoyed the group and the participation from other clients and my counselor. The new living facility was very clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful." (March 2008)

"I'm satisfied with what I've learned. Staff was direct and helpful. My counselor was wonderful" (January 2008)

How do I get there?

The Pines is located at 6240 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71119.

The Pines is located near the intersection of I-20 and Pines Road, Exit 10, in west Shreveport.

Traveling west on I-20: Exit 10, Pines Road. Turn right (north) on Pines Road. Take immediate left at signal on Highway 80, Greenwood Road. Turn right 1/2 block at sign.

From I-49: Exit I-49 on LA 3132 West (Dallas). Continue until inersects with I-20. Take West (Dallas) entrance ramp. Exit 10 is next exit.

Telephone: 318-632-2010
Fax: 318-632-2055

website: http://pinestreatmentcenter.blogspot.com

Referral Procedures

The Pines Treatment Center is a referral based service. Referrals for treatment at the Pines come from Office for Addictive Disorders clinics and facilities in Louisiana.

· Contact an OAD Center for Addictive Disorders for an assessment to determine if the Pines is the appropriate level of treatment needed. Many people seeking help do very well with outpatient services.

· If the Pines is best for the person at this time, the clinic will make the referral and forward the assessment to the Pines. The person may be contacted by the Pre-Treatment service to insure all admission criteria are satisfied.

· The referred person is placed on the waiting list. All beds at the Pines are obligated. Wait time varies. While waiting admission the referring clinic will provide supportive services.

· The referring clinic or the Admissions Office of the Pines will notify the person the date a bed is available and a time to arrive at the Pines.

Where to begin?

These are the primary referral centers in Northwest Louisiana

S.T.E.P.S.—Shreveport. Social detox center. 318-222-1289

Northwest Regional Center for Addictive Disorders - Shreveport. 318-632-2040

Natchitoches Center for Addictive Disorders—Natchitoches. 318-357-3283

Find other treatment resources in Northwest Louisiana.

General admission information: Contact Sandra Johnston, Admissions Coordinator - sandra.johnston@la.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Pines a detox center?

A: No.

Q: Is the Pines a “lock down” facility?

A: No. The Pines is an open, free-standing, facility. Any resident may leave at any time. The Pines does not restrain any person in treatment.

Q: Can I just show up for admission?

A: No. You must be assessed and referred by an OAD clinic or provider. This is to insure that the Pines is the best treatment option at this time.

Q: I don’t have a job. Can I afford the Pines?

A: The Pines is a state operated program and no one is denied treatment. Fees are based on a sliding scale of income.

Q: Can I go home on weekends?

A: No. Once admitted, residents remain on the campus for approximately four weeks.

Q: Are there visiting hours?

A: Yes. Wednesday from 3:00 - 4:00 pm and Saturday 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Visitors need to sign in at the "old dorm" on the north side of the breezeway on arrival.

Q: What about Alcoholics Anonymous?

A: Open A.A. meetings are held at the Pines Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm. Narcotics Anonymous meets Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm. Cocaine Anonymous meets Friday evenings at 8:00 pm. Gamblers Anonymous meets at noon on Thursday. All meetings are held in the "Old Dormitory."

Q: Is there something for families?

A: Yes! The Pines has a Family Focus program which involves the family and resident. It's voluntary, but highly recommended. There is an on-site Al-Anon meeting every Tuesday at 6:30 pm.

Q: Will I see a doctor?

A: Every person admitted receives a medical physical examination by either our Nurse Practitioner or the Regional Medical Director. Physcian consultations are made when needed. The Pines has 24/7 nursing coverage.

Q: Does the Pines have follow-up care?

A: There are several options for continuing care in the OAD system which include day treatment programs, outpatient counseling, half-way home programs, and recovery support groups. These options are explored during treatment at the Pines.

The Pines hosts a Peer Support Recovery Group for PTC graduates that meets regularly.

Q: What is Recovery?

A: The continuing process of living well. Click to hear about it directly.