Addiction and Mental Health Resources

The criminal justice system can be both harsh and lenient, depending on the particular situation. Showing that someone is attempting to better themselves and change things about themselves so that they will not offend again can go a long way towards garnering the goodwill of the court. This is especially so when it comes to drug or alcohol-related offenses. 

If someone was charged with a DUI or a drug offense, it can be extremely beneficial to show that a person is taking steps to address these issues. This could take the form of entering detox, treatment, counseling, and attendance of support group meetings. Documenting this meeting attendance is crucial, as it can show someone’s dedication to asking for help and working to overcome their struggles.

Some good starting points for finding a detox or treatment program includes:

Addiction Resources

• InTheRooms.com – https://www.intherooms.com/home/ – Resource for finding virtual AA and NA meetings 24/7.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/where-can-family-members-go-information-treatment – Helpful suggestions and resources on finding addiction treatment centers for friends or family members struggling with addiction.
• The Summit Wellness Group – https://thesummitwellnessgroup.com/ – Local Atlanta-based addiction and mental health resource that provides support, referrals and specialized care to the community. Available via phone at 770-692-2052 or online via their website.
• SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator – https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ – Resource for finding treatment facilities confidentially and anonymously.
• Detox Local – https://www.detoxlocal.com/ – Medically reviewed guides on every aspect of the drug & alcohol detox process which empowers people to be safe when quitting drugs and alcohol.

Preemptive community service is also another good option for trying to earn the goodwill of the court. This can help reduce fines, sentences, and may reduce the chance of license suspensions or revocations. One person I know with the initials PG got a super-speeder ticket in Cobb County, but when he arrived at court he had already completed 20 hours of community service. The super-speeder was changed to a 24mph over, and the fine for that was halved; simply because he took the initiative.

Aside from someone actively trying to recover from substance abuse, there are a host of mental health issues that commonly appear alongside issues with substance abuse. Even if someone does not enter treatment due to legal repercussions, there are still resources available that may be helpful to them or their family. Some of these include:

Overdose Prevention

• Opioid Overdose Rescue – Outlines 3 simple steps to save a life, along with reference videos http://opioidoverdoserescue.com/
• 30 Overdose Prevention Resources – Comprehensive article that features 30 different overdose prevention resources, as well as drug-specific overdose signs and symptoms. https://thesummitwellnessgroup.com/resources/overdose-prevention/
• The Georgia Overdose Prevention Project – https://www.georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/ 

Suicide Prevention

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ – The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for those in distress  – 1-800-273-8255.
• Suicide Prevention Resources – https://thesummitwellnessgroup.com/resources/suicide-prevention/ – Guide that features 36 suicide prevention resources.
• Stop a Suicide Today – https://stopasuicide.org/ – An advocacy organization that features educational suicide prevention materials, articles, and other resources.

Georgia Crisis Hotlines

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
• Peer2Peer Warm Line: 1-888-945-1414
• GA CARES Warm Line: 1-844-326-5400
• The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via texting. Text START to 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis. 

National Crisis Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline –  1(800)273-8255
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1(800)799-7233
• National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1(800)656-4673
• Veterans Crisis Line – 1(800)273-8255

CONTACT BIXON LAW TODAY

If you have a criminal defense case involving substance abuse or a mental health issue, give Bixon Law a call today to speak to one of our experienced Georgia criminal defense lawyers. We will vigorously defend your legal rights and advocate on your behalf to have your case dismissed or the charges against you reduced. As experienced trial attorneys, we are also not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. We represent clients in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. We are lawyers who are committed to helping people in difficult situations and we invite you to call us at 404-551-5684 for a free consultation today.