Men and women are equal, but different. Women have three unique challenges when living with a substance use disorder (SUD). The female body metabolizes drugs and alcohol more quickly and often at higher rates than the male body because of physiological differences. Approximately one in three women experience some form of physical, emotional, or sexual...Read More

Substance abuse has ravaged rural Georgia. While most people might think simply of the opioid epidemic as the greatest contributing factor for drug and alcohol addiction, there are actually numerous reasons why rural citizens need help. Most have to do with fulfilling basic needs. Lack of Health Services In August 2018, the AJC reported on...Read More

Many people choose spirituality as a cornerstone to their recovery process. This enables them to rely on coping mechanisms such as gratitude, mindfulness, and positive thinking. Is spirituality the same as religion? If you want it to be, yes. Some people may feel more comfortable following the particular doctrine of an organized religion. They appreciate...Read More

Tragically, Georgia’s opioid crisis is still a critical health issue. The Georgia Hospital Association shares January 2019 reports from the Centers for Disease Control which indicate: Synthetic opioid overdose deaths—from substances like fentanyl—increased in Georgia more than 45 percent since 2017. Opiate prescribing rates were higher in rural Georgia than metropolitan areas of the state....Read More

Rock Bottom “Hitting rock bottom” during the throes of substance abuse means different things to people. Often, rock bottom is associated with descending to levels of financial, ethical, or moral bankruptcy. While some people may, unfortunately, encounter these circumstances, others experience a simple knowing: this simply isn’t how their lives should be. What’s more important...Read More

Yes or No Prevalent theories regarding moderation and substance abuse are usually divided into two camps: yes, it’s possible, or no, it’s not. There are many mitigating factors. Each individual’s unique characteristics, environment, and genetic makeup contribute to the possibility of substance abuse and addiction. While the National Institutes of Health report that “genes and...Read More

Maybe you’ve struggled to find the right words to express your concerns to someone about his or her substance abuse. Or each time you try to bring it up, there’s conflict and anger. Talking to a friend or loved one about problem behavior is never easy. He or she may be in denial. It’s twice...Read More

Our men and women of the armed forces often deal with numerous issues that many other professionals can’t comprehend. They may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), military personnel who experience combat exposure, frequent deployments, and injuries related to service have the greatest risk of...Read More

For some people, one barrier to an inpatient rehabilitation program for substance abuse is the thought of turning their lives upside down, including losing their jobs. It’s critical for both employers and employees to understand in what ways the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is available for individuals needing time off work for treatment....Read More

Okay—so you’ve suffered a lapse in your sobriety. Now you’re reading this article and wondering what to do next. Good. You’re already willing to return to your path of recovery. The first thing to do is objectively process your actions and determine if you experienced a slip or a full relapse. There are distinct differences:...Read More