GADBHDD - Opioid Misuse

Get the Help You Need

Call, text or chat 988 for:

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Immediate crisis help
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Someone to talk to
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Help finding outpatient services

Wherever you’re at on your recovery journey, 988’s trained clinicians can connect you with the services you need.

For online access and information about Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Addiction Recovery Support Centers:

DBHDD has developed an interactive map that provides information on the services below:

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An Addiction Recovery Support Center (ARSC) is a peer-led, community-based programthat offers non-clinical support and activities to individuals and families on their journey in recovery from substance use disorders.
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Treatment Clinics - these programs are a combination of services by payment options that specifically treat Opioid Use Disorder using Medication Assisted Treatment. Please visit https://dbhddapps.dbhdd.ga.gov/ProviderMap/ .

Georgia Network of Recovery Residences:

Recovery residences provide peer-supported, drug-free living environments for people who are transitioning back into mainstream life following a drug treatment program.

Find a list of GARR certified sober living facilities here https://www.thegarrnetwork.org/new-blog .

CARES warm line:

Call or text: 1-844-326-5400 365 days a year from 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM

The warm line is answered by people with lived experience of substance use recovery. Call CARES:

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When you are struggling and need someone to talk to.
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When you want to talk to someone confidentially.
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When you want to share your triumphs as well as your challenges in recovery.
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When you feel lonely, depressed, or have suffered a loss or setback.
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When friends or family members don’t seem to understand.
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When you need someone to listen who has been right where you are.
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When you have questions about recovery.

Learn more at WWW.GC4RECOVERY.ORG.

Peer Support & Respite Centers of Georgia:

Each of the five Peer Support and Respite Centers has respite rooms available to citizens of Georgia, available 24 hours a day, year-round. The three or four respite rooms at each Center are free of charge and can be occupied by a peer overwhelmed by life challenges who feels they would benefit from 24/7 peer support, for up to seven nights, every 30 days.

Learn more and find a location https://www.gmhcn.org/peer-support-wellness-respite.

2025 Georgia Recovers Bus Tour - We are in the Community:

The number one cause of death in America, including Georgia, for people 18 – 45 is overdose. The good news is that ‘Recovery is Real’. There are over 900,000 people in communities across Georgia in recovery from addiction. The Georgia Recovers Bus Tour will bring the hope and joy of recovery to families across Georgia as it saves lives, restores families, and strengthens communities,” said Jeff Breedlove, Strategic Policy Advisor, The Georgia Council for Recovery.

“The Georgia Recovers Bus Tour is connecting people and communities across Georgia. The opposite of addiction is connection. This historic bus tour will break down the stigma surrounding addiction and show that Georgia supports the people impacted by the Addiction Epidemic. When Georgia comes together, we can build stronger families, a stronger workforce, and stronger communities,” said Jon Langston, Tour Manager for The Georgia Recovers Bus Tour.

See our schedule http://gc4recovery.org/garecovers-bus-tour-2024/.

Prescription Opioids

These are typically prescribed for pain relief:

Codeine
Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Norco, Lortab)
Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)
Morphine (e.g., MS Contin, Kadian)
Fentanyl (e.g., Duragesic, Sublimaze — also made illegally)
Oxymorphone (e.g., Opana)
Hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid, Exalgo)
Meperidine (e.g., Demerol)
Tapentadol (e.g., Nucynta)
Tramadol (e.g., Ultram — considered weaker but still an opioid)

Illegal Opioids

These are not prescribed and are often involved in misuse and overdose:

Heroin
Illegally manufactured fentanyl (often mixed with other drugs without users' knowledge)
U-47700 ("Pink") — a synthetic opioid
Carfentanil — extremely potent, used as a tranquilizer for large animals

Recognizing Signs of Opioid Misuse

Opioid misuse can often be subtle at first, but recognizing the warning signs early can be critical in helping someone get the support they need. These signs can include changes in behavior, mood, and physical appearance, as well as social withdrawal or secretive actions. Understanding and identifying these symptoms can help prevent the situation from becoming more serious.

Common Signs of Opioid Misuse:

Sudden mood swings or irritability
Drowsiness or frequent nodding off
Slurred speech or confusion
Poor coordination or unsteady movements
Unexplained financial problems or stealing

Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Isolating from friends and family
Changes in sleep patterns
Unusual changes in appearance or hygiene
Doctor shopping or frequent ER visits for prescriptions

Fatal Opioid Overdoses are Preventable with Naloxone

If you or someone you know is actively using street or RX opioids and any other street drug, in recovery from opioids or any street drug, a sex worker, have a lowered tolerance to opioids from a period of not using drugs, on MAT, or a loved one of a person at risk, you can get a free naloxone kit while supplies last.

Request Naloxone Kit here

If you do not match any of our high-risk descriptions, you can still purchase naloxone at Georgia pharmacies without a personal prescription.

Find out more about Opioid overdose prevention here:

opioid overdose prevention Learn now to administer Naloxone