More help for addiction treatment arriving to South Mississippi

GEORGE COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, there’s more treatment help right here in South Mississippi.

The Estate in George County is now in operation. It’s a $6 million facility that could save many lives.

Set in a 108-acre lush forest setting on the banks of the Pascagoula River, The Estate at River Bend offers its residents a tranquil and comforting setting to focus on their recovery.

“We treat adults 18 years and older who have a substance-use disorder, alcohol and a variety of different drugs,” said chief clinical officer Bernard Matherne Jr.

With multiple types of therapy offered and many amenities, anyone who needs help can get it here. There’s a rope course, a lake, a gym, and even a fire pit for group therapy sessions.

Also included on side is a detox facility, EMDR trauma therapy, and multiple ancillary therapy options, like massage therapy, acupuncture, pet therapy and more.

Matherne said about ten percent of the population suffers from addiction and the affliction knows no boundaries.

“It spans across all different races, colors, creeds, socio-economic statuses,” he explained.

Staff nurse Sandi Hooper knows first-hand about the curse of addiction. She was once an addict herself.

“I was on house arrest. [I] never quit using on house arrest, and I went to prison, actually. That’s how I got clean and sober. Prison saved my life,” Hooper recalled.

Also on the staff is Elvis the dog, the director of clinical services. Elvis is very happy with his job, according to Matherne.

“His job is to mainly just love the clients. He loves to play. He provides our clients with unconditional love,” Matherne said.

The Estate is located deep in the woods of George County in a very secluded location, and there’s a reason for that seclusion. It actually helps in the treatment, according to executive director James Hahn.

“We are realizing in the field of addiction treatment that nature-based therapy often is the most successful and can provide the best outcomes,” Hahn said.

And after treatment, when lost souls walk out the door with a new lease on life, and new hope, there is no better feeling for Hahn.

“We enjoy seeing clinical successes in people reclaiming their lives, and it’s just tremendously rewarding,” he said.

Construction is still underway on several of the residential units. When it’s complete, The Estate will be able to treat up to 60 patients.

For more information about The Estate, click HERE or follow the facility on Facebook.

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