Expert Insights
One of the things that I’m very passionate about is championing addiction treatment access for rural areas of the country. That’s why I supported Senator John Ossoff’s bipartisan bill to prevent and treat opioid addiction. Called the Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, this newly signed law is designed to help rural communities experiencing high levels of opioid addiction and overdoses. It will send federal funds to rural communities and help them provide the support they need to combat addiction. This bill is set to help rural areas identify any gaps in prevention and treatment, then help provide recovery services to community caregivers who interact with the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, the government doesn’t move very quickly when bills like these are passed, however, it’s a step in the right direction. And Georgia residents will ultimately benefit from its passage.
~ Nikki Seay
Cost of Drug Rehab in Columbus
Columbus drug rehabs will vary in price for each person who enters treatment. No two alcohol or substance use disorders are the same. Some may need a more extended stay at the inpatient level of care or medication-assisted treatment, which can change the price.
Other factors contributing to the cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Columbus are the facility’s location, amenities, personalized therapies, and whether you want a private room or a roommate. Although the cost varies, there are options for everyone at every cost level. Also, many Columbus detox centers and rehabs have scholarships, payment plans, and financial aid to help cover expenses.
Columbus Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics
Muscogee County ranked in the top five counties with the highest number of overdose emergency room visits in January and June 2021. For every 100,000 country residents, the following number of emergency room visits occurred for overdoses:1
- 7 in January
- 8 in June
Additional county statistics regarding emergency room visits for stimulant and opioid overdoses, specifically, include the following for every 100,000 Muscogee County residents:2
35 for any stimulant
20 for amphetamines
20 for cocaine
10 for any opioid
In the most recent Georgia risk behavior survey on alcohol misuse among residents, researchers found the following for adults in Muscogee County:2
Up to 16% are binge drinkers
Up to 6% are heavy drinkers
Up to 45% have at least one drink per month
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Columbus
Georgia’s 911 Medical Amnesty Law, also known as the Good Samaritan Law, removes the fear of calling for help when you or someone else is overdosing. The law provides limited immunity, meaning you will not receive civil charges for possessing certain drugs and paraphernalia when you are reaching out for medical help.8
Senate Bill 121 expands Naloxone access to family members of someone who misuses opioids and has a potential for overdosing. It also allows pharmacists to hand out Naloxone kits free of charge.8
Whether you are 100% ready to enter a Columbus drug rehab or any percent less, you can benefit in some way. Your recovery is entirely in your control. However, what you learn in treatment and apply during an average day is what will help you have a long, healthy, sober life.
Resources
- Columbus, Georgia Population 2020 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs). (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2022). Drug Overdose Syndromic Surveillance Monthly Reports.
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2022). Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. (2022). Help With Substance Abuse.
- U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2022). Welcome to Medicare.
- Georgia Medicaid. (2022). Basic Eligibility.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Principles of Effective Treatment.
- Melemis S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 88(3), 325-332.
- Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency. (2022). Governor Deal Signs Naloxone Bill Into Law- Expanding Access to an Emergency Tool to Parents to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic.
