Finding an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center: Georgia
Every year, 1.2 million Georgians – or about 11.95 percent of the state’s population – use illegal drugs, with another 377,000 – or about 3.58 percent of the state’s population – drinking alcohol. As a result, drugs and alcohol were responsible for more than 10% of all fatalities in the State from 2008 to 2017. Clearly, finding the right alcohol and drug rehab centers in Georgia is a crucial and currently unmet need for many residents of the Peach State.
According to the report, Savannah had the highest percentage of drug- and alcohol-related mortality among Georgia’s most populated cities, at 12.55 percent, while Macon had the lowest rate, at 5.07 percent.
Finding a Top Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Georgia
There was a considerable surge in opioid prescribing during the 1990s, which coincided with a significant increase in overdose deaths in the United States. More than 1.2 million Georgia residents (11.95 percent of the state’s population) use illicit substances each year, while 377,000 (3.58 percent of the state’s population) consume alcoholic beverages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Georgia grew by 207 % between 2010 and 2020. All of these deaths could have been caused by a poisonous cocktail taken at the same time. According to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, opioids were responsible for 67 percent of all drug overdose deaths in Georgia in 2020.
Georgia had 63.2 opioid prescriptions written for every 100 people in 2018, and 57.9 opioid prescriptions written for every 100 people in 2019. In comparison, the national average number of prescriptions filled per 1,000 individuals is 51.4.
These data highlight the need for timely access to addiction treatment in Georgia, which can be provided in a variety of settings. The Peach State currently offers 358 rehab centers that provide alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs, according to the most current National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) report from 2019.
Commonly Misused Substances in Georgia
As a result of the opioid epidemic, people in the Peach State are becoming addicted to heroin. According to official figures, the number of heroin-related deaths has surged by 300 percent since 2010. According to the same government data, 276 people died as a result of a heroin overdose in 2011. In the United States, the figure had risen to 863 in 2014.
Another often abused substance that adds to the state’s high prevalence of addiction and overdose is:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Stimulants
- Opioids and Opiates
Methamphetamine misuse has also become a significant public health issue in Georgia. According to state officials, the number of meth lab seizures jumped by 91% between 2007 and 2009, from 67 in 2007 to 128 in 2009.
Because Georgia is so close to five other southern states, a considerable amount of narcotics are transported via the state’s multiple interstate highways. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest international airport and a common end destination for drug trafficking operations is also located in the state. The need for residential drug rehab in Georgia has never been higher.
Despite a recent increase in unintentional overdoses, a growing number of Georgians are seeking treatment. Individuals seeking treatment for any sort of addiction can do so at rehab centers around Georgia and the United States. Deciding to seek treatment can be difficult, but our treatment providers are here to help you every step of the way.[/vc_column_text]
Georgia’s Drug Laws and Regulations
Law enforcement officials in Georgia are particularly concerned about the state’s drug problems. Over 40,000 people are arrested in Georgia each year on drug-related offenses such as possession, sale, trafficking, and production.
In Georgia, violators of the state’s harsh drug possession laws face years in prison and exorbitant fines. Furthermore, all drug possession offenses result in a six-month driver’s license suspension. Aside from the legal consequences, being caught with drugs carries a reputation that can persist for years.
Possession of Marijuana
- Marijuana possession for recreational purposes is prohibited in Georgia.
- If you are caught with marijuana in Georgia, you could risk jail time, a fine, or both.
- The penalties differ depending on the amount of marijuana possessed and whether the person planned to distribute it.
- If you’re caught with less than one ounce of marijuana, you might risk a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Anyone caught with more than one ounce of marijuana faces criminal prosecution, up to ten years in prison, and a $5,000 fine.
- Offenders who possess marijuana with the intent to distribute face substantially harsher penalties. A defendant might face a maximum penalty of 40 years in jail and a $1 million fine.
Marijuana for Medical Purposes
Georgia’s medicinal marijuana law allows only certain medical illnesses to be treated with cannabidiol (CBD), a low-THC oil derived from the cannabis plant. Patients and caregivers registered with the Georgia Department of Public Health may only acquire cannabidiol from a licensed physician, according to the law. The oil cannot contain more than 5% THC, and neither the patient nor the caregiver may have more than 20 fluid ounces on hand at any given moment.
A patient must have one of the following conditions to be eligible for CBD in Georgia:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in advanced or terminal stages
- Seizures caused by epilepsy or brain injury.
- Multiple Sclerosis, regardless of how severe the diagnosis or how close the disease’s progress is.
- Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel illness that affects the lining of the intestine.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Parkinson’s disease, regardless of the severity of the diagnosis or the advancement of the disease.
- Sickle Cell Disease, regardless matter how terrible the diagnosis is or how far the disease has progressed.
- Cancer is considered terminal when it is found at an advanced stage or when therapy results in significant side effects such as chronic nausea or another disease.
Illegal Substance Possession
Georgia has a classification system to establish the appropriate penalty for possessing controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Medicines are classified into five schedules based on their propensity for addiction. Chemicals in Schedules I and II are deemed to be extremely addictive, while substances in Schedules III through V are thought to be less addictive.
Possession of these chemicals in any amount is automatically a felony under Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act. This restriction does not apply to prescription-only Schedule IV and V medications.
What are the Kinds of Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Georgia?
When you enroll in a program, you can expect detoxification followed by either inpatient or outpatient counseling, depending on your favorite substance and the severity of your addiction. Because addiction is such a complex disorder, merely abstaining from the addictive substance will not cure it, rather an inpatient drug rehab Georgia will be needed to address underlying causes.
You will engage with therapists and counselors to address the psychological components of your drug use whether you are enrolled in intensive outpatient treatment, a short- or long-term residential inpatient program, or a hospital inpatient program.
Clients are often encouraged to attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or another 12-step organization during their therapy, where they will meet other people in recovery who will share their stories and provide feedback and support to one another. You may also be allowed to attend group therapy sessions, with this method forming the core approach at more than one alcoholism treatment center in Georgia.
To give continuous treatment and recovery assistance, it is vital to address both physical dependence and the behavioral and psychosocial skills required for long-term recovery. A range of factors, such as drug use history, co-occurring disorders, treatment availability, cost/payment alternatives, family support, and legal requirements, can all have an impact on therapy. Among these factors are:
Inpatient and Residential Treatment for Georgia Residents
Inpatient alcohol and drug recovery are referred to as residential therapy. The patient is not authorized to leave the treatment facility because it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By dwelling in a treatment program facility, it is possible to get away from the temptations and effects of regular life that might lead to substance misuse and the need for addiction detox rehab Georgia. Inpatient treatment is available for both long-term and short-term needs:
Georgia residential treatment facilities specialize in long-term drug treatment and rehabilitation. This form of care is available at any time of day or night, seven days a week, and is frequently offered outside of a hospital setting, but with on-site medical support. One of the most well-known of these programs is the therapeutic community, which lasts six to twelve months (TC).
Although short-term residential therapy is frequently less than three months long, treatment is intended to be sustained through outpatient programs provided by both specialized residential treatment facilities and hospitals.
Outpatient Care Programs in Georgia: Increased Accessibility
Outpatient programs are comparable to inpatient programs in that residents are not required to stay in the treatment center for the duration of their rehabilitation. The client is allowed to live at home while attending regulated therapy sessions in a rehabilitation facility. Outpatient care is frequently required for a few hours per day, many days per week, and is not covered by insurance.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Georgia
It is unusual for persons who abuse substances to also struggle with mental health issues. Co-occurring disorders, often known as dual diagnoses, are distinguished by the presence of both substance misuse and mental health issues.
According to the research, a variety of mental health disorders, most notably melancholy and anxiety, are usually identified as the underlying cause of substance or alcohol abuse.
In the United States, roughly 7.7 million people suffer from a combination of mental health and substance use difficulties. In addition to substance misuse, around 38% of drug users also have a mental health disorder. There are 232 clinics in Georgia dedicated to treating people with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.
Finding Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Savannah Georgia
In Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia and the first planned city in the State, half of the city’s rehabilitation institutions offer treatment for co-occurring illnesses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use disorders.
Before beginning treatment, in Savannah or elsewhere in the State, be sure to verify the facility provides complete dual diagnosis treatment methods, using the latest evidence-based practices in the field.
If in doubt, please reach out to the recovery representatives here at Rehabs Of Armerica and we can refer to the top programs for dual diagnosis, in Savannah specifically as well as the whole state of Georgia and nationwide.
Special Treatment Concerns for Co-Occurring Disorders
The diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder, as well as the tailoring of therapy to the individual’s specific circumstances via behavioral treatments and medicines, increases the likelihood of a good outcome in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.
Substance misuse and poor mental health are frequently related. Given that six out of ten people who struggle with drug use also have a mental illness (a figure identical to that of alcohol users), those seeking treatment for substance use disorder will most probably need to be screened for the likelihood of co-occurring illnesses.
It has been shown that treating all probable illnesses concurrently results in the greatest outcomes for patients in this situation.
How Much Does Rehab Cost in Georgia?
There will be a charge associated with any treatment program in Georgia. The cost will be determined by a variety of criteria, such as the location, whether it is a luxury or traditional rehab center, the length of your program, and the types of wellness therapies available, such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga.
If you know that you will be able to focus more effectively on your treatment if you are in a private room or at a facility with access to a gym, you must find a facility that provides these amenities.
The majority of programs in Georgia allow you to bargain for a lower fee or offer a sliding scale. Furthermore, programs throughout the state accept Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance, and self-pay.
Is Insurance Accepted at Rehabs in Georgia?
Yes, most Georgia recovery facilities accept insurance. This means that your insurance may pay the entire or a portion of the cost of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, as well as therapy for co-occurring mental health concerns. The amount of coverage, on the other hand, is determined by your specific requirements, your provider, your health insurance plan, and other factors.
The vast majority of people seeking the best rehabs in Georgia do so with the help of most forms of private insurance or state insurance. The cost of therapy is determined by several factors, including the type of care necessary, the type of facility, and the amenities. The cost of a program is also determined by whether it is funded by the government or by the private sector. Georgia makes use of a federally financed health insurance exchange.
Private health insurance outnumbers government health insurance, with employment-based insurance being the most common type. Every carrier, plan, and policy is scrutinized. If you are unable to obtain medical coverage via your workplace, you may want to look into individual medical plans offered by Georgia health insurance firms.
Aetna, Cigna, ComPsych, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, MultiPlan Insurance, and Amerigroup are among the main insurance carriers recognized.
Among the several types of mental health and addiction insurance available are:
How to Pay for Rehab in Georgia Without Insurance
Because substance abuse and addiction are major public health issues, the local, state, and federal governments fund a large percentage of therapy.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the United States, mental health and substance abuse treatment are critical health benefits that should be covered in all marketplace plans. This encompasses treatment for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse.
Where Can I Find Free Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Georgia?
Substance abuse treatment programs are funded or subsidized by the federal, state, county, or municipal governments at around 33.5 percent of Georgia institutions. You can use online resources to find free drug recovery clinics in Georgia.
There are no-cost inpatient drug rehab programs in Georgia, as well as low-cost rehab centers across the country, and many of them accept Medicaid. Georgia has state-funded rehab facilities as a result of several states devoting funding to helping people who do not have insurance.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 require health insurers and group health plans to cover mental and/or substance use therapy at the same level as medical and surgical care. Whether searching for an alcohol treatment facility in Georgia or a more general addiction detox rehab in Georgia, further resources can be gained with a quick call to Rehabs Of Armerica.
While finding suitable treatment may be difficult, there are services available to assist you. One of these is the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s brochure Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask, which includes information and ideas on how to choose a drug and alcohol detox treatment. Numerous internet tools can connect you to local projects or other relevant information.
Nonprofits and Other Free Resources for Behavioral Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America are both nonprofit organizations that offer self-help assistance to people suffering from a variety of mental illnesses. They are made up of state and local affiliates and can be especially beneficial to people who have co-occurring disorders.
Participating in research projects may result in receiving free drug treatment in Georgia. Anyone interested in participating in a clinical study testing a promising drug abuse intervention can get information through the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) National Drug Misuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network.
Georgia Addiction Treatment Laws
In Georgia, over 21,000 persons sought substance abuse treatment in 2012. Almost a thousand of those patients were under the age of 18. While this indicates that many people in Georgia are receiving the assistance they require, communities around the state are working to raise community awareness to prevent future addictions.
The 911 Medical Amnesty Statute in Georgia
Many people who overdose or witness an overdose avoid seeking medical attention for fear of being chastised or prosecuted for drug misuse. In 2014, Georgia passed the 911 Medical Amnesty Law, which shields anyone who witnesses or experiences an overdose from legal ramifications for dialing 911.
Georgia Overdose Prevention advocated for the bill’s passage on behalf of parents, healthcare professionals, harm reduction campaigners, and people who have lost loved ones to an unintended drug overdose.
The bill also expanded access to naloxone, a drug that can be used to reverse opiate overdoses. According to the law, physicians may prescribe naloxone to family members and friends of someone who is in danger of an opioid overdose, as well as first responders, harm reduction organizations, and other caregivers. Naloxone, when taken correctly, can reverse heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, or other opiate overdoses.
Georgia Addiction Treatment Centers
Georgia has a variety of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to assist persons of all ages in overcoming substance misuse. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) governs and supervises substance abuse treatment services across the state.
The Core Benefits Package comprises a variety of outpatient services accessible at DBHDD locations throughout the state. These programs are better suited for less self-sufficient persons. Among the services available are the following:
- Psychological Health Examinations
- Psychological Assessment
- Intervention in a Time of Crisis
- Psychiatric Illness Treatment
- Group Outpatient Services
- Outpatient Treatment for Families
- Addiction Recovery Services
- Peer Support Services
Georgia also has specialized programs for persons who have progressed in their addiction and require more care. Treatment can be tailored to the specific needs of each individual and may involve the following:
- Substance Detoxification at Home
- Stabilization Programs
- Residents’ Services
- ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
- Opioid Replacement Therapy
- Peer Support Services
- Transitional Housing
Why Should You Attend Drug Rehab Centers in GA?
When deciding on a drug treatment program, it is vital to study all available options, including those located outside of your state.
While an in-state program may appear to be the most convenient, an increasing number of people are beginning their rehabilitation in out-of-state facilities.
Attending an out-of-state rehabilitation program has several advantages. Traveling to rehab removes you from the environment that gave rise to your addiction, allowing you to break harmful habits and focus exclusively on recovery. Many people benefit from a change of scenery, which boosts their chances of remaining sober following their visit.
It is entirely up to you to end the addiction cycle. Now is the time to contact a rehabilitation center.
Local Georgia Addiction Recovery Resources
- Contact information for Narcotics Anonymous meetings across the state.
- Find a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous in Georgia.
- Georgia Crisis and Access Line: A 24-hour hotline that provides free and confidential assistance to Georgia residents experiencing addiction or mental health crises.
- 2-1-1 United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta: This organization provides information and recommendations to programs that help with job placement, mental health and addiction treatment, legal services, and housing.
- Medicaid in Georgia: Medicaid is a federal-state healthcare program for low-income individuals and families that can be used to pay for mental health or substance misuse treatment.
What to Expect from an Alcohol and Drug Rehab: Georgia
When you or a loved one decides to seek alcohol or drug treatment, you can expect Georgia addiction treatment centers to follow a set admissions process.
The majority of admissions navigators work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some are also in recovery, so they perfectly understand what you’re going through. A pre-screening stage is typically used to identify a patient’s clinical needs and eligibility for therapy. Following that, a patient will be given a customized therapy recommendation based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Screening patients during the intake process is an important first step in establishing an accurate and complete diagnosis. This is critical for developing a successful treatment strategy. Because the symptoms of numerous mental health illnesses and substance use disorders frequently overlap, co-occurring disorders can be difficult to identify.
A large number of Georgia alcohol and drug rehab centers are geared to treat co-occurring disorders. Treating both illnesses concurrently is frequently more beneficial than treating them separately.
Should I Travel to Rehab in Georgia?
Depending on the institution to which you or your loved one is sent, navigators offer patients a complete list of important items to bring, as well as a list of items that are prohibited on facility grounds before admission. Before setting out for a program at an alcohol and drug treatment center Georgia, you should check the particular provisions of the program you plan to attend.
The packing list should follow the guidelines of the rehabilitation clinic. The specific policy on gadgets varies greatly between institutions, therefore if the patient needs further information before deciding on a facility, they should contact the staff.
When planning for treatment in Georgia, several factors must be considered, including the state’s climate, temperatures, and season. Summer is dominated by tropical air, whereas the other seasons are dominated by cooler polar air, with drier east-central parts.
Northern Georgia experiences more uniformly distributed rainfall throughout the seasons, whilst southern and coastal Georgia have greater rainfall in the summer. Snow is infrequent unless you reside in a mountainous area.
Finding the Best Georgia Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers
Georgia has 358 substance abuse treatment centers, according to the 2019 N-SSATS data, including the following:
- Private non-profit organizations make up 93% of all non-profit organizations (26.0 percent).
- There are 199 for-profit private firms, accounting for 55.6 percent of the total.
- Local, county, or community government accounts for between 7% and 2% of the total.
- The state government accounts for half of the total or 14% of the total.
- The federal government is in charge of 9%, or 2.5 percent.
There are 303 outpatient treatment centers in Georgia. There are 70 non-hospital outpatients and 27 inpatients (hospital). Each year, approximately 40.000 to 45.000 people are accepted into Georgia’s rehabilitation clinics. Around 76.6 percent of patients struggle with both alcohol and drug addiction.
Opportunities for Adventure Therapy in Georgia
The natural environment components of Georgia are almost certainly what contribute to the state’s attractiveness as a recovery destination. Georgia is one of the best destinations to visit in the South, with breathtaking scenery connecting mountain views to white-sand beaches and a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
Furthermore, the state’s topography is distinguished by stark differences. Georgia’s mountain-to-sea geography is home to a diverse array of natural plants and creatures. The serene white sand beaches of the Atlantic coast, as well as the calm ranches and plantations, provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life.
Furthermore, this is a progressive mental health condition. Regional hospitals are spread around the state and offer examinations, emergency care, and short-term care. In the town, there are dozens of outpatient rehabilitation institutions.
Find Your Recovery Now with Georgia Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers
Detox centers in Georgia are largely concentrated in major cities including Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah. There are no-cost or low-cost alcohol and drug treatment programs, as well as high-end private rehab centers, available. Georgia rehab centers provide patients with a supervised setting as well as safe withdrawal conditions.
A drug and alcohol detox program is almost certainly the first step toward recovery. Individuals who acquire a significant addiction to a substance often experience painful withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal if the use is abruptly ended at home without professional assistance. Medication is frequently prescribed by doctors to alleviate symptoms and lower the risk of consequences.
Finding the best treatments for alcohol and substance use disorders is easier than you think, and our dedicated recovery representatives are here any time of day or night to help you find the resources you need and deserve.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Rehabs Of Armerica if you are in need of help with alcohol, substance use, or mental health issues in Georgia or nationwide. Our compassionate staff can answer any concerns you may have, verify insurance, and help with same-day placement for you (or a loved one) often within minutes – so call now and give yourself a break!
Edward lives and works in South Florida and has been a part of its recovery community for many years. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts, he works to help Find Addiction Rehabs as both a writer and marketer. Edward loves to share his passion for the field through writing about addiction topics, effective treatment for addiction, and behavioral health as a whole. Alongside personal experience, Edward has deep connections to the mental health treatment industry, having worked as a medical office manager for a psychiatric consortium for many years.