Substance Abuse Stats in the City of Sandy Springs, Georgia
Sandy Springs, Georgia is part of Fulton County, an area with plenty of drug problems. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, deaths from opioid overdose have increased steadily since 2010. This involves prescription opioids like Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. It also involves illegal opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Fulton County saw 239 opioid overdose deaths in 2018.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Outpatient treatment programs can be a good choice if you must keep working or have a good social support system in place. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that it may provide little more than drug education.
An inpatient treatment program of at least 90 days gives you time to explore the complex issues of addiction. It also provides a supportive environment with medical and counseling staff while you do so. An aftercare program is beneficial as well.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
It depends on the program and whether it’s offered on an inpatient or outpatient basis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most effective treatment programs last at least 90 days. When you have a choice, selecting the longest program available gives you the best chance of achieving long-term recovery from addiction. However long you’re able to attend, be sure to minimize other responsibilities and distractions in your life to allow you to focus on your recovery.
What to Expect at Rehab
Every treatment program is different. Some focus on talk therapy and providing medication when necessary to help people control cravings. Others integrate nutrition, exercise, and other components of a holistic approach. Don’t hesitate to ask questions upfront to understand exactly what you can expect.
Individual and group therapy are both popular in drug treatment. You work one-on-one with a counselor to uncover issues and progress towards goals. Fellow group members offer each other support and confront behavior when necessary.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Your intake counselor may recommend detox before you formally begin a drug treatment program. If so, it’s important for you to go. Treatment centers aren’t set up for detox and expect you to come in ready to start working a program.
You’re also a good candidate for detox if you physically can’t stop using drugs without intervention. At this point your intake counselor will require it before admitting you to a program.
How Long is Detox?
This varies for everyone. If you haven’t used drugs for long, or they’re not as potent, you might need only a few days to detox. Your detox time will be on the longer end if the opposite is true or you’re already in poor health. Supervised medical detox is the safest way to get drugs out of your system and break your body’s dependence on them.