If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction in Griffin, GA, you’re not alone. Drug addiction plagues the small population of just over 23,000 to a level that skews state statistics.Sometimes, it’s not easy being a Griffinite. The number of residents below the poverty line is a staggering 33%, 11% higher than the national average. This is just one of the many factors that can lead to alcohol or drug abuse and, ultimately, addiction.The most commonly abused drugs in Griffin include:-Methamphetamines-Heroin-Prescription painkillers-Crack/ Cocaine-MDMA and GHBDrug use can be seen across the board in all 12 of the small town’s neighborhoods. The areas most affected include but are not limited to Experiment, Newnan Rd/ Rover Zetella Rd, and Pomona. Additionally, drug crimes ranging from possession to burglary are particularly high in these areas. The overall crime rate in Griffin is 105% higher than that of Georgia, and 146% higher than the national average. For all the negative aspects, there are also numerous treatment facilities and resources in this area that are at your disposal if you’re trying to kick your addiction. With over 20,000 Georgia residents seeking treatment a year, you’ll never have to face recovery alone. Keep reading for the ins and outs of drug addiction in Griffin including the hard facts, legal information, treatment options, and much more.Who’s Susceptible to Addiction?Addiction knows no age, ethnicity, gender, or even income level. It can happen to anyone. However, there are certain risk factors that can attribute to and feed it. Unfortunately for the residents of Griffin, certain areas have become environments that foster not only addiction but the crime that often follows it around. The reality is that children who grow up in a home with parents who abuse drugs are much more likely to follow in their footsteps. While this obviously isn’t the only risk factor, 1 in 5 children live this reality, which specialists believe greatly contributes to the addiction epidemic on a national scale. A child is far more likely to fall into the habit if they are exposed and given access to substances at a younger age. But where does Georgia, and in turn, Griffin, fit in to this equation? Well, drug use is actually more common in Georgia than anywhere else in the nation. Two percent of the population has owned up to drug abuse, and though this may not sound high, consider that this includes children and the elderly. The silver lining is that drug related deaths in georgia are slightly lower than the national average, which is 12.9 per 100,000 people. This is believed to be the result of recent legislature and numerous treatment facilities. If nothing else, these numbers indicate that utilizing available resources works for many.  Drug Laws in GeorgiaGeorgia takes drug crimes, including possession of a small amount of drugs, very seriously. The state has laws in place to regulate both illegal and prescription drug use. A drug charge can throw your life off course in a split second, resulting in heavy fines or jail time. This can affect your future in a myriad of ways, specifically when it comes to finding employment.Driver’s License SuspensionIn addition to facing criminal charges, possession can also result in suspension of your driver’s license. If it is your first offense, you will automatically face a six month suspension of your license. If it’s your second offence, you will face a one year suspension. If it’s your third or subsequent offense, you can face a suspension of up to two years.Drug Possession Penalties In Georgia, substances are classified by schedules based on their addictive and dangerous qualities and whether or not they have medical applications. Schedule I drugs which include heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, and LSD are described as having a high potential for abuse and no medical qualities.The possession of any schedule I or schedule II drugs can be punishable by 2 to 15 years in prison, and subsequent offenses can be punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Marijuana PossessionThe state of Georgia is also tough on marijuana position, even if it’s a very small amount. If you possess up to one ounce, this results in a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.If you possess over one ounce, this is a felony that’s punishable by one year mandatory and up  to 10 years in prison as well as a fines up to $5,000.Overdose PreventionOverdose is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the country. For this reason, grassroots organizations in Georgia have worked tirelessly to pass legislation that works to actively prevent death as a result of overdose. If you suspect that you or a friend is experiencing a drug overdose, please don’t wait. Call 911. You could be the key to preventing yet another tragic loss to this difficult animal. The Good Samaritan 911 Overdose Prevention ActThe Good Samaritan 911 Overdose Prevention Act is a common- sense, amnesty law that protects victims of overdose as well as the individual who calls 911 from possession charges. It states that the caller and victim cannot be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for possessing small amounts of drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia if the evidence was obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance. NaloxoneThis law also creates easier access to Naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan. This is known as an “antidote” to overdose. Doctors are now allowed to prescribe Naloxone to a friend, family member, or someone else who may end up in a position where an overdose can be prevented. The law protects the person who administers Naloxone in the event of an overdose from liability as long as they are acting in good faith. Once administered, Naloxone works to reverse the effects of heroin and other opioids. In the event of an overdose, even if Naloxone is administered and has the desired effect, you should still always seek medical attention. Victims of overdose can suffer from residual effects such as serious as brain damage. Therefore, assessment by a medical professional is always the best course of action. Griffin: Surprising NewsHere’s a little bit of information about Griffin that you may not have know. These numbers and stories all shed light on and are immediately relevant to the culture of drug abuse that plagues the small townCrime RatesCrime rates have a long and sordid history of being strongly connected to drug use and abuse. In fact, drug use is one of the most common risk factors associated with committing crimes. In America, drugs and alcohol are implicated in 80% of offenses. Keep that in mind while taking in the following statistics about Griffin.  -The overall crime rate of Griffin is 146% higher than the national average- 4 to 5 crimes occur daily in Griffin-In Griffin you have a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of a crime-Griffin is safer than only 1% of cities in the United StatesLocal Counterfeit Pill EpidemicIn the past, cases have been reported in Macon, Warner Robins, Centerville, Perry, Augusta of counterfeit pills being pushed as Percocets. These towns are all in close proximity to Griffin, which put Griffin residents in the risk area. These pills were extremely dangerous and resulted in dozens of deaths in a matter of days. Each overdose survivor during this period of time reported being sold a yellow pill on the street which they were told was a Percocet. After an undercover investigation, local authorities discovered that the small, yellow pills actually contained the substance Fentanyl. Fentanyl is known for its potency, which is 50 to 100 times that of morphine. The effects of these overdoses were particularly difficult to reverse and required large amounts of the antidote Naloxone for those who did survive. The risks of accepting narcotics of the street are innumerable and have already resulted in the tragic deaths of many. Don’t be another statistic.Treatment Options In/ Near GriffinThere are currently 262 drug rehabilitation facilities operating in Georgia. This encompasses 82 residential treatment facilities, 105 partial day hospitalization facilities, and 183 sober living facilities. Many of these programs are covered by insurance and are funded by state or federal grants. This makes finding a local treatment facility that suits your needs affordable and realistic. It’s advisable to stay close to home while seeking treatment so you can maintain the support of your family and friends. However, if you find an out- of- state treatment facility that you believe would be a better fit, that can be just as beneficial. Moving out of state for treatment affords you a fresh slate and less distractions so you can focus on your recovery.Midway Recovery Systems offers a 90-day intensive recovery program  for male patients age 21 and older. Additionally, Surrender to Live Recovery is a 12 step recovery program for men and women. Both recovery facilities are conveniently located right in Griffin.  If you’re looking for something more specific, click here to see a list of treatment facilities in or near Griffin. The Treatment ProcessOf course the method of treatment will vary from facility to facility, but keep reading to get a general idea of what to expect when you enroll in a residential recovery program.IntakeRecovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. You will be assessed to determine what kind of treatment is best for you. You can expect to be interviewed at intake when you enter a program so the doctor can better understand you and your addiction. This is a great time for you to ask any questions or voice concerns you may have about the program.  Additionally, intake doesn’t always have to be initiated by the patient. Some facilities will allow a spouse or family member to check a patient in.DetoxMost inpatient recovery programs include a detoxification period, during which all traces of drugs are removed from the body. This period will be conducted in a medical setting and supervised by a professional. In some cases, medication will be given to help cope with the symptoms of withdrawal, especially in the case of those suffering from heroin or opioid addiction. The effects and timespan of detox depend on a few factors, including your metabolism, the kind of drug taken, the amount of the drug taken, and the length of time of your addiction.Inpatient Rehabilitation/ Outpatient TherapyOnce you’ve gone through detox, you’ll enter a rehabilitation program. This is where you, your medical professionals, and your peers will work together to break down your addiction and address the reasoning behind it. Whether you’re participating in an inpatient or outpatient program, therapy sessions are a key element to your recovery. you can expect both individual and group therapy sessions which will address the following topics:-When you began using the substance and how your use became abuse.-How you can manage your time so you can focus more on your hobbies and goals and less on your addiction.-What situations tempt you to use drugs and how you can avoid these situations.-The key elements to avoiding a relapse.After- care and Sober LivingRecovery doesn’t stop when you leave the rehab facility. For many individuals, recovery is a life long process which requires constant attention and determination. When your program has come to an end, there’s a few options to help you stay on track.First of all, most patients opt to continue their therapy. You will have an exit interview with a counselor before you leave your inpatient program. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask about follow- up programs that are right for you. One option offered by some programs is a weekend stay at the rehab facility when the patient feels it is needed to avoid a relapse.There’s also the option of taking up residence at a sober living facility. This is a supportive environment where individuals are responsible for chores, work a job outside of the residence, and participate in group sessions. For many, it’s an effective means of transitioning back into normal, day-to-day activities. ConclusionIf you’re one of the many struggling with drug addiction in Griffin, GA, there’s no cause for shame. Speaking up about your addiction and not being afraid to ask for help is your best bet of kicking it to the curb. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can connect you with the resources to develop a response plan that actually works for you. All you need is the courage to ask.