Georgia Rehab and Addiction Resources

Georgia is a state that is known for many things – from its rich history to the Southern charm of its residents. It is also among the largest states in the U.S (the largest east of the Mississippi River), with nearly 10 million people calling it home. However, despite all these interesting facts about the state, there are some dark facts, top among them being drug abuse and addiction.

Like many other states in the U.S, substance use disorder and addiction is a serious problem in Georgia. According to the Office of the National Drug Control Policy, in 2011, Georgia recorded a drug-induced death rate of 11.6 per 100,000 population (around 1,100 people). And while this rate was still below the national average of 12.9 per 100,000, it was still a concern. Nonetheless, Georgia has made strides in the fight against substance use disorder and addiction. Treatment options are available for people with addiction problems, with several drug rehabs in Georgia.

Current State of Drug Rehab in Georgia

Below is a look at the current situation of substance use disorder and addiction, and drug rehabilitation in Georgia:

Teenagers at a higher risk of drug abuse and addiction

Substance use disorder and addiction is a common problem in Georgia, which affects individuals without bias – young, old, male, female, and across race and social status. However, there are certain groups of people who are at risk of becoming addicted to drugs, alcohol, and other illicit substances, top among them being teenagers.

According to the Office of Adolescent Health, there is a prevalent risk for alcohol and drug addiction facing teenagers in Georgia, with 2% and 3% of the teenagers having been reported to be suffering from alcohol addiction and drug addiction respectively (those who haven’t received treatment).

Opiates crisis also facing Georgia

Traditionally, Georgia drug and substance use disorder problems have only been limited to Cocaine, meth, alcohol, marijuana, and a few cases of club drugs such as MDMA. However, in recent times, Georgia has become swept in the opiates abuse crisis that is facing the country, with prescription drug abuse being a huge problem. According to the Office of the Attorney General, prescription opiate abuse has surged significantly in Georgia over the past few years.

The surge can be attributed to an increase in the availability of the drugs, with more than 541 million doses being described between June 2016 and May 2017. From these statistics, it would mean that about 54 doses of prescription drugs were prescribed that year for every single person (even children) in Georgia. It is thus no surprise that the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported the state to have recorded 918 opiates-related deaths in 2016 (about 8.8 deaths per 100,0000 population).

Drug rehab facilities in Georgia

Substance use disorder and addiction problems in Georgia have been a source of concern, particularly in the recent past. Nonetheless, the state has made huge efforts in the fight against the drug menace, especially in the fight against opiate abuse. These efforts are visible in a number of ways, starting with the availability of treatment for those suffering from addiction.

According to a 2012 National Survey of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, Georgia had a total of 313 operational rehab facilities offering drug and substance addiction treatment to addicts. These facilities are run by different entities:

• Private nonprofit organizations
• Private for-profit organizations
• Local county/community government
• State government
• The federal government – Department of Defense, Department of Veteran Affairs, and Indian Health Service

Private nonprofit and profit rehab facilities were the most dominant (50% and 44% respectively). Note:from the survey, only 278 facilities were sampled.

The types of rehab facilities in Georgia also vary in terms of the primary focus (the type of treatment offered):

• Facilities that only offer substance use disorder and addiction treatment services
• Mental health service facilities<
• Dual diagnosis rehab facilities (those that offer a mixture of both substance treatment abuse and mental health services)
• General healthcare facilities

Rehab facilities in Georgia can be grouped further, according to the type of care offered, where you will find:

• Outpatient rehab facilities – these offer regular, intensive, day-treatment, detox treatment, and methadone maintenance.
• Residential facilities – these are either long-term stay, short-term stay, or detox centers<
• Inpatient facilities – these are either treatment facilities or just detox centers

Other types of rehab centers you can find in Georgia include holistic facilities, faith-based (spiritual) facilities, luxury rehab facilities, and gender-specific treatment centers (only caring for one specific gender).

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Other efforts taken by Georgia State Government

In addition to availing substance use disorder treatment services for those who need them, Georgia has also stepped up its fight against the drug menace through legislation. The most notable legislation are the ones concerning prescription opiate abuse, which have been passed recently to institute tighter control on the availability of the drugs. Georgia also uses a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which monitors the prescription and dispensation of controlled legal drugs, including opiates.

What to Look from a Drug Rehab in Georgia

With so many drug and substance rehab centers in Georgia, choosing the most suitable one can be a hard undertaking. On top of that, your choice of rehab center can be the difference between a successful recovery and relapse. So, how can you choose the best addiction treatment centerin Georgia? Below is a look at some factors to consider when making your choice:

The expected results

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a substance use disorder rehab facility is the results you expect, as well as those offered by the facility. Are you looking for just detox or do you want full addiction treatment? Will the facility only help you (or your loved one) quit drugs, or will they go an extra step and help you reintegrate into the society? These are some of the things you should consider.

Before you choose a facility, make sure that they can give you what you are looking for. Also, be sure to do some research (feedback and reviews from past patients) to be sure that they can back up their claims results

The type of care

Another important factor to consider when choosing a rehab facility is the type of care offered. There are several types of facility based on the care they offer inpatient, outpatient, hospital-based, residential, luxury care, etc. Be sure to choose a rehab center that offers the type of care you and/or your loved ones are looking for.

The available treatment options

The available addiction treatment options are something else you will need to consider before choosing a rehab facility. There are several treatment options that are available, so you need to make sure the facility you choose has what you need.

Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers in Georgia

Drug Rehab in Georgia (hospital and residential-based) are one of the options available if you are seeking substance use disorder and addiction treatment in Georgia. It is a popular option for many people seeking addiction treatment in Georgia

(Reference:2012 National Survey of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services). But why is this the case? Below is a look at some of the top reasons why many people opt for inpatient drug rehab in Georgia:

It places more focus on withdrawal and recovery

With the inpatient rehab program, the addicted individual must stay on-site for a period of time. During this period, all focus is placed on getting them to quit drugs, detox, and get treatment – there are no outside distractions. As a result, inpatient rehab offers a better chance of full recovery.

It allows for the monitoring of the addicts

When dependence on drugs is high (long-term use), withdrawal can lead to serious side-effects that can be fatal. As a result, it is important to monitor the patient during the withdrawal period, which is what inpatient rehab centers offer. These facilities also monitor the treatment and recovery progress of the patient, thus guaranteeing a better chance of recovery.

It reduces the risk of relapse

Patients who are receiving substance use disorder and addiction treatment are at a high risk of relapse due to various triggers. These triggers are found in abundance in the outside environment (drugs, social influence, stress, emotions, etc.). However, with inpatient rehab, the patients are shielded from these triggers, which greatly minimizes the risk of relapse during the treatment period.

Inpatient rehab facilities offer more treatment options and services

Inpatient rehab facilities tend to offer more services compared to outpatient facilities. For example, due to the more time spent at the facilities, patients receive additional services such as counseling, life skills training, recreational activities, and so on. Inpatient rehab facilities are also more likely to offer more treatment options – detox treatment, addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment – under one roof.

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What to Expect at Rehab?

First time going to rehab? The thought of being isolated from the world (in the case of in-patient rehab), and with no idea what to expect can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry! Below is a look at what to expect when you seek substance use disorder treatment at a rehab facility in Georgia.

Screening and assessment

Also known as intake process, screening and assessment are the first stages of the rehab process. The process helps to identify the drugs you are dependent on (addicted), your abuse and addiction history, medical history, mental health history, health insurance, etc. Basically, it seeks to identify whether you are a right fit for the facility.

Medically assisted detox

Once you are through the intake process, the next stage is the withdrawal and detox process. The process aims to completely get rid of any drugs and other addictive substances in your body (including alcohol). Medical detox treatment is also offered to safely manage any withdrawal symptoms that may arise.

Psychotherapy

One of the things you can expect at most rehab centers in Georgia is physiotherapy treatment. The therapy is offered either as an individual, a group or together with your family. It can include cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral treatment, and therapy targeted to mental health issues (for co-occurring disorders).

Medical treatment

Even after safely detoxing, you might still be at risk for relapse, especially if you were highly dependent on a drug or substance. Functioning while not under the influence might thus be a huge challenge (huge cravings, depression, anxiety, etc.). As a result, you might be prescribed medication to help you cope. You are also likely to be prescribed medication if you are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders – the medication, in this case, would be used to treat the identified mental health issues.

Educational and/or recreational sessions

Rehab is not all about withdrawal, detox, and treatment; many rehab facilities also focus on helping the patients gain the necessary knowledge and skills to cope with their lives after leaving rehab. They do this through educational and recreational sessions, which can include life skill lessons, art sessions, and recreational group activities.

Inpatient Drug Rehab in Georgia vs Outpatient

Inpatient drug rehab is offered in hospitals and clinics and is recommended for individuals who have a dual diagnosis or are dealing with mental health issues and addiction simultaneously. Inpatient rehab is also suggested for individuals who do not have a strong support system or have a history of relapsing. Inpatient addiction treatment centers in Georgia are located throughout the state.

Outpatient drug rehab is provided at various sites from clinics to healthcare providers’ offices to local departments of health. Outpatient rehab works well for individuals who want to get clean but have obligations to work, school, or family. There are a number of outpatient addiction treatment centers in Georgia

Understand Your Treatment Options

Addiction treatment options vary from one rehab facility to another, and from one individual to another. However, when seeking substance abuse treatment in Georgia, there are several things you can expect (to remain the same) at any rehab facility.

To start with, depending on the facility you choose, you will either receive inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential treatment. During rehab, you can also expect to receive various types of addiction treatment, which include medical detox, pharmacotherapy (medication during the recovery stage) and psychotherapy.

When seeking addiction treatment, you can also expect to come across various treatment approaches – depending on the facility you choose. Some of the most popular approaches include:

• Substance use disorder treatment – the rehab center will only focus on treating substance use disorder
• Mental health treatment – treatment only focus on mental health issues affecting the patient
• Dual diagnosis treatment – the approach is used for co-occurring disorders (substance use disorder and mental health issues), where they are both treated simultaneously
• 12-step treatment program – the approach is common with alcohol addiction treatment
• Faith-based treatment programs – offered by Faith-based rehab facilities, and it involves helping the patients to find the strength to overcome addiction in their faith.

Holistic treatment programs – holistic addiction treatment approach is more involved, and it focuses on treating the body as a whole – not just detox and withdrawal symptoms. It makes use of holistic techniques such as healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, body and mind wellness, and so on.

Traveling for Treatment

The addiction treatment centers found in Georgia are not limited to the state’s residence – anyone can travel there and seek treatment. But why would you do that? Below is a look at some of the benefits of traveling to Georgia for addiction treatment.

Georgia has taken huge strides in the fight against substance use disorder

Georgia is one of the top states when it comes to fighting drug abuse and addiction, which makes it a great place to seek addiction treatment. The state has several rehab facilities, which are equipped to handle various addiction problems. Due to Georgia’s legislation, drugs (especially prescription opiates) are heavily controlled, which makes them more unavailable.

Traveling to a new location allows for a fresh start

Another good reason for seeking treatment in Georgia is the psychological benefits that traveling to a new location can give you. When you move away from your home to a new place, you will get the feeling of a fresh start, which can be a huge psychological booster in the journey to recovery.

The distance reduces the risk of relapse

Lastly, moving away to a new location for addiction treatment can help to minimize the risk of relapse. The move will take you out of the environment you are used to, and consequently, remove you from triggers that are found in that environment.

Paying for Addiction Treatment

The cost of addiction treatment varies from one facility to the other, as well as according to the treatment and services you are seeking. Regardless, addiction treatment can be quite expensive, and a huge financial burden on you and/or your loved ones.

Thankfully, there are several payment options that are available when seeking addiction treatment in Georgia’s rehab facility. The most popular payment option for addiction treatment is health insurance coverage, which can be either private insurance or government insurance (Medicaid).

While drug rehab facilities found in Georgia might accept insurance, it is important to note that some of the treatment and services offered might not be covered by the insurance providers, for example, some services offered in luxury rehab centers. Therefore, before you or your loved one begin treatment, it is important to talk with both the facility you have chosen and your insurance provider. In the event that the services you are seeking are not covered, you might have to consider paying for them from your own pocket.

References

• wabe.org – Georgia Ranked In Top Tier For Action Against Opioid Abuse
• drugabuse.gov – Georgia Opioid Summary
• law.georgia.gov – Opioid Abuse
• archives.drugabuse.gov – Patterns and Trends of Drug Use in Atlanta, Georgia: June 2013
• hhs.gov – Georgia Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Facts
• wjbf.com – Three new Georgia laws pass to combat the opioid epidemic
• dph.georgia – Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
• georgiahealthnews.com – Georgia ranked in top tier for action against opioid abuse