Millions of people in the United States have a connection to drug addiction. In particular, the Georgia Department of Public Health states that from 2010 to 2020, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths had a drastic increase of 207%. Treatment opportunities are increasing to address this alarming statistic. Fortunately, this includes Columbus, Georgia’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources. Learn more about Columbus, Georgia drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources that can help you recover safely and effectively from dependency today.
Substance Abuse in Columbus
According to the county health rankings in Muscogee County, where Columbus is located, there are 17 drug poisoning deaths per 100,000 people in 2024. The state of Georgia experiences high numbers of prescription drug and alcohol use disorders. With 13% of people under 65 experiencing frequent physical distress, prescription drug use for chronic pain is likely. The percentage of adults drinking excessively or binging in Muscogee County is 15%. This number, unfortunately, reflects that 20% of driving deaths in the county are alcohol-related.
Prescription drug misuse and abuse is not only a severe problem in Georgia but exists throughout the United States. Many people take their prescription medications responsibly, without incident, but many prescription medications have a high risk of unintentional misuse and abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 52 million people throughout the US have used prescription drugs for nonmedical uses at least once in their lifetime. Pain relievers are often the source of unintentional or intentional abuse.
Columbus, Georgia’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources find a strong correlation between substance use and mental health conditions. In Muscogee County or the Columbus region, the average number of mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days of 2024 is 5.6, and 17% of people in the county are experiencing frequent mental distress. Environmental factors can have a strong bearing on the development of substance use or mental health conditions.
Unfortunately, unemployment and lack of access to medical and mental health care, combined with genetics and uncontrollable factors, are critical factors in the development of these severe issues.
Recovery Resources in Columbus
Columbus, Georgia’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources have the goal of helping people withdraw from the physical and psychological effects of drugs or alcohol in a professional and safe environment. A professional evaluation in the initial stage of recovery can reveal individual physical and psychological needs to proceed with treatment.
It is difficult to determine if substance use began first as a coping mechanism for symptoms of a mental illness or stress or if a mental health disorder is the result of a substance use disorder. The US and state governments are increasing community initiatives to drive the message to the population that there is hope for those struggling with addiction and mental health conditions.
Fortunately, there is a solid push to collect data to aid in discovering new therapies and treatments for success in recovery. Treatment centers utilize evidence-based therapies but expand into essential programs stretching traditional boundaries. Gender-based detox programs meet the needs of both men and women and add beneficial components to treatment.
Columbus, Georgia’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources include a combination of state and nationwide support systems that may have locations close by. Finding resources in or around Columbus through community action opportunities can begin within the following resource sites:
- Georgia Overdose Prevention provides support in forming overdose prevention plans, Naloxone facts, and other vital support in administering aid in the case of an overdose
- Georgia Council for Recovery offers a wealth of resources from support systems throughout the US and Georgia
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities contains information pointing to support for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Other vital substance abuse guides and support include information about:
- 988 in Georgia
- Achieving a Life of Recovery
- The Crisis System of Georgia
- West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus, GA
Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment Resources in Columbus
A crucial step in the recovery process is professional detox. Having essential options during this process can address the needs of various individuals. Once the decision to seek help is secure, the next step is to seek safety in a professional setting to avoid relapse. Utilizing the best therapies to continue sobriety is another essential factor.
Medically Supervised Detox with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Flushing the toxic substances from the body is the primary goal of the detoxification process. Columbus, Georgia’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources offer medically supervised detox with the option of medication-assisted treatment as the safest method to rely upon.
During this process, several severe physical and psychological symptoms ranging in intensity can occur. The fear of complications, pain, and relapse can be minimal with the help of the medical team supervising the detox.
Benefits of medically supervised detox with the option of MAT include:
- Continual monitoring of vital signs
- The ability to access specialists for therapy and support
- Access to prescription medications to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms
People who hear treatment professionals believe that using medications to ease withdrawal systems may find this option confusing and risky. MAT focuses on using medication during detox for the relief of the discomfort and physical difficulties occurring when the body is flushing out toxic substances.
Keeping the client as comfortable as possible is vital to prevent relapse. The Food and Drug Administration approves medication for use in medication-assisted treatment.
Detox Specialty Programs
The following specialty detox programs are available:
- Gender-specific detox programs for men and women
- Alcohol detox
- Drug detox
- Fentanyl
- Prescription drug
- Heroin
- Meth
- Cocaine
- Opiate
- Xanax
Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based therapies are highly successful tools in the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Combining detox with proven therapies lays the foundation for a successful treatment plan.
Treatment is hard work, but experts offer the essential building blocks to undertake a new sober lifestyle. Evidence-based therapies can build self-esteem, self-discovery, and new healthy coping mechanisms.
Evidence-based therapies can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This psychotherapeutic approach focuses on connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with their physiological responses.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: This therapy focuses on identifying and understanding negative thought patterns to modify and alter unhealthy behavior.
- Individual therapy: This therapy is a personal journey into one’s self and past trauma while exploring the reason for addiction with one-on-one interaction with a professional mental health professional.
- Group therapy: Group therapy is essential for peer support, sharing experiences, and building relationship trust.
- Family Counseling: Building healthy relationships helps heal and regrow the family unit.
Find Supportive Resources for Addiction Treatment in Columbus, Georgia
Finding empathetic and supportive resources when making vital life decisions relieves anxiety and fear. The Retreat of Atlanta offers professional and compassionate treatment professionals in the Columbus Area to discuss options and clear up any questions that could cause delays in seeking help. Their centers specialize in detox options provided with evidence-based therapies for a successful start to recovery. Columbus, Georgia drug and alcohol addiction treatment resources through the Retreat of Atlanta can give you the tools necessary to achieve lasting wellness.
Contact the center today to end frustration and confusion when choosing a center.
