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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.

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.

Relapse in the Warmer Season

Warm weather is here and life starts feeling easier, right? Well, not always, if you’re in recovery. Recovering people face serious challenges while staying sober during the spring and summer seasons and official holidays. Relapse in the warmer season is avoidable. Spring and summer come with sports games, picnics, barbecues, weddings and celebrations all seem to involve alcohol of some sort. Some of us may run into your old marijuana or drug-loving friends at the beach, pool, or a friend’s party. How do we stay clean and sober over the season when temptation present at all corners?

The warmer season is all about being casual and having fun in the sun. Most of us have a carefree attitude with lower inhibitions. However, we have learned not to be carefree about recovery. No matter where summer fun leads, sobriety and recovery should remain our number-one priority every day — We can still have plenty of sober fun under the sun and catch some rays or waves.

AACS offers tips for staying sober during the spring and summer holidays. We have listed tips to help us navigate both daily lives as well as those special occasions like graduation parties, weddings, and 4th of July parties that all seem to coincide with summer fun.

Here are ten simple suggestion that can help you stay clean and sober during the warmer season. We will be grateful by the end of the season for maintaining our recovery.

  1. Put recovery first
  2. Attend 12-step or self-help meetings
  3. Plan ahead with friend in sobriety
  4. Use the buddy system
  5. Be honest with yourself and others
  6. Plan sober fun
  7. Don’t focus on what you can’t have
  8. Avoid resentment at all times
  9. Volunteer
  10. Call your sponsor daily

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TIPS for Surviving the Holidays; Stay Sober During the Holidays

TIPS for Surviving the Holidays

Tips for Surviving the Holidays

Do you want to stay sober during the holidays? The holidays can be a joyful or painful time of the year. Tis the season for greetings, family, cheer and beer but for addicts it can be a time of triggers, running emotions, stress and disappointments. What does one in recovery do when the holidays come and family is too far away to see and you start to feel a little lonely or when that one cousin is insisting that just one drink won’t hurt? Here are 10 helpful tips on how survive the holidays without substances.

Relapse prevention

Prepare or amend your relapse prevention (RP) plan.

The purpose of a relapse prevention plan is to proactively set boundaries and guidelines in order to keep your sobriety. Relapse is not a onetime, overnight event, it is a process that can begin days, weeks or months before you use again. A well prepared RP plan can help you better prepare and navigate through the various stages of relapse (emotional, mental and physical). Check back later for more details on the various stages of relapse. Check out the links below for more information on relapse prevention.

  1. Keep calm and work the steps.

Attend 12 Step meetings before and after any big events and continue to go to the meetings during the holiday season. The importance of meetings cannot be stressed enough. This is where you can develop support systems, remain strong in your commitment to recovery and gain a sense of stability, comfort, and confidence.

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Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Court Approved Counseling & Programs

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Court Approved Counseling & Programs

What is an #Alcohol and Drug Evaluation used for?

Probation, Parole,  Pretrial, Drug Diversion, Pre-employment, Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Family and Children Services, Attorneys or pre-indictment/arraignment purposes. Individuals are referred to be evaluated based on many situations. It could be an arrest, sentencing,  testing positive during a random on the job,  a divorce or custody battle case or just as simple as someone who needs help with addiction.

The types of cases and situations may vary for an #alcohol and drug evaluation. Some of the most common cases are (driving under the influence), (possession of marijuana)s (possession of controlled substances), (possession with intent), (reckless driving), (theft by receiving), (minors in possession of alcohol-MIP), (criminal trespass), (battery), (disorderly conduct), (failing a drug test on the job), (inquiries as to parenting ability based on substance dependence), etc..

Given that #Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, along with the Counseling recommendations provided, are often used to minimize and alleviate court sentences, individuals are highly encouraged to undergo Assessments 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. If you or someone you know is in need of an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation#, please contact us for a comprehensive, personalized assessment or make a referral, please call 800-683-7745.

Based upon the assessment a recommendation is made on the appropriate course. Most individuals are encouraged to refrain from using substances and lead a healthy lifestyle.
An evaluation is the first step..

To know more related to Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Near me visit us now. or to set up one for yourself, be sure to call us at 1-800-683-7745 or visit us at www.aacscounseling.com

AACS Sober Living

AACS Sober Living in Atlanta

We are a group of professionals who have devoted our careers to help educate young-adults,  their friends and families about addiction, and to bring affordable sober living facilities in the Metro Atlanta Area.

AACS Sober Living

Our goal is to provide affordable sober living care to all who need healing and growth. At AACS Sober Living, recovery is made simple. We walk with you through this important transitional journey and assist you in regaining self-confidence, new coping skills, healthier choices, and reconnecting with loved ones.

Check out our Affordable Sober Living

AACS Sober Living

Aftercare sober living at AACS

For long-term success, our statistics show aftercare is key.  At AACS Sober Living, individuals are encouraged to actively participate in at least 12 months of aftercare which includes continued individual and group therapy for the first year, random drug screens, and the completion of working a 12 step program with a sponsor.

Accountabile case management

AACS Sober Living uses a comprehensive strategic model of case management focused on client accountability, holistic Counseling planning, successful client outcomes, and community awareness. Counselors and case managers provide each client with intensive supervision and a supportive network, which enables the client to meet the expectations of daily living and decrease the likelihood of relapse.

Designed to provide immediate Counseling to individuals referred to by self or from various sources, participants will be engaged in a range of supportive activities while working on bettering their life and current circumstances. The center’s aggressive strategies are proving successful in addressing some of the most difficult problems associated with addiction, co-occurring disorders, medical status, etc.

  • Anger Management Group
  • Daily Spiritual Meeting/Group
  • 12-Step Meetings
  • Individual Therapy
  • Monthly Family Group
  • Weekly Community Group
  • Relapse Prevention Group
  • Weekly 12-step Study Group

 

 

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Relationship Groups; Saving your marriage

Creating and cultivating healthy relationship is a two part process; first learning how to have a healthy relationship with the self, and then manifesting reciprocal behaviors with others.

The goal of the Relationship groups; Saving your marriage serries is to help members be more intentional in interpersonal relationships while providing psycho-education and support.

Relationship Groups
Relationship Groups and Couples Therapy.

Relationship Groups are very popular form of therapy in the modern world. Group therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy that is based on interdependence and interaction among the group members who mutually disclose personal challenges and issues in their relationships during group sessions.

Relationship Groups
Relationship Groups

The focus of the Relationship Groups; Saving your marriage series is to regain confidence in your communication with your partner. It’s based on the premise of interpersonal learning. The process serves as the agent of change.  The group presents realistic challenges to maladaptive interpersonal belief systems and behavioral patterns via feedback from participants and encouragement to experiment with healthier alternative behaviors, first within the group and then outside the group.

According to Irvin Yalom (2005) the following is s brief list of the benefits group psychotherapy can provide.

Universality – feeling of having problems similar to others, not alone.

Altruism – helping and supporting others.

Instillation of hope – encouragement that  recovery is possible.

Guidance – nurturing support & assistance.

Imparting information – teaching about problem and recovery.

Developing social skills – learning new ways to talk about feelings, observations. and concerns.

Interpersonal learning – finding out about themselves & others from the group.

 

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Family Violence Intervention Program Classes – FVIP 35$

Family Violence Intervention Program Classes

The groups allow for personal, emotional and psychological development in the areas 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. #FVIP classes are made of gender-specific groups. Each group discusses and deals with issues that are problematic in our daily lives.

Family Violence Intervention Program Classes

It is neither realistic nor possible to completely eliminate anger and violence, therefore, the goal of  #Family Violence Intervention Program classes is to learn how to cope with and express anger and violence in a healthy way. The interventions in each class are designed to build cognitive restructuring of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors.

Family Violence Intervention Program Classes

In #FVIP classes, we discuss the difference between anger, hostility, aggression, and violence, so that participants can appropriately define and express their experience. Additionally, the #FVIP classes curriculum is designed to address the effects of anger on the body, behavior, mind and how it can lead to violence. These interactive #FVIP classes include various case studies and scenarios that address specific, anger-inducing situations in order to facilitate group dialogues related to appropriate and healthy responses. Additionally, clients will be challenged to objectively question their initial reactions and consequently reframe it to a healthier perspective.

For additional information on the Georgia Commission on Family Violence

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Addicted to Drugs

Brief Description of article from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Addicted to Drugs

Addicted to Drugs

Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. It is often mistakenly assumed that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by choosing to change their behavior. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so. Through scientific advances, we know more about how drugs work in the brain than ever, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and lead productive lives.

What Is Drug Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge an addicted person’s self-control and hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.

Addicted to Drugs

Fortunately, Counseling are available to help people counter addiction’s powerful disruptive effects. Research shows that combining addiction Counseling medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Counseling approaches that are tailored to each patient’s drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. Click for entire article on NIDA

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