I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.

What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?

MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.

Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?

Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.

How long is treatment?

Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.

Substance Abuse in Georgia

17 verified resources.

About Substance Abuse for Fathers

Substance abuse treatment in the US is delivered through state-licensed treatment providers, nonprofit recovery programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery), hospital-based detox, methadone clinics, and sober living houses. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment 24/7. Most states fund a network of publicly-supported treatment centers that accept uninsured and Medicaid clients; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a national treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Fathers dealing with substance issues during custody disputes often need documented treatment compliance — court-ordered programs exist for this specific purpose. Recovery support includes peer recovery specialists, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and drug courts. This directory pulls together the state's single state agency for SUD, treatment finders, mutual aid meetings, and MAT providers.

Substance Abuse in Georgia

Georgia superior courts hear divorce and custody in each of its 159 counties. The Division of Child Support Services under DHS handles enforcement. Atlanta anchors the state; Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens round out major metros. Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program are the two primary civil legal aid organizations, with specific fathers' rights and child support help available.

17 Resources

1. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance use disorders. Available in English and Spanish. No insurance required. Trained specialists help callers find local treatment options, support groups, and community resources. Call 1-800-662-4357 any time. Ideal for fathers or family members seeking help with alcohol or drug addiction. All calls are completely confidential and no personal information is required to get a referral.

1-800-662-4357 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. DBHDD – Substance Abuse Services (Georgia) — Free

Georgia's state agency funding outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents through regional community service board providers. Services may be covered for uninsured residents based on income. Call 404-657-2252 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm or visit dbhdd.georgia.gov to find a funded treatment provider near you. Fathers seeking help for alcohol or drug addiction can be connected to the appropriate level of care through this agency.

404-657-2252 · 2 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

3. Alcoholics Anonymous – Georgia Intergroup — Free

Find Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout Georgia including Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Columbus. In-person and online meetings are available daily. The Georgia Intergroup office in Smyrna can connect callers with local meetings and sponsors. Call 404-525-3178 or visit atlantaaa.org to search by city or county. No cost, no requirement to stop drinking before attending. Open meetings welcome family members as well as those seeking recovery.

404-525-3178 · 979 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 · 24/7 (meetings daily across GA) · Visit Website

4. Narcotics Anonymous – Georgia Region — Free

Georgia Region of Narcotics Anonymous with meetings in all major Georgia cities including Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Free, peer-led recovery support for all substance use disorders—not just narcotics. Meetings are held daily in many locations. Call 770-971-4357 or visit gana.org to find meetings near you. No cost, no requirement to be clean before attending your first meeting. Open and closed meetings available.

770-971-4357 · Georgia Regional Service – Marietta, GA · Daily meetings statewide · Visit Website

5. Ridgeview Institute – Substance Abuse Treatment — Paid

Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and addiction treatment for adults at the Smyrna campus near Atlanta. Specializes in complex co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Accepts most major insurance plans and offers self-pay options. Located at 3995 South Cobb Dr in Smyrna. Call 770-434-4567 for 24/7 admissions. Fathers dealing with dual-diagnosis conditions such as depression plus alcohol or drug dependence will find specialized care here.

770-434-4567 · 3995 South Cobb Dr, Smyrna, GA 30080 · 24/7 admissions · Visit Website

6. Georgia Drug Courts — Paid

Statewide network of adult drug courts offering supervised treatment as an alternative to incarceration for eligible defendants with substance use disorders. Participants receive intensive monitoring, drug testing, and treatment services. Successful completion may result in reduced or dismissed charges. Fathers facing criminal charges related to addiction may be eligible. Contact your local Superior Court clerk or defense attorney for referral information and eligibility criteria.

404-657-9700 · Statewide Superior Courts · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

7. Fulton County CSB – Substance Abuse Outpatient — Paid

Sliding-scale outpatient substance abuse treatment for Fulton County residents. Accepts Medicaid and welcomes uninsured clients with fees adjusted based on income. Services include individual counseling, group therapy, DUI risk reduction programs, and psychiatric support. Located at 137 Peachtree St SW in Atlanta. Call 404-730-1600 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for an intake appointment. Bring ID, proof of income, and insurance information if available.

404-730-1600 · 137 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

8. Georgia Department of Community Health – Drug Treatment Program Finder — Free

Official state directory of licensed drug and alcohol treatment programs in Georgia. Search by county, treatment type, or population served. Lists both public and private providers including residential, outpatient, and detox programs. Available free online at dch.georgia.gov. Call 404-656-4507 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for assistance navigating the directory or identifying appropriate treatment options for yourself or a family member.

404-656-4507 · Online statewide directory · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Celebrate Recovery – Georgia Chapters — Free

Christ-centered 12-step recovery program with meeting locations at churches throughout Georgia. Open to all addictions and hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Weekly meetings combine worship, teaching, and small group work. No cost to attend. Celebrate Recovery is available in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and many smaller Georgia communities. Visit celebraterecovery.com to search for a local chapter or call your nearest church for meeting times.

Multiple Georgia church locations · Weekly meetings – check local chapter · Visit Website

10. SMART Recovery – Georgia Meetings — Free

Science-based, self-empowering addiction recovery support groups that use cognitive behavioral tools rather than a 12-step model. In-person meetings available in Atlanta and other Georgia cities, with extensive online meeting options. Free to attend. No requirement for abstinence before your first meeting. Visit smartrecovery.org to search for Georgia meetings or join a free online session. Tools include SMART worksheets on managing cravings and building motivation for change.

Multiple Georgia locations and online · Varies by group · Visit Website

11. The Salvation Army Harbor Light (Atlanta) — Free

Residential substance abuse treatment center for men in Atlanta. The six-month program includes group and individual counseling, life skills education, vocational training, and job placement assistance. Aftercare and transitional housing support available. Located at 400 Luckie St NW near downtown Atlanta. Call 404-486-2700 for intake information. Services are provided at no cost for qualifying men. Bring ID and be prepared to participate in an intake interview.

404-486-2700 · 400 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for intake · Visit Website

12. Georgia Meth Project — Free

Statewide methamphetamine awareness, prevention education, and treatment referral resources for Georgia residents. The Georgia Meth Project provides fact-based information about the risks of meth use and connects those seeking help with local treatment programs. Resources are available online at methproject.org. Fathers concerned about their own meth use or a family member's can find treatment referrals and support materials at no cost.

Statewide · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Willingway Hospital (Statesboro) — Paid

Residential and outpatient addiction treatment center in Statesboro, southeast Georgia, treating alcohol and drug addiction since 1971. Programs include medically supervised detox, residential treatment, extended care, and outpatient counseling. Accepts most insurance plans. Located at 311 Jones Mill Rd in Statesboro. Call 912-764-6236 for 24/7 admissions. A well-regarded program for fathers in the Savannah region and rural south Georgia seeking comprehensive addiction care.

912-764-6236 · 311 Jones Mill Rd, Statesboro, GA 30458 · 24/7 admissions · Visit Website

14. Talbott Recovery (Atlanta) — Paid

Nationally recognized addiction treatment center in Atlanta offering intensive outpatient and continuing care programs for professionals and others in recovery. Specializes in treating addiction alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. Accepts most major insurance plans and offers self-pay options. Located at 5448 Yorktowne Dr in Atlanta. Call 678-251-3189 for 24/7 intake. Fathers in high-pressure careers dealing with alcohol or substance use will find specialized confidential care here.

678-251-3189 · 5448 Yorktowne Dr, Atlanta, GA 30349 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; 24/7 intake · Visit Website

15. DeKalb CSB – Substance Abuse Services — Paid

DeKalb County community service board offering outpatient substance abuse treatment and prevention services. Programs include individual and group counseling, DUI intervention, and drug education. Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured clients. Located at 2825 Candler Rd in Decatur. Call 404-892-4646 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for an intake appointment. Bring ID, proof of income, and insurance information if available.

404-892-4646 · 2825 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

16. Cobb County Community Services Board – Addiction Services — Paid

Substance abuse assessment, outpatient treatment, and DUI risk reduction programs for Cobb County residents. Services include individual counseling, group therapy, and drug education. Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured clients. Located at 1650 County Farm Rd in Marietta. Call 770-429-5000 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for intake. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court referral documentation to your appointment.

770-429-5000 · 1650 County Farm Rd, Marietta, GA 30060 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

17. National Drug Helpline — Free

Free, confidential helpline for drug and alcohol information, treatment options, and local referrals available 24/7 nationwide including Georgia. Trained counselors can help identify treatment programs, explain insurance coverage, and provide information on the admission process. Call 1-844-289-0879 any time. Ideal for fathers who are ready to seek help or who need guidance on how to help a family member dealing with substance use.

1-844-289-0879 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

Substance Abuse — Common Questions

I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?: Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.
What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?: MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.
Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?: Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.
How long is treatment?: Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.