Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers?

Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Although it was once used for medical purposes, it is now considered an illicit substance due to its addictive potential. It releases dopamine in the brain producing feelings of euphoria making it highly addictive. 

Cocaine may be used recreationally at first, but when addiction kicks in, it can ruin your life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need. Read on to find out more about the drug and how you can overcome dependency issues. 

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the coca plant native to South America. It comes in the form of a fine white powder. It is more often found on the street where it can be mixed with unhealthy substances like talcum powder, cornstarch, flour, synthetic opioids, and amphetamine. 

The drug is commonly snorted, but it can also be smoked or injected. It can be processed into a rock crystal that is smoked. In this form, cocaine is freebase cocaine or crack which is highly dangerous and addictive. 

When cocaine enters the body, it causes dopamine to be produced. Under normal circumstances, once dopamine is produced it is recycled by the body. The presence of cocaine interferes with the recycling of the chemical making for a build-up between nerve cells. This floods the brain’s rewards system making people feel euphoric, but also overly confident, so they are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors. 

What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

People who do cocaine for long periods will begin building a tolerance to the drug. They will need to take more of it to get the same effects. 

They will also develop withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes so used to having the drug in its system, it gets sick when the drug is not present. The only way to get rid of the symptoms is to do more of the drug resulting in an addictive cycle. 

Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are two signs of cocaine addiction. Here are some other things to look out for. 

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability 
  • Restlessness
  • Paranoia
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Troubled relationships
  • Financial difficulties
  • Legal issues
  • Engaging in dangerous behaviors 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lack of interest in the things you once loved
  • Anxiety
  • Changes in sleep pattern
  • Deceptive behavior
  • Lack of self-care

Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers?

Cocaine addiction can greatly reduce the quality of life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need. 

There are typically three stages in the cocaine rehab process. The first is detox. During this phase, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, but a medical professional will be by your side to keep you as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

The second stage is therapy. The mental health clinicians will work out a plan best suited to your needs. They will treat the addiction and its underlying causes to provide long-term recovery

The third stage is aftercare. This involves the center providing continued support as you adjust to sober living. 

There are many cocaine rehab centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. We assess each patient to find a plan that works best for them. We utilize a team of highly trained, compassionate professionals. We offer a variety of outpatient treatment plans. Cocaine addiction isn’t easy to overcome. Atlanta Recovery can get you the help you need to move forward in life. Contact us to find out how to take the first step in achieving a healthier existence.

How To Deal With a Heroin Addict

How To Deal With a Heroin Addict

Heroin is one of the most serious drugs you can be addicted to. Many heroin addicts end up overdosing. They also run the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis from sharing needles. 

If someone you love has a heroin addiction, you may not know what to do. This article will provide tips on how to deal with a heroin addict. 

Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Heroin

Its important to familiarize yourself with the signs of heroin addiction. Here are some things you will want to look out for. 

  • Withdrawal from normal social activities
  • Flushed, itchy skin 
  • Pinned or constricted pupils 
  • Nodding out
  • Needing to take more of the drug to get the same high
  • Weight loss
  • Unreliability
  • Mood swings
  • Deceptive behavior 
  • Lack of self-care
  • Loss of motivation
  • Troubled relationships
  • Legal issues
  • Financial issues

How To Deal With a Heroin Addict

Heroin is a very serious addiction. If a loved one is addicted to heroin, it’s important to get them help right away. Here are the actions you must take. 

Confront Them

Your first step will be to try to get your loved one into a rehab facility. In doing so, you must not be judgmental, condescending or unkind. Let them know how much you care about them. Tell them that you are worried about their wellbeing and make them understand that you don’t want to see them get hurt. 

Listen to what they have to say to get a grasp on their perspective. Don’t interrupt them or criticize them. Believe what they say even if they may be looking at things with a distorted view. 

Set Boundaries

While its important to be kind to a loved one dealing with a heroin addiction, it’s essential to set boundaries. For example, if they ask you for money, they may be using it to buy heroin. It’s important to cut them off in that sense. 

Stage an Intervention

If your loved one is still not agreeing to get help, you may have to stage an intervention. This involves inviting them to a gathering of their close friends and family. You must not tell them it’s an intervention or they may not show up. 

During the intervention, guests tell the person how much they mean to them and how much they want to get help. They must also warn them that if they don’t get help, they may cut them off. This may include no longer providing financial support, living quarters, or their friendship. 

Before the intervention happens, arrangements should be made so the loved one can check directly into rehab if they agree to get help. If they don’t agree, friends and relatives must keep up their end of the bargain by limiting interactions with them. The hope is that they will hit rock bottom and have no other place to turn than a rehab facility. 

How To Get Your Loved One Help With a Heroin Addiction

There are many rehab centers that offer help with heroin addiction, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. 

We use therapeutic strategies that deal with addiction and its underlying cause for long-term recovery. We work out a customized plan that is suited to each patient’s individual needs. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. We follow up with a sober living treatment to ensure our patients make a healthy adjustment to sobriety. 

Heroin addiction is extremely dangerous, and it can even be fatal. If a loved one is having heroin dependency issues, do not hesitate to reach out to Atlanta Recovery Place. We will help them move forward to a healthier place in life. 

How To Take Care of Mental Health in College

How To Take Care of Mental Health in College

College is an exciting time for many people, but it can also be taxing on mental health. Students have a lot to deal with. They must get good grades and many of them are also doing a lot of partying. The combination of peer pressure, academic stress and sleepless nights can really get to them. 

Because college is so difficult, many students develop emotional disorders while attending. Anxiety and depression often develop, and they can be severe at times. Instead of reaching out for help, some students will treat their symptoms with drugs and alcohol. While these may provide temporary relief, they will end up making things worse in the long run. 

Fortunately, there are steps students can take to keep their health intact. This article will review how to take care of mental health in college. 

What Is Mental Health?

When someone asks how we are doing health wise, we tend to think of physical health. If our major organs are in good shape and we are not dealing with any injuries, we are a-okay, right?

But what we don’t consider is mental health. This involves our thoughts and emotions.

It’s not unusual for people to deal with anxiety and depression. These can be due to the stresses of everyday life, unfortunate things that happen and so on. 

But in some instances, anxiety and depression can be so severe they become debilitating. They may cause people to be unable to get out of bed. They may withdraw from social situations and be unable to enjoy life. 

While some emotional disorders occur due to external factors, others are caused by genetics and chemical imbalances in the brain. They include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD and more. 

There are many ways mental health can suffer but fortunately, emotional issues can be treated with therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. 

Tips on How To Take Care of Mental Health in College

Mental health can really go haywire when you are dealing with the stresses of college life. Here are some tips on how to take care of mental health in college. 

  • Get enough sleep: Parties and all-night study sessions can get in the way of a good night’s sleep but being well rested is essential to mental health. 
  • Talk to others:  If the stress is getting to be too much for you, reach out to your support network or a school counselor. 
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol: Drugs and alcohol are a major temptation in college, but they can cause chemical imbalances that make mental problems worse. 
  • Stay active: Exercise is great for relieving stress and improving mood. 
  • Eat well: The right foods will give you the energy you need to get through your days, and they also have mood enhancing properties. 
  • Reward yourself: College is hard work. If you do well, take some time to reward yourself by buying a new gadget or heading out for a spa day. 

How Atlanta Recovery Can Help

It is hopeful that college students don’t turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with the stresses of college life, but if they do, Atlanta Recovery Place is here to help. 

At Atlanta Recovery, we realize every patient is different. We take the time to analyze each one’s needs and find the treatment plan that is best suited to their individual situation. We get to the root of the addiction to treat its underlying cause making for a long-term recovery solution. 

College life is hard. If it’s getting the best of you, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Atlanta Recovery will be your rock guiding you through difficult days and clearing a path for healthier living.

Are There Painkiller Addiction Treatment Centers?

Are There Painkiller Addiction Treatment Centers?

Painkillers are often prescribed by doctors to increase the patient comfort levels. While they are effective in serving their purpose, they are also highly addictive. When an addiction forms, it can greatly reduce the quality of life making people worse off than they were when dealing with their original health condition. 

Fortunately, there are painkiller addiction treatment centers available to give addicts the help they need. Read on to find out what you can do to get past your dependency issues. 

What Are Painkillers? 

Painkillers come in many forms. For example, you can buy painkillers such as aspirin and NSAIDS over the counter to relieve temporary aches and pains. 

But if the pain is more serious and ongoing, a doctor may prescribe you a stronger pain killer, otherwise known as an opioid

Opioids are sourced from the opium poppy plant. They work by blocking pain signals from the brain to the body. They also produce feelings of euphoria that contribute to their addictive properties. 

There are several types of opioids including the following: 

  • OxyContin and Vicodin which are available by prescription.
  • Fentanyl is also a prescription drug. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 
  • Heroin is an illegal drug mainly found on the streets. 

Signs of Painkiller Addiction

Painkiller addiction often starts when patients who were prescribed medication start taking a higher dose than what the doctor recommends. This makes them build up a tolerance so they must continue taking more of the drug to get the same effect. They may also start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they don’t have the drug in their system. 

When an addiction forms, users may try to get prescriptions for higher doses from their doctors. If the doctor denies their request, they will start to get it from the streets increasing the risk that the drug may be made with unsafe ingredients. 

In other instances, a person may use painkillers for recreational purposes. They will purchase the drug from a dealer. If they continue using the drug and taking higher doses, an addiction will form.  

Here are some telltale signs of painkiller addiction:

  • Mood swings
  • Euphoria
  • Social withdrawal
  • Pinpointed pupils
  • Sedation
  • Slurred speech
  • Itchy skin
  • Nodding out
  • Troubled relationships
  • Isolation
  • Financial issues
  • Legal issues
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dishonest behavior

Are There Painkiller Addiction Treatment Centers?

Painkiller addiction is all too common in today’s world and it’s difficult to beat. Fortunately, there are painkiller addiction treatment centers that will get you the help you need. 

The treatment centers will start with a detox process which involves getting your system clean of toxins. They determine a customized therapy plan that treats dependency and its underlying issues. After you leave the center, they will follow up with aftercare ensuring you make a healthy adjustment to sober living. 

How To Get Help With Painkiller Addiction Today

If you are dealing with painkiller addiction, don’t let it continue taking over your life. Reach out for help today. 

There are several painkiller addiction centers available and a simple internet search will provide a variety of results. But finding the one that’s right for you is more complicated. Atlanta Recovery Place may be your best solution. 

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we analyze each of our patients to determine the treatment that’s right for them. We use a dual diagnosis to treat addiction and its underlying causes. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient programs, and follow-up with sober living aftercare to ensure the patient makes a healthy adjustment to sobriety. 

Painkiller addiction reduces quality of life, and it can even be fatal. If you or a loved one are affected, don’t hesitate to reach out for the help you need. Call Atlanta Recovery to find out how you can move forward with cleaner living. 

What Is Chemical Dependency Treatment?

What Is Chemical Dependency Treatment?

Chemical dependency is another name for drug addiction. It occurs when your body becomes dependent on the chemicals in the drugs. Over time, the user will start to need the drugs in their system just to feel normal. They will need to take more of the drugs to feel high. 

It is not easy to overcome chemical dependency. When your body becomes used to functioning with the drugs in its system, it begins to feel sick when they are not present and withdrawal symptoms appear. 

Even though getting clean is difficult, it’s not impossible, especially when you find the right chemical dependency treatment. Here are a few that have been proven to be effective. 

Signs You or a Loved One Need Chemical Dependency Treatment

It’s important to get familiar with the signs of addiction so you can determine when chemical dependency treatment is necessary. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Withdrawal from social circles
  • Lack of interest in doing the things you love
  • Lack of self-care
  • Spending more time doing the drug and getting the drug
  • Needing the drug in your system to feel normal
  • Needing more of the drug to feel high
  • The development of health conditions
  • Mood swings
  • Symptoms characteristic of the effects of the drug

What Is Chemical Dependency Treatment?

Chemical dependency treatment involves getting the person to a point where they are no longer medically and physically dependent on the drug. There are various types of treatment that can be used alone or in combination with one another. 

Typically, a patient will start the process with detox which rids their body of harmful chemicals. Withdrawal symptoms may manifest during this stage, but a medical staff will be available to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

Detox is followed by therapy which can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. With inpatient treatment, the patient stays in the hospital full-time while undergoing therapy customized to their situation. The aim of the treatment will be to determine the underlying cause of addiction and find healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

Outpatient therapy can be the primary form of therapy, or it can be a follow-up to inpatient therapy. It involves the patient splitting their time between therapy and everyday life. 

There are three main types of outpatient therapy, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. They vary in the amount of therapy the patient needs.

With partial hospitalization, the patient may be at the facility for treatment 6-8 hours a day. This will wane down to a few times a week with intensive outpatient and to just one to two times a week for regular outpatient. 

After treatment is completed, the facility will typically follow up with aftercare treatment that helps the patient make a healthy adjustment to sober living. 

Types of Chemical Dependency Treatment Atlanta Recovery Offers

There are many chemical dependency treatment centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery takes an approach that sets us apart. 

We analyze each patient to find a treatment plan that works best. We use dual diagnosis to treat addiction and its underlying causes. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. 

After patients graduate from the program, they move on to a sober living facility. They are provided with the skills they need to start over while getting the support they require to maintain sobriety. 

Chemical dependency issues are not easy to overcome. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Contact Atlanta Recovery Place to find out more about our program and how we can help you move on to a better place in life. 

How To Find Quality Opiate Addiction Support

How To Find Quality Opiate Addiction Support

Opiate addiction is a real problem in America. This may be due the drug’s easy accessibility. 

Many types of opiates are prescribed to treat pain. But according to Drugabuse.gov, 21 to 29% of patients who are prescribed opioids misuse them. 8 to 12% of these people develop an opioid use disorder. 

Opioids are highly addictive, but there are ways to get treatment. This article will review how to find quality opiate addiction support. 

Signs of Opiate Addiction

The first step in finding opiate addiction support is learning how to determine the signs of opiate addiction. That way you can figure out if you or a loved one needs help. 

Opiate addiction has a variety of physical, mental and behavioral symptoms including the following: 

  • Mood swings ranging from depression to hyperactivity
  • A lack of motivation
  • Digestive issues
  • Weight loss
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Itchy skin
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Distorted impression of reality
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Legal issues
  • Financial issues
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of coordination

How To Find Opiate Addiction Support

Fortunately, finding opiate addiction support is not difficult. There are several outlets for help including group therapies (such as NA) and inpatient and outpatient rehab. Search the internet to find the option that’s right for you. 

If you decide to go with a rehab facility, here are a few things to consider.

Outpatient and Inpatient: Some facilities offer outpatient treatment, some offer inpatient treatment and some offer a combination of both. 

Outpatient treatment is less expensive, and it provides you with the benefits of being able to go about your everyday life during rehab. However, it may not be as effective as inpatient treatment, especially if you don’t have a stable homelife. 

Type of Therapy: It’s good to find a facility that provides therapy that’s customized to your needs. The center should assess you to offer a treatment plan that works best when it comes to finding the underlying problem, treating it at its root, and determining healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

Environment: Environment is especially important if you are checking into an inpatient rehab facility. You will find a variety available including those that offer luxury accommodations and ones that are homier and more comfortable. In any event, it’s essential to find one that provides a clean, relaxed atmosphere. 

Aftercare: After you complete your program, the facility should follow up offering support as you adjust to sober living. This will be helpful in reducing the chances of relapse as you encounter the stresses of everyday life. 

Atlanta Recovery Place Offers Opiate Addiction Support

There are many opiate addiction support treatment centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. 

We start by assessing each patient based on their background, the type of drug they’ve been using, how long they’ve been using it, their motivation for recovery, and social support to find a treatment that’s right for them. We focus on the underlying cause of addiction and use dual diagnosis to address mental health issues that may be contributing to the disorder. 

We offer a variety of outpatient treatments including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. We follow up with aftercare to ensure our patients make a healthy adjustment to sober living. Our healthcare experts have over 40 years of combined experience in the healthcare field. 

Opiate addiction is not easy to fight, but there are solutions. At Atlanta Recovery Place, we will give you the care you need to leave your dependency issues behind you. Call us to find out how you can move on to a happier, healthier place in life. 

Is Rehab Expensive?

Is Rehab Expensive?

There are many reasons people may be reluctant to get the help they need to fight addiction and money may be the biggest factor. Rehabs are expensive and a lot of people simply can’t afford them. However, there are ways to make recovery more affordable. 

This article will answer the question ‘is rehab expensive’ and provide suggestions on how you can get the cost down. 

Is Rehab Expensive? 

Rehab is expensive. It can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on the treatment and the facility. 

For example, a live-in facility will cost more than outpatient care. A luxury facility will also be more expensive than other centers. The length of stay and what’s required in the care will also affect the price. 

While prices vary from center to center, here is an idea of what you might end up paying. 

  • A 30-day drug detox typically costs $250 to $800 per day
  • 3 months of outpatient care may cost $14000 to $10,000 per month
  • 30-day intensive outpatient programs range from $3000 to $10,000 
  • Residential treatment can cost $5000 to $80,000 depending on the length of stay

Why Is Rehab So Expensive?

Unfortunately, medical care in America can be quite expensive. In the case of rehab, patients will require assisted detox, therapy, medications, and possibly, a room to stay in while they recover. All these expenses can add up quickly. 

The more care you need, and the longer the care lasts, the more costs will add up. 

How To Pay for Rehab

Even though rehab is expensive, there are ways to make it more affordable. 

The Affordable Care Act was put in place to ensure health insurance companies provide coverage for alcohol and drug addiction. It is offered through Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance companies, state-financed insurance companies, and military insurance. In some states, you can also qualify for disability insurance for inpatient treatment. 

There are also facilities that offer free care or sliding scale payments. Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, is a type of group therapy that is offered for no cost. Most facilities will also offer payment plans and discounts. 

Signs I Need to Go to Rehab

Now that you know that rehab can be affordable, you may consider getting treatment for your condition. Here are some signs that will tell you it’s time to get help. 

  • Making excuses for your drug use 
  • Financial difficulties
  • Legal issues
  • Troubled relationships
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Using drugs when you’re alone
  • Physical symptoms that manifest due to drug use 
  • Increased tolerance to the drug causing you to increase your dosage
  • Not feeling well when the drug is not in your system

What Is the Best Rehab for Me?

There are several rehabs you can choose from, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. We use evidence-based treatment methods that have been proven to help people overcome their dependency issues. Our admission counselors are here to answer any questions you might have. 

We offer a variety of treatments including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. These are all administered in our homey and soothing Atlanta facility. We provide each patient with the care they need and follow up with a sober living program to ensure they make a healthy adjustment. 

Best of all, we accept a variety of insurance plans so you can find the affordable help you need. 

When it comes to fighting addiction, taking the first step is the hardest part. Cost shouldn’t be another factor that gets in the way. Call Atlanta Recovery Place to find out your options for treatment. We will see to it that you get the care to overcome your dependence issues. 

Are OCD and Drug Addiction Related?

Are OCD and Drug Addiction Related?

When you are dealing with mental health issues, it is usually best to talk to a mental health professional – but many people do not go this route. They may feel their problem is not that bad. They may think they will not be able to afford therapy. They may be afraid to come forward to get the help they need. 

When people do not reach out for assistance, they treat their problems in other ways. Many of them self-medicate, turning to drugs and alcohol to relieve their symptoms. And while these illicit substances may provide a temporary fix, they end up doing more harm than good in the long run. 

OCD is a serious mental illness that is characterized by an obsession that causes impulsive behaviors. People dealing with it often use drugs and alcohol to treat their symptoms leading them on a downward spiral. Fortunately, there are ways to get help. 

Read on to find out more about OCD and drug addiction and how you can break the cycle. 

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviors. For example, if someone is scared of catching a disease, they may think stepping on cracks will improve their chances of prevention. It is an unhealthy way for people to deal with negative input. 

Signs of OCD

The symptoms of OCD include unreasonable fears and thoughts and the resulting compulsive behaviors. Examples of obsessive thoughts include:

  • Fear of germs or contamination
  • Doubt and difficulty dealing with uncertainty
  • A need for things to be orderly and symmetrical
  • Thoughts of losing control and harming others
  • Aggression
  • Unwanted thoughts

Examples of obsessive behaviors that may result from these thoughts include:

  • Repeatedly washing and cleaning
  • Checking and counting things over and over
  • Orderliness
  • Sticking to a strict routine
  • An ongoing need for reassurance

Are OCD and Drug Addiction Related?

There is a definite relationship between OCD and drug addiction. People with OCD are typically dealing with stress and anxiety. They may use drugs and alcohol to produce a temporary calming effect. 

However, the calming effect is usually replaced with a devastating low that makes stress and anxiety worse. If an addiction forms, it will lead to troubled relationships, financial and legal issues, and difficulty holding down a job. That is why it is so important to get help from a reliable professional in the first place. 

How To Get Help With OCD and Drug Addiction

For many people, the hardest part of getting help with OCD and drug addiction is taking the first step. They may be afraid of what people think of them or they may not know what to expect. 

It is important to remember that anyone that puts you down is not worth worrying about. And once you call to get help, the rep will tell you exactly what treatment entails. 

Typically, the process starts with detox. During this phase, the patient allows their system to become free of toxic chemicals. 

Next comes therapy. The therapist will determine the underlying cause of addiction and treat it at its root. They will suggest healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

After treatment is complete, they will follow through with aftercare that helps the patient adjust to healthy living. 

There are many recovery centers that can help you overcome addiction, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. We work out personalized treatment plans for our patients ensuring they get the help they need. We offer a variety of outpatient programs allowing clients to recover while participating in their everyday lives. 

OCD and drug addiction will lead you on a downward spiral. Call Atlanta Recovery Place to take the first steps in rehabilitation. We will get you on a path to a happier, healthier lifestyle. 

The Link Between PTSD and Addiction

The Link Between PTSD and Addiction

Many people experience traumatic events at some point in their lives, and most eventually overcome any associated agitation, anxiety, depression or other stress-related behaviors. For these people, the symptoms fade over time, but for some, reactions to trauma can linger, disrupting their lives or the lives of those who care about them. These reactions can be due to the development of a psychological disorder known as PTSD. Some people resort to substance abuse in an effort to cope with feelings of anxiety, fear and stress, which can lead to addiction. 

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychological disorder that is generated by either experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It was once called “shell shock” to describe the reaction that combat soldiers experienced due to the intensity of their trauma in World War I; however, not only people who have experienced war can develop PTSD. Anyone who experiences a traumatic experience can be at risk for developing PTSD.

PTSD affects parts of the brain associated with memory and emotions. A healthy brain can differentiate between memories of past and present experiences, but the brain of a person with PTSD struggles to do so. A person with PTSD might react to a present event or environment that reminds them of past trauma and the brain then responds as though the person is still in the past, a traumatic moment, triggering anxiety, stress and fear.

Some symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Intrusive flashbacks and distressing memories
  • Nightmares
  • Reliving the traumatic event in one’s head
  • Feeling emotionally numb
  • Having a lack of interest in doing things once enjoyed
  • Avoiding anything that reminds one of the situation
  • Getting emotionally distressed when reminded of past a traumatic event
  • Emotions like shame, guilt, anger and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression
  • Feeling detached and/or hopeless
  • Difficulty remembering things

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is described as an excessive, compulsive use of a substance that is unable to be controlled. It is associated with a physical dependence and psychological need for the drug of choice that is revealed through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if substance use is reduced or ceased. Psychological need or dependence refers to a psychological need to use a substance in order to relieve negative feelings or emotions.

People who battle addiction often face the stigma of being pleasure-seekers or lacking self-control; however, people often resort to substance abuse as a form of self-medication, to relieve other psychological problems, such as PTSD and its intrusive thoughts and feelings. 

The Link Between PTSD and Addiction

Research has found a strong link between PTSD and addiction. Nearly 50 percent of people with PTSD also have a co-occurring substance use disorder.

The connection between PTSD and addiction is based on the use of substances to distract or dampen symptoms of PTSD. One hallmark of PTSD is the great extent that people go to in order to avoid thinking about or feeling emotions related to the traumatic event experienced. Substance use is one way people with the condition are able to temporarily block unwanted feelings.

Aside from the obvious implications on one’s health, resorting to substance use in order to cope with any condition is risky. Substances become less effective over time, causing people to need to use more of the drug to achieve the same effect as before. Painful withdrawal symptoms can occur in addition to worsening symptoms of PTSD, which can lead to use of more of the substance, leading to addiction.

Substance abuse also hinders the treatment for any mental health condition, including PTSD. Treatment for PTSD can be particularly complicated by the use of drugs because recovery from PTSD requires a person to connect with thoughts, feelings and memories that they have tried so hard to avoid or suppress. Drugs can disrupt thinking and memory while numbing emotions, making it harder for people with PTSD to healthily process their trauma when in active addiction.

Many people with PTSD and addiction have not learned how to cope with their symptoms in healthy ways – but help is available.  

How to Get Help for PTSD and Addiction

Many treatments are available for those who suffer from PTSD and addiction. Because prolonged substance use and PTSD each have a complex impact on the brain, getting help for PTSD and addiction is imperative. 

Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) is one treatment modality that can help people with PTSD to cope with their painful memories in addition to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, group therapy and more. 

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we know how important your mental health is and how damaging the effects of PTSD and addiction are on a person’s well-being. If you are ready to start the journey to wellness and recovery from PTSD and substance abuse, contact our drug rehab in Georgia today. We are ready to help you heal.

Are There Mental Health Facilities in Atlanta? | Atlanta Recovery Place

Are There Rehab Centers in Atlanta?

Addiction is a disease that greatly reduces quality of life, and mental health issues are often behind that. Fortunately, there are treatments available. These include inpatient treatments, outpatient treatments and partial hospitalization.  

There are many mental health centers throughout the country, and you can bet you will find a few in a metropolitan city like Atlanta. When it comes to mental health facilities in Atlanta, Atlanta Recovery Place may just be your best choice. Read on to find out what you can expect from the treatment process.

What Is a Mental Health Facility?

Our mental health facility is a treatment center that offers help for people dealing with addiction and mental health issues. There are inpatient and outpatient treatments available. Often, medical professionals will utilize a combination to help patients overcome their dependency issues. 

When checking into a drug rehab and mental health facility in Atlanta, patients are likely to start treatment with detox from any substances they are on. This process involves cleaning the system so it’s free of harmful toxins. Patients experience withdrawal symptoms at this time, but medical professionals are there to assist and keep them as comfortable as possible while reducing the likelihood of relapse

After the patient completes detox, they are taken in for an evaluation. A therapist conducts physical and mental exams to assess their health and underlying causes of addiction. They use their findings to come up with a treatment plan best suited to the patient’s needs. 

Treatment plans may vary, but most are designed to target addiction at its root and come up with healthy coping mechanisms that reduce the urge to use. 

If treatment is administered in an inpatient setting, the patient is then enrolled in an outpatient program. During this phase, they integrate back to their normal lives while continuing therapy. This provides them the support they need to maintain sobriety. 

In some cases, patients may choose to go through outpatient treatment only. Plans include the following:

  • Partial hospitalization, an inpatient style type treatment that takes place during daytimes only.
  • Intensive outpatient which requires up to 30 hours a week of therapy as patients adjust to sober living.
  • Outpatient therapy which involves regular therapy sessions as needed.

Once outpatient treatment is completed, patients transfer to a sober living facility where they learn the skills they need to be successful. Group therapy sessions are provided to residents.

Are There Mental Health Facilities in Atlanta?

Patients who opt for outpatient recovery will want to find rehab centers near them. That way, they can continue working and seeing their families while they undergo treatment. If they live in Atlanta, they are in luck. There are many mental health facilities in Atlanta to choose from. 

It’s good that Atlanta offers a variety of recovery options, but patients must be careful to find the facility that’s right for them. They should look for a treatment center with a skilled staff that offers a variety of customized therapy options. They should find a clinic that will see them through every step of the way, from detox to treatment to an outpatient program. 

Why You Should Go to Atlanta Recovery Place

If you are looking for rehab centers in Atlanta, look no farther than Atlanta Recovery Place. We take an individualized approach designing a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our staff members are experienced in helping patients get sober and stay sober. We take a family-oriented approach helping to build and maintain strong relationships. 

Patients can choose from a variety of programs including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient program options. After treatment is completed, individuals are transferred to a sober living facility. 

Don’t let addiction rob you of your ability to enjoy life. Call Atlanta Recovery Place today. We will give you the tools you need to break ties from dependence and live a happy life.