If you are struggling with substance abuse, please be encouraged…there is hope and you are not alone. Over 20 million Americans struggle with a substance use disorder (shatterproof.org). Substance use disorder is a chronic illness with viable and successful treatments available. Treatment modalities vary from outpatient care to residential and hospital inpatient care. Not every person requires the same treatment plan and a multimodal approach may be recommended, including withdrawal management, counseling and behavioral therapy, mental health monitoring, and mental health treatment.
Unfortunately, very few people who struggle with a substance use disorder actually get the treatment they need. The causes for lack of seeking treatment are multifactorial and include, but are not limited to, the negative stigma associated with having a substance use disorder and the fear of potential legal ramifications and/or loss of livelihood. According to Shatterproof, a national non-profit organization focused on ending addiction in the Unites States, only 1 in 10 people who battle a substance use disorder receive the treatment they need (shatterproof.org). This is quite unfortunate as there are evidence-based treatments for this disorder and recovery is possible.
If you are interested in seeking treatment for yourself, or if you are in need of support as you walk alongside a loved one who is battling a substance use disorder, please investigate the following resources. Included below is a list of treatment and support resources with a brief definition of what each program provides. These resources are available for you as you navigate recovery for yourself or someone you love.
- PHP – the Georgia Professional Health Program – soon will be available to all Georgia veterinarians and will allow practitioners to maintain their license while receiving treatment for substance abuse. More information will become available to GVMA members and veterinarians when this program is launched.
- GVMA Member Assistance Program – GVMA has partnered with McLaughlin Young Group, an independent provider of MAP services. This group provides a network of counselors addressing issues such as family conflict, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, among others. This resource is available to all GVMA members and their family members no cost and more information can be found at GVMA.net. Alternatively, you can call: (704) 529-1428 or (800) 633-3353 and let them know that you are a GVMA member.
- Alcoholics Anonymous in Georgia – According to their preamble, “Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism” (aageorgia.org). Use the link below to find in-person and virtual AA meetings throughout the state.
- In The Rooms – This is a free online recovery tool with virtual meeting rooms as well as expert content related to substance abuse recovery. The link below can be used to find virtual AA and NA meetings 24/7.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and providing evidence-based resources for treatment
- Live Another Day – A curated list of the top-rated accredited drug rehab centers in Georgia.
- The Summit Wellness Group – Highly-rated Georgia-based dual diagnosis provider that features a wide selection of online support guides.
- The GARR Network – Georgia-based association of accredited sober living homes throughout the state.
- Veterinarian Specific Program Cornerstone of Recovery Facility located in Tennessee.
- Local GA Call center CARES Warm Line (1-844-326-5400) – CARES is an organization promoting long term recovery from substance use disorders. CARES stands for Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists.
- Search engine for treatment facilities by location, type, or insurance
- Call center: SAMHSA’s National Helpline 24-hour National Treatment Referral Hotline (1-800-662-HELP)
Written by Miranda Knight, DVM
