Top Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Atlanta, GA & Free Treatment Resources

Atlanta, Georgia Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics

Among residents of Atlanta, Georgia, who were 12 years and older in 2017:¹

Close to 8% reported marijuana use in the past month

About 19% reported binge drinking in the past month

Nearly 2% reported cocaine use in the past year

About 4% reported the use of nonmedical pain relievers in the past year

Among high school students:¹

What is the Cost of Drug Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia?

Average Price of Addiction Treatment

The cost of drug rehab varies depending on the type of care provided. However, you can expect to pay less for rehab in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2016, the cost of intensive inpatient across the nation in 2022 was $3,582, whereas adult residential treatment costs $7,084.² Outpatient rehab for one person in Georgia was about $1,710.²

Price of 30-Day Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is more expensive than outpatient services. For outpatient treatment, you can expect to spend between $1,400 and $10,000 for 30 days.² Inpatient rehab costs more and ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 based on the facility. ²

How To Find Free Rehabs in Atlanta, Georgia

State-funded drug and alcohol rehabs in Atlanta, Georgia, are delivered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).³ State funding pays for community-based rehab throughout the state. DBHDD provides alcohol and drug rehab for uninsured people as well as those on Medicaid.

You may receive rehab from state-funded rehab if you have limited income or options.³ The state-funded hospital with drug and alcohol rehab for Atlanta, Georgia, is located in Decatur. You can call the Georgia Access and Crisis Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 to get connected to state-funded outpatient services.³ If you are experiencing a crisis, GCAL can also connect you to crisis services.

Does Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia?

Yes, insurance will typically cover drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, Georgia, because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The ACA extends Medicaid coverage to low-income adults without children and requires parity in mental health, medical, and surgical care.

Private Insurance

Private insurance refers to coverage through employment, professional associations, unions, or direct purchase from insurance companies.5 Most of your drug and alcohol rehab may be covered by private insurance.5 Popular private insurance providers include Blue Cross, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Aetna, and United HealthCare. All marketplace plans will consider drug and alcohol rehab as an essential benefit. Any market plan you select will cover counseling and drug and alcohol rehab.⁶

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides health coverage for people with low income and limited resources.7 You can apply for Medicaid if you have limited finances or are disabled, pregnant, aged, or blind and a qualified immigrant or U.S. citizen.8 Medicaid covers crisis and preventive services but does not provide rental subsidies.7 However, you may use Medicaid support services to maintain housing with the help of housing authorities.⁷

Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that provides insurance coverage for people above 65 years and those with disabilities.⁷ You may receive drug and alcohol rehab services, such as family, individual, or group therapy, with Medicare. Non-residential, inpatient, and outpatient rehab services are provided under Medicare Parts A and B.⁷ You may receive drug coverage if you are enrolled in Medicare Part D. ⁷

Does My Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?

Health insurers and group health plans are required by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPEA) to provide drug and alcohol rehab benefits at the same level as medical and surgical care.⁹ This means your insurance plan can’t refuse to provide rehab.

We can help you verify your insurance coverage for rehab in Atlanta, Georgia. Please call us at 800-926-9037 (Who Answers?) to speak with an insurance specialist today. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with your health insurer directly about your plan details.

How To Finance Addiction Treatment in Atlanta

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab should not be a barrier to treatment. You can finance addiction treatment in Atlanta, Georgia, even if you don’t have insurance or don’t qualify for free rehab. Your options include sliding scale, payment assistance, faith-based organizations, rehab scholarships, nonprofit treatment centers, or programs that accept Medicaid or Medicare.¹⁰

Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans: Some programs will work with you to develop a schedule to pay your drug and alcohol rehab bills over time. You can find out payment plans by discussing the details of the payment plan with the rehab.⁹

Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: Some drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer grants or scholarships to assist with treatment costs. A rehab scholarship may not pay for the entire treatment.9 Rehab scholarships are optional resources that provide funds for drug and alcohol rehab. Some rehab scholarships require completion of the entire program as a condition for payment.⁹

Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program: A sliding scale rehab program has fees that vary depending on your ability to pay.10 These programs offer reduced drug and alcohol rehab fees for people with low income or fewer financial resources from high expenses.¹⁰

Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Atlanta, Georgia

Westcare Georgia

Westcare Georgia is a nonprofit organization that provides drug and alcohol rehab for females in Atlanta, Georgia.¹¹ Treatment is provided for adults who have severe mental illness or children with emotional problems and a need for rehab.¹¹

Westcare offers outpatient services for many groups, including pregnant or postpartum women, older adults, LGBTQ, active-duty military and their families, veterans, and adult women.¹¹ You may not need to make any payments if you choose Westcare Georgia for rehab. Westcare provides drug and alcohol rehab as a free service.¹¹

New Day Treatment Center

New Day Treatment Center is a private for-profit drug and alcohol rehab located in Atlanta, Georgia.¹¹ New Day offers outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment, outpatient, and regular outpatient services.¹¹ You will be able to choose from several financing options at New Day Treatment Center. You can pay with a state-financed health insurance plan other than Medicare, cash or self-pay, Medicare, and Medicaid.¹¹ Males and females are treated at this facility.

Ascensa Health Family Care Center

Ascensa Health Family Care Center is a private not-for-profit drug and alcohol rehab center in Atlanta, Georgia.¹¹ Services include residential/24-hour residential, long-term, and detox residential programs.¹¹ Ascensa Health Family Care Center accepts federal or any government funding for drug and alcohol rehab.¹¹ Free services are available with no payment required. You can also check with Ascensa for the details of their payment assistance program.

Northside Hospital Behavioral Health Services

Northside Hospital Behavioral Health Services is a drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, Georgia, for males and females.¹¹ They offer services for co-occurring drug and alcohol and mental health problems. Services include outpatient, intensive outpatient, and regular outpatient. Northside Hospital Behavioral Health Services accepts Medicare, Medicaid, government funding, private funding, and cash or self-payment.¹¹ You may obtain assistance from Northside for drug and addiction rehab if you do not have any form of insurance. Payment assistance and a sliding scale based on income and other factors are available.¹¹

Addiction Treatment Settings

There are a variety of addiction treatment settings in Atlanta, Georgia, including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.¹¹

The variety enables you to choose based on your personal commitments and preferences for a specific intensity level. The severity of your condition will also determine the appropriateness of a treatment setting. As you progress in your treatment, you can transfer from an intensive outpatient or residential program to an outpatient program.⁷

Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Inpatient rehab programs offer medically monitored and managed intensive care delivered in an inpatient hospital.⁷ The services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team around the clock, 24-hours a day. A benefit of inpatient rehab is that you have timely access to healthcare professionals from different disciplines who can address your mental and physical needs.⁷

A typical drug and alcohol rehab may include 3 to 7 days in the inpatient setting. ¹¹

Access to 24-hour care is a benefit because it can prevent relapse.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization settings offer clinically intensive programming as well as counseling and education.⁷ Services in this setting are typically a step-down option that follows residential treatment. Partial hospitalization for drug and alcohol rehab is usually offered on weekdays for 6 to 8 hours.⁷

The intensity of partial hospitalization is about the same as residential treatment but with fewer restrictions.⁷ An important benefit is that it provides a structure for relapse prevention in a less restrictive setting. You can maintain some of your daily activities with partial hospitalization.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs deliver drug and alcohol rehab services for people with severe conditions.⁷ The services are in an outpatient setting and available around the clock. However, you are not required to spend the night at intensive outpatient programs.⁷ A benefit of intensive outpatient programs is that you can maintain family and community support since there is no overnight stay. You can also maintain household commitment while you are in intensive outpatient programs.

Standard Outpatient

Standard outpatient services offer individual and group behavioral interventions as well as medications.⁷ You can receive care in the standard outpatient setting at different times in the day or week.⁷ The advantage of drug and alcohol rehab in this setting is that you can receive care at a convenient time.

Standard outpatient services are suitable initially if you have mild or moderate rehab needs. ⁷ However, it may be appropriate after you complete a more intensive program. A standard outpatient service is appropriate if you need drug and alcohol rehab and treatment for a mental health condition.⁷

Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment

Telehealth and online addiction treatment programs use digital technologies in delivering healthcare services.¹² The following technologies are used in telehealth:⁷

• Web-based tools
• Electronic health records
• Mobile applications
• Telemedicine

Drug and alcohol rehab programs can deliver telehealth using the following:⁷

• Smartphones
• Video conferencing
• The internet
• Wireless communication
• Streaming media

A benefit of telehealth is immediate communication and interaction with providers in distant locations without waiting for face-to-face interaction. Telehealth and online addiction treatment eliminate barriers and cost of treatment from travel to the treatment site.

Medical Detox Services

You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking drugs or alcohol during rehab. Medical detox refers to medical interventions used for managing the physical and emotional symptoms of drug withdrawal.⁷ This is the initial stage of drug and alcohol rehab, but it does not alter long-term drug abuse.

Medical detox helps in drug and alcohol rehab by preventing readmission from withdrawal symptoms.⁷ Opioid disorder and alcohol need medical detox. Your doctor may prescribe Methadone or Buprenorphine-Naloxone for medical detoxification of opioid addiction.⁷ Medications for alcohol medical detox include benzodiazepines.¹³

Specialized Drug Rehab in Atlanta Georgia 

Veteran Rehab

The Atlanta VA Healthcare System Mental Health offers specialized rehab in Atlanta, Georgia, for veterans. The Atlanta VA also provides services for people with co-occurring drug and alcohol and mental health disorders.¹¹ The federal government and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operate the Atlanta VA.¹¹ You have multiple financing options at the Atlanta VA, including:¹¹

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Federal or government funding for drug and alcohol rehab.
• Federal military insurance.
• Cash or self-payment.
• Private insurance.

The Veterans rehab in Atlanta, Georgia offers payment assistance plans.¹¹ You can check with the Atlanta VA Healthcare System Mental Health for details about their payment assistance program.

LGBTQ+ Rehab

The Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private for-profit organization offering LGBTQ+ rehab.¹¹ Most types of funding are accepted including:¹¹

• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Federal and government funding.
• Private health insurance.
• Federal military insurance.
• State funding other than Medicaid.
• SAMHSA funding/block grants.

You can pay for drug and alcohol services at Newport without funding. Newport Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia, offers payment assistance and sliding scale options.¹¹

Men-Only Rehab

CaringWorks, Inc., Hope House is a private not-for-profit men-only rehab in Atlanta, Georgia. Accepted forms of funding include federal or any government funding and cash or self-payment.¹¹ This program accepts cash or self-payment and federal or government funding for drug and alcohol treatment.¹¹ CaringWorks provides services in several settings, including outpatient, short-term residential, regular outpatient, residential/24-hour residential, and outpatient day treatment or partial residential.¹¹

Women-Only Rehab

Break-thru House, Inc., is a women-only private nonprofit rehab in Atlanta, Georgia.¹¹

The service settings at Break-thru house include long-term residential and residential or 24-hour residential. Break-thru House accepts federal or government funding for drug and alcohol rehab and SAMHSA funding or blocking grants.¹¹ You do not need funding for services at Break-thru house because they provide free services. Payment assistance is available.¹¹ You can check with Break-thru for details about their payment assistance program.

Teen Rehab

Road to Recovery, Inc., Atlanta is a private for-profit drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, Georgia with teen rehab services.¹¹ Accepted funding options include Medicare, Medicaid, state-financed health insurance plans other than Medicaid, cash or self-payment, and private health insurance.¹¹ Road to Recovery offers outpatient, intensive outpatient treatment, and regular treatment.¹¹

Should I Travel to Atlanta, Georgia for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

There are numerous programs with different funding options and service settings for various populations in Atlanta, Georgia. You may find the most suitable rehab for your unique circumstances and needs. Features of Atlanta, Georgia, that may be helpful in your recovery include:

• Strong social support from friends and family in the area.
• Suitable drug and alcohol rehab programs for your unique circumstances and needs.
• Preference for rehab away from an old environment.
• Treatment in a familiar environment.
• Rehab in a city with cultural diversity and plenty of recreational activities.

Neighborhoods in Atlanta to Consider for Treatment

The neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia include downtown, midtown, eastside, westside, and Buckhead. Each of these neighborhoods provides a different environment for drug and alcohol rehab.

Downtown

Downtown is a popular tourist area with smaller neighborhoods that have unique characteristics.¹⁴ Major tourist attractions like the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, World of Coca-Cola, and the Mercedes-Benz-Stadium are located downtown.¹⁴ You may consider downtown if you want to rehab in an area with cultural attractions and a city spirit.

Buckhead

Buckhead is an elegant residential neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia. This neighborhood with tree-lined streets is known for its charming landscape and architecture.¹⁴ Buckhead has diverse dining options and shopping centers.¹⁴ The trees and green spaces give Buckhead a peaceful and idyllic feel. You may choose a program close to Buckhead if you want a suburban feel in the middle of the city.

Eastside

Atlanta’s Eastside is an interesting combination of distinctive neighborhoods. In the Eastside, you’ll find upscale shopping and dining, surging street life, gritty energy, and exuberance.¹⁴ The Eastside is known for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the King Center, the Atlanta Zoo, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Roof at Ponce City Market.¹⁴ You may choose the Eastside if you want a drug and alcohol rehab close to some of the major attractions in Atlanta, Georgia.

Westside

The Westside in Atlanta, Georgia, is an intersection of historic and heritage and chic dining and shopping.¹⁴ Atlanta’s Westside is famous for fashion houses, art galleries, and museums.¹⁴ You may choose the Westside if you want to live in a high-energy neighborhood with many recreational activities during your drug and alcohol rehab.

Midtown

Midtown is a neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, with plenty of walkable spaces and recreational activities.¹⁴ Notable attractions in Midtown Atlanta include the high Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, MODA, Center for Puppetry Arts, and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film.¹⁴ The cultural attractions of Atlanta’s midtown neighborhood are a good reason to choose this location for rehab.

Alcohol and Drug Laws in Atlanta

The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law: Drug and alcohol laws in Atlanta protect you from criminal liability when you help your loved ones with drug conditions. You can seek medical attention for yourself or your loved one during an overdose without fear of any consequences. The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law protects anyone who seeks medical assistance for themselves or another person experiencing an overdose from criminal liability.¹⁵

Drug Use Risk Reduction Program: Drug and alcohol laws in Atlanta require people to participate in the Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP) if they are:¹⁶

• Driving under the influence.
• Underage with alcohol while driving.
• Boating under the influence.
• Driving with possession of illegal drugs.

Medical Amnesty Law: People in Atlanta have limited immunity when they seek medical attention for themselves or loved ones in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.17 Drug and alcohol laws in Atlanta include Georgia’s Medical Amnesty Law. Under this law, you or your loved one may have immunity from:¹⁷
 

• Drug or paraphernalia possession.
• Violation of patrol.
• Illegal consumption and possession of alcohol.

The Medical Amnesty law protects you from civil and criminal immunity for administering and possessing Naloxone.

Naloxone Standing Order: You can obtain a Naloxone without a prescription in Atlanta. Georgia has a Standing Order for naloxone prescription to prevent overdose protection.¹⁷ You can help your loved one by obtaining naloxone to treat overdoses in a timely fashion.

Relapse Prevention Options for After Rehab

Aftercare programs provide the support and skills you need to promote post-rehab success. Aftercare programs for post-rehab success include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), sober living homes, step-down care, individual and group counseling, and SMART Recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is an aftercare option for post-rehab success that includes a 12-Step program and social fellowship.⁷ You can enhance your coping skills for negative emotions and risky situations at AA meetings. AA can empower your spiritual well-being.⁷ AA is run by peers, and you will hear about the experiences of your peers.

Narcotics Anonymous

NA is an aftercare option adapted from the AA model. NA is designed to assist people who are recovering from drugs other than alcohol. NA is tailored for people with narcotic use. ⁷ Similar features such as skill development for post-rehab success and peer support are key components of NA.⁷ You become a member of NA in Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain peer support.

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes are aftercare options for post-rehab success. ⁷ Attendance at a 12-Step program is a requirement for sober-living homes.⁷ Residents in sober living homes live with a house leader. The benefits of sober living include a lower rate of relapse and job opportunities.⁷

Step-Down Care

Step-down care is an aftercare option for post-rehab success that has education and counseling as key components. ⁷ The treatment duration is 7 to 8 hours a day.⁷ You can select an Atlanta, Georgia, step-down care program if you need structure in rehab.

Individual Counseling

In individual counseling, you are the only person in the sessions with the counselor. The counselor will give you all their attention. Individual counseling is characterized by privacy, intimacy, and security because there is no one else in the sessions.¹⁸ A benefit of individual counseling is that you can be yourself without the need to pretend and lie in front of others.¹⁸ You have a sense of control in individual therapy because you can spend the time doing what you want.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is delivered in a group setting. Members in the group have similar experiences so you can learn from their stories.¹⁸ A benefit of group counseling is that it may reduce your anxiety as you realize that others are going through similar challenges. Furthermore, you can develop social networks with members of your group.¹⁸

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a unique aftercare option for post-rehab success that promotes behavioral change.¹⁹ At SMART Recovery meetings, you will discuss how to use the tools for post-rehab success. ¹⁹ The main goals of SMART Recovery are the following: ¹⁹

• Build and maintain the motivation to change
• Live a positive, balanced, and healthy life
• Manage feelings, thoughts and behaviors effectively

The availability of numerous drug and alcohol rehabs in Atlanta, Georgia, should make your search for a drug and alcohol rehab fairly simple. However, if you need help in selecting a program, we are available to assist you. We have a confidential and free helpline at 800-926-9037 (Who Answers?) . You can call and speak with a treatment support specialist. We are available 24/7 to help you.

Resources

1. National Drug Early Warning System. (2017). Atlanta Metro Sentinel Community Site (SCS) Drug Use Patterns and Trends, 2017.
2. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average cost of drug rehab.
3. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities. (n.d.). Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
4. US Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Mental health and substance use insurance help.
5. Motbabai, R., Mauro, C., Wall. Barry. C. L., & Olfson, J. (2020). Private health insurance coverage of drug use disorder treatment: 2005-2018.
6. Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Mental and substance abuse coverage.
7. US Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US).
8. Georgia Department of Community Health. (n.d.). Medicaid eligibility.
9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Treatment options.
10. Freerehabcenters.org. (n.d.). Atlanta, Georgia: Free alcohol, drug and other rehab resources in Atlanta.
11. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Searching for treatment options.
12. Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Substance abuse and treatment grant.
13. Sachdeva, A., Choudhary, M., & Chandra, M. (2015). Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Benzodiazepines and Beyond. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, 9(9), VE01–VE07.
14. Atlanta Convention and Visitor Bureau. (2022). Welcome to our neighborhoods.
15. Thomson Reuters. (2022). Georgia Code Title 16. Crimes and Offenses § 16-13-5.
16. Georgia Department of Driver Services. (n.d.). DUI/Risk reduction information.
17. Georgia Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Law Enforcement and First Responders.
18. Shechtman, Z., & Kiezel, A. (2016). Why do people prefer individual therapy over group therapy? International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 66(4), 571-591.
19. Smart Recovery. (2022). Our approach: Key areas of awareness and change