Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Atlanta

Prescription drug abuse, particularly opioids, is a significant problem in Georgia, with Atlanta being a focal point of the crisis. In 2018, about 70% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid, with prescription or illicit opioids accounting for 1,307 deaths in Georgia, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia have put forth substantial efforts into combating this ongoing issue. Numerous rehabilitative and preventative programs have been established for those struggling with prescription drug abuse, offering a variety of treatment options.

One significant initiative is Project DAN (Deaths Avoided by Naloxone) by the Georgia Overdose Prevention (GOP) group. This project equips first responders and law enforcement with naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

Regarding treatment, Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) provides 24/7 phone and online access to services, including detoxification, crisis intervention, treatment referral, and more.

Peachford Hospital in Atlanta offers a program specifically focused on prescription drug abuse. Their services include medically supervised detox, individual therapy, group counseling, and post-treatment planning.

Another renowned program is Tangu Phase II Inc, offering outpatient detox, methadone maintenance, methadone detox, and buprenorphine treatment services specifically for prescription drug disorders.

Many rehabilitation centers in Atlanta, including the Talbott Recovery Campus and Foundations Atlanta, provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment programs designed to address prescription drug addiction.

Atlanta Recovery Place offers various programs, including detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, outpatient programs, and sober living for those suffering from prescription drug addiction.

Skyland Trail, a nationally recognized nonprofit mental health treatment organization, offers dual diagnosis treatment for those suffering with a mental illness in conjunction with a substance abuse disorder, including prescription drug abuse.

The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Collaborative in Georgia aims towards the prevention of prescription drug misuse. They educate communities about drug misuse, provide resources on proper drug disposal locations, and lobby for policies aimed at reducing prescription drug abuse.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as of 2019, there are 67 substance abuse and mental health facilities in Atlanta, Georgia.

The opioid crisis remains particularly acute in Georgia. In 2017, Georgia health providers wrote 70.9 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, compared to the average U.S. rate of 58.7 prescriptions (according to CDC).

In summary, prescription drug abuse is a pervasive problem in Atlanta, GA, but many dedicated programs are working hard to combat this. From prevention to treatment, these efforts combine to approach the problem from multiple angles, aiming to make a real difference in the community.