Inside Louisiana’s opioid crisis, human connection is key to recovery

Michael Picco

Hi, I'm a Psychiatrist. I help people who need help with mental health. Love hearing music and watching movies.

Published on November 4, 2025
10:34 pm

In a tidy two-story apartment in Hollygrove, 10 women, all former addicts, share a home and a mission to keep each other on the path to recovery.

A whiteboard by the door shows a schedule of Walmart runs and movie nights. The women cook dinner together and play video games in the living room. Each contributes to chores.

?You?re held accountable,? said Kim Christian, a 46-year-old resident from Alexandria who is recovering in New Orleans. ?It makes you feel good, like someone wants to know how your day is going.?

And for addicts, who struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, human relationships are at the heart of recovery.