Article archive / August 1, 2013
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 12. Source pages: 1, 2.
Dr. Susan Tucker, Chief Psychologist and Assistant Warden at the Bossier Sherriff Medium Correctional Facility in Plain Dealing, has been appointed by the governor to Louisiana’s Commis- sion on Addictive Disorders.
The commission is a 13- member board with the goal of helping to promote healthy lifestyles for Louisiana citizens by developing ideas and programs that increase public awareness. The members work to help to prevent the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and compulsive gambling.
“I am honored and grateful to have this opportunity to work in a new way for the state of Louisiana,” Tucker told the Times.
Tucker’s innovative programs at the Correctional Facility at Forcht Wade, now at the Bossier Sherriff’s Correction Facility, have received national recognition. Tucker directs the Steve Hoyle Intensive Substance Abuse Program at the Correctional Facility in Plain Dealing.
What aspects of her background and does Tucker think might have led to the appointment? “Well certainly, 20 years of developing and implementing treatment programs,” she noted, “as well as a lot of research has led me to some clear goals in the provision of services.”
“I look forward to being more involved in the prevention aspect of addictive disorders with different populations other than offenders in the criminal justice system,” she said.
Dr. Susan Tucker serves as the Louisiana state-wide Sex Offender Treatment Program Coordinator and the Louisiana state-wide Substance Abuse Program Coordinator. She also serves on the Interagency Council on the Prevention of Sex Offenses.
Tucker’s programs recognize the underlying issues in effective treatment for offenders and recidivism issues. “In light of research that indicates between 70- 80 percent of offenders have a substance abuse history or problem and only 15 percent actually receive intensive treatment, DOC Secretary LeBlanc saw the need for a specialized program,” Dr. Tucker told the Times in a previous interview. Rather than “warehousing” offenders, Tucker’s programs focus on offering intensive treatment, skill development, and educational opportunities, as well as post release support and care.
The Commission on Addictive Disorders advises the state Office for Addictive Disorders concerning policies with regard to alcohol and drug abuse; recommending an annual state plan or program; serving as liaisons between state and local government groups about the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. The commission reports to the Governor, the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Health & Welfare, and to the Secretary of the Department of Health & Hospitals.
The Commission also works in conjunction with entities such as The Governor’s Drug Policy Board, The Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, The Governors Safe & Drug Free School & Communities, The Louisiana Drug Court Association, and The Louisiana Alliance to Prevent Underage Drinking.
Dr. Tucker will attend her first meeting August 13, in Baton Rouge.
Also appointed was Michael Slocum from Pineville, retired former Commander of the Narcotics Division in Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
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