In the struggle of substance addiction, acknowledging the problem is a difficult but necessary step. If you have experienced negative outcomes as consequences of your relationship with substance use, it may be time to perform further self-assessment and seek help. If you, a family member or someone you know is experiencing a substance use disorder resources are available:
Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (ASO)
This organization works with Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ (DBHDD) network of more than 600 providers, the Georgia Collaborative ASO facilitates the delivery of whole-health, person-centered and culturally sensitive supports and services to individuals and their families throughout the state. When contacting GCAL via phone or app, they have the ability to provide telephonic crisis intervention services, dispatch mobile crisis teams, assist individuals in finding an open crisis or detox bed across the State, link individuals with urgent appointment services, help find access to a State Funded provider in your area in a non-emergency as well.
Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)
- Call: 1-800-715-4225
- Text/Chat: MyGCAL App
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network
This grassroots nonprofit organization has been led and run by mental health peers—people in mental health recovery since 1990. The Peer2Peer Warm Line has been in operation since the opening of the Peer Support and Wellness Center of Decatur in 2008. A Certified Peer Specialist is a person with lived experience recovering from behavioral health concerns, who has received special training to be able to listen with empathy, and who can provide assistance and resources to others.
Peer2Peer Warm Line
- Call: 888-945-1414 statewide, or locally:
- Decatur: 404-371-1414
- Bartow County: 770-276-2019
- Colquitt County: 229-873-9737
- White County: 706-865-3601
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to building and supporting community alliances to reduce the impact of addiction through education, advocacy and training. This warm line is answered by people with lived experience of substance use recovery. Anyone needing assistance, or support through the recovery process including family members, friends, and other allies can call.
CARES Warm Line
- Call/Text:1-844-326-5400
- Available 8:30AM – 11:00PM, 365 days a year
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. This information service, in English and Spanish, provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
24-hour National Treatment Referral Hotline
- Call: 1-800-662-HELP
- TTY (TeleTYpe): 1-800-487-4889
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Written by Souci Louis, VMD, MPH