Month: May 2020

Intensive Outpatient Program Georgia

Atlanta Counseling Center also known as AACS is the premier agency for the Intensive Outpatient Program in Atlanta. AACS is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Department of Community Health.

We offer counsel for co-occurring disorders such as mental health and substance use disorders. Our mission is to help each individual regain a healthy balance of life and return to normalcy. With over 30 years of experience in the field of recovery, our staff is uniquely diverse and highly trained in cutting-edge Counseling modalities to ensure multicultural sensitivity and understanding.

Programs and Services

 In addition to the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we offer lower-level care of the Outpatient Program (OP) and an extended aftercare program. Our programming is designed with flexible sessions six days per week. our weekly curriculum offers psychoeducation and psychotherapy on CBT, DBT skills, relapse prevention, coping skills, codependency, trauma, healthy relationships, and spirituality.

Atlanta Counseling Centers offers comprehensive programming for individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Located in Marietta, near Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta Counseling Centers provides a full spectrum of care, offering lasting recovery. Our structured programs are centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Effective Learning, and Holistic Integration. We hold true to the definition of addiction provided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and by integrating the spiritual, emotional, mental, biological and physiological wholeness of each individual; we can provide appropriate assessments and work collaboratively with all healthcare professionals to produce improved outcomes.

Length of Stay

30 days – IOP

90 days – Aftercare

Note: Upon continued assessment, participants will experience in Counseling intensity. Further assessment will determine if Counseling should be extended.

Our team of professionals comprises of the following:

Medical Director

Relapse Prevention Specialist

Peer Support

Licensed Professional Counselors

Masters-Level Clinicians

Anger Management Specialists

Certified Addiction Counselors.

Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse Evaluation – SAP for DOT

The Department of Transportation has instituted a new procedure for drivers with violations. The clearinghouse SAP Evaluation is mandatory for individuals who test positive for alcohol or drugs while on the job. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation.

The driver must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact an SAP professional to begin the process. The SAP professional provides an assessment and recommendation to facilitate the process to return to work as soon as possible.

Here is the new process for SAP

MRO verifies a positive drug test or refusal.  Or employer verifies a positive alcohol test or an employer-determined refusal

  • MRO (or employer) enters the violation on the driver’s record, using the CD# that is now required to be on the CCF
  • The driver receives a notification (e-mail or text, according to the driver’s preference) that information has been entered on his record
  • A driver goes to his record, views the violation, and enters the name of the SAP he wishes to use
  • The Clearinghouse now kicks out a notification e-mail to the SAP, indicating that the SAP has an “invitation” from the driver
  • The SAP goes to his/her record on the Clearinghouse and will see an invitation message on the SAP’s dashboard with the driver’s name
  • The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request”
  • If the SAP clicks on “Accept Request”, the SAP will now be able to access the driver’s record
  • After the SAP completes the assessment and tells the driver what the SAP’s Counseling recommendation is, the SAP enters the date of the final assessment meeting
  • After determining that the driver has successfully complied, the SAP enters the date of the determination, which means an employer (either the previous employer or a new employer) can order a return-to-duty test
  • The SAP is now done.  Close the file!

Nothing will happen until the MRO enters a drug test result or refusal, or until the employer enters an alcohol test result or refusal.  Entering that information on a driver’s record is the necessary first step in order to start the whole process.

Important considerations:

  1. An MRO has 2 days in which to report a drug violation.
  2. An employer has 3 days in which to report an alcohol violation.

That means the driver may be in your office before the violation has been recorded on the Clearinghouse, and therefore the driver hasn’t been able to invite you to be his/her SAP.

When the driver enters your name, it must be exactly the name that you used when you registered on the Clearinghouse.  If you are Deborah Jones, and the driver enters Deb Jones, it won’t go through.  Be sure that the driver knows the exact name that is in your Clearinghouse record.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND THE DRIVER’S RECORD?

If the driver tells you he/she has registered, and if the date of the violation was January 6 or after, then the violation should be on the Clearinghouse.  If it was a drug test, and more than two days have passed since the MRO talked to the driver, you could call the MRO’s office and ask if they entered the violation.  If they tell you it’s been entered, the driver might not have looked at his e-mail to see the instruction about inviting an SAP.  If they tell you they haven’t entered the violation, you could ask when they will enter the violation information on the driver’s record.

Remember:  There is a 2-day window for MROs and a 3-day window for employers.  No wonder you can’t find it on his record.  In that case, you won’t be able to enter the assessment completion date until the violation has been entered.  Yes, this gets complicated.

NOT EVERY DRIVER MUST REGISTER ON THE CLEARINGHOUSE

FMCSA makes this statement frequently.  It’s deceiving and confusing.  But it’s not a loophole.  If a driver never ever applies for a job with a new employer, and that same driver never has a violation, there’s no reason for the driver to be on the Clearinghouse, because no future employer would be checking to see if he has a violation.  Also, when his current employer conducts an annual query on his record, it wouldn’t come up, because he doesn’t have a violation.

For an expedited appointment so we can get you back to work as soon as possible. Our direct contact is 800-683-7745.

FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM ATLANTA

Domestic violence has multiplied and more victims and perpetrators are being identified in America. On average, 3 women are murdered by their partner during a domestic violence dispute or thereafter in the U. S.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Family and domestic violence are abusive behaviors in which one individual gains power over another individual.

  • Intimate partner violence typically includes sexual or physical violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. This may include former or current intimate partners.
  • Child abuse involves the emotional, sexual, physical, or neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, custodian, or caregiver that results in potential harm, harm, or a threat of harm.
  • Elder abuse is a failure to act or an intentional act by a caregiver that causes or creates a risk of harm to an elder.

According to a 2019 study by the CDC, Domestic violence, spousal abuse, battering, or intimate partner violence is typically the victimization of an individual with whom the abuser has an intimate or romantic relationship. The CDC defines domestic violence as “physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner.

Domestic and family violence has no boundaries. This violence occurs in intimate relationships regardless of culture, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. All healthcare professionals must understand that domestic violence, whether in the form of emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical violence, is common in our society and should develop the ability to recognize it and make the appropriate referral.

REASON ABUSERS NEED TO CONTROL

  • Anger Management issues
  • Jealousy
  • Low self-esteem
  • Feeling inferior
  • Cultural beliefs they have the right to control their partner
  • Personality disorder or psychological disorder
  • Learned behavior from growing up in a family where domestic violence was accepted
  • Alcohol and drugs, as an impaired individual may be less likely to control violent impulses

We offer a State Certified 24-week family violence intervention program that addresses these abusive behaviors we seek to replace controlling behaviors such as intimidation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, threats and coercion. Call us at 800-683-7745 for an expedited appointment.

DUI SCHOOL Georgia

DUI SCHOOL ASSESSMENT IN JUST FEW STEPS

Obtaining a DUI evaluation and enrolling in DUI School are the initial steps in complying with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and a possible court requirement.
The Evaluator gathers all information to make an objective recommendation. A detailed interview is completed gathering substance use history, criminal history, driving records, and any prior arrest history during the DUI evaluation, a urinalysis is also completed. After the assessment, an appropriate course of action is recommended.  Some individuals may not need any further action, but the 20-hour Risk Reduction course is an absolute requirement by the Department of Driver Services. Other individuals may need Counseling to address issues such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol use, or underlying addiction issues. The Counseling recommendation consists of either a short-term program (six to twelve weeks) or a long-term program (seventeen to fifty-two weeks) ASAM Level I program. Some individuals may be recommended as ASAM Level II and above, which is a higher level of care and requires a longer period of Counseling.   Recommendations could vary. An individual may be referred to attend NA/AA 12-steps groups.

THE DUI SCHOOL IS VERY SIMPLE AND IT CONSISTS OF A FEW STEPS.

One – Complete a Needs Assessment

Two– Attend and complete 20 consecutive hours of the Risk Reduction
Program (RRP)

Three – Obtain a certificate of completion

Four– Submit an original certificate to the Department of Driver
Services

HOW DUI EVALUATIONS HELP

Given that DUI Evaluations, along with the Counseling recommendations provided, are often used to minimize and alleviate court sentences, individuals are highly encouraged to undergo evaluations as soon as possible, which demonstrates to the court and prosecution your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and follow-thru with the suggested Counseling plan. Please make sure you discuss your situation with one of our Clinical Evaluators to determine the best course of action for your case.

Family Violence Intervention Programs

The Family Violence Intervention Program FVIP allows for personal, emotional and psychological development in the area of responsiveness to feelings of anger, violence and maladaptive reactions. Most adults were not taught how to respond to situations, feelings, and emotions. Our partnership will allow you to learn these new skills rather quickly, so you can communicate with your loved ones in a loving and healthy manner. For Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP)class, pleas call us at  800-683-7745.

“The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP)is a 24-week course that is created to rehabilitate individuals by holding them accountable and prioritizing victim safety. The thinking, feeling, and behaviors of individuals are reflected in efforts to stop the violence in their families and relationships. Family Violence Intervention Programis focused on assisting individuals to learn new ways to interact with one another without the use of abusive and violent acts. Domestic violence is a violent confrontation between household members that includes sexual assault, physical harm or fear of physical harm. Spouses or former spouses, dating relationships, adults related by blood or marriage, and biological or legal parent-child relationships are all included in family or household members. Probation, protection orders, criminal sentences, and even bond conditions can require the completion of a Family Violence Intervention Program course. Most research tells us that participants who complete FVIPs are less likely to commit new acts of violence or to violate restraining orders”

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a forceful way that an individual utilizes to keep a loved one under control and dominate while creating a state of constant fear. Physical abuse is the primary form of abuse in most relationships. Of course, not all relationships begin with physical abuse, however; the signs could be there early on. The need to control and dominate becomes evident when the victim shows signs of independence or considers personal growth and development. Physical abuse gets worse when the victim vocalizes frustration or considers ending the relationship.

Physical violence includes: using or threatening to use weapons, hurting the victim verbally first, hitting the victim or children, punching, kicking, slapping, strangling, smothering, shoving, throwing things, destroying property, and denying medical Counseling.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is prevalent in abusive relationships. It is uncommon to discuss or report sexual abuse. Many abusers deny sexual abuse and tend to use shaming and humiliating tactics to control the victim.

Sexual abuse comes in many forms and it may include: physically forcing sex, making the victim feel fearful about saying no to sex, violence or name calling during sex, forcing sex with other partners, forcing prostitution, and forcing the victim to participate in demeaning or degrading sexual acts.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is widely used method by abusive partners seeking control. It is an effective way to manipulate the victim and cause extreme psychological damage. Emotional abuse can lead to lower self-worth and self-doubt. It is common for the victim to begin feeling responsible for the abuse and submit to continued torture. Some victims suffer serious mental health consequences and remain afraid to report their symptoms out of fear.

Emotional abuse comes in a variety of forms: criticisms, name calling, minimizing and rationalizing the abuse or shifting blame for the abusive behavior, threatening andisolating the victim from society and loved ones, jealously, and complete control over who the victim can communicate with.

Financial Abuse

Most victims don’t even realize the extent of financial abuse. It is a powerful way to keep the victim in a vicious cycle. The abuser will take control over all household finances including the victim’s earnings. The abuser will have the sole authority on all finances and make the victim beg for money.

Domestic Violence is Serious

“Red flags” include someone who:

  • Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
  • Early in the relationship flatters you constantly, and seems “too good to be true.”
  • Wants you all to him- or herself; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
  • Insists that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, quit school, or quit your job.
  • Does not honor your boundaries.
  • Is excessively jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
  • Wants to know where you are all of the time and frequently calls, emails, and texts you throughout the day.
  • Criticizes or puts you down; says you are crazy, stupid, and/or fat/unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
  • Has a history of abusing others.
  • Takes your money or runs up your credit card debt.
  • Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.

DUI Driving School Georgia

DUI Driving School and DUI School are used interchangeably. Attending A DUI Driving School is the best way to get your driver’s license back and comply with all court and state requirements. We provide the 20-hour Risk Reduction Course at our Atlanta location and our Marietta location both located conveniently with easy access to public transportation.
If you have been charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or if the DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving, the state of Georgia will most likely require you to attend a 20-hour Risk Reduction Program. Most people refer to this program as DUI School.  The Risk Reduction Program at our DUI Driving School is scheduled for nights and weekends. It is designed to avoid work or school interruptions. Our bas`ic schedule is as follows:

Friday –    6 pm to 10 pm

Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm

Sunday –   9 am to 6 pm

We recommend that you call us in advance to verify the weekly schedule to avoid missing any sessions. The course must be completed in three consecutive days. All participants are required to arrive on time. Tardy participants will be allowed into sessions and will be required to attend the 20-hour Risk Reduction Program in its entirety.

DUI School is a court-mandated program that offers the 20-hour Risk Reduction Program. The program is designed to assess high-risk behaviors. The curriculum is prepared the Prime for Life institute and it presents the prime solutions book for the 20-hour course. For an expedited appointment please call us at 800-683-7745.

DUI Driving School is meant for participants to learn more about their offense so that towards the end of the course they will be able to take full responsibility for it. Mandatory alcohol education, assessment and Counseling laws require attendance at DUI Driving School to help with alcohol education or therapy. Acknowledging that it was their alcohol and/or drug use that resulted in the consequences of a DUI offense. The DUI Driving School is a dedicated program that will help participants commit to ending the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Helping them develop a plan for the future to avoid continuing their disruptive behavior including how to avoid relapses with better and healthier choices. Normally after completion of all the courses in the DUI Driving School, a follow-up interview is conducted to assess the level of completion for goals and to reinforce strategies to avoid drinking and driving. Alcohol prevention programs can often replace and reduce harsher penalties in drunk driving cases such as court fines, license suspension, and jail time.

Driving Under the Influence is against the law and can result in serious consequences

Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. Not only are you putting your life at risk but others as well. We all tend to make mistakes that we later find ourselves regretting in the long run. Drinking and driving is one of those mistakes that we underestimate and repeat often.  I’m sure many of us have experienced making decisions without taking a moment to consider the consequences of our actions. Pairing your decision-making skills with alcohol is just asking for a disaster.

Excessive consumption of alcohol not only misconstrues your decision-making ability but it can affect your personality, too.  Drinking too much alcohol not only opens the door to irrational choices that could possibly lead to poor decision-making after a night of drinking and getting behind the wheel. We highly recommend that you ask yourself when it will ever be enough? When is it time for me to make a change. Ask yourself, will you learn from your consequences?Will you actively assess your behavior? Will you begin the process ofmaking sound and safe choice? Or will you continue the vicious cycle and start to lose your grip on life and become comfortable in your mistakes?

We are here to help you with those questions. We’re not here to judge your DUI we’re here to give you the information you need to open the door of sobriety. The first step to that open door is being interviewed by one of our certified Counseling providers. This interview is known as a DUI evaluation. A DUI evaluation is ordered by the court when a person is arrested for a DUI. This interview is used to determine the presence and extent of a possible alcohol problem. The evaluation also helps with the development of a Counseling plan to help assist you better with your recover.

Counseling is an option

Substance abuse almost seems to be as old as mankind. Although substance abuse often begins with pleasure seeking, self-medication, exploration, or other reasons, its dependency often creeps up without alarming. Legal for use with certain stipulations, alcohol is one of the major addictive illicit drugs; second, only to cigarette smoking. Driving under the influence is also one of the leading causes of death, worldwide. While access to illicit substances is not so easy, alcohol is a socially acceptable and a legal drug; however, the problem of alcohol and drug abuse is huge, receiving Counseling is difficult. Some of the reasons hindering Counseling were lack of facilities, poor access, lack of trained professionals, cost of Counseling, and more. Even incarceration and recidivism have strong links to substance abuse. In the past alternative, Counseling was not usually offered to those facing legal charges. However, now certain alternatives to incarceration programs are offered in many cases since they have been known as helpful in lowering the rate of recidivism; and, effective in substance abuse Counseling. Due to their effectiveness, certain groups or individual therapy classes are also a part of some probation and correctional pretrial services.

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