At any given moment, millions of Americans are dealing with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs – both legal and illegal.  In the Atlanta area, crack cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, and crystal meth are among the commonly used and abused substances. 

It often helps to distinguish between substance abuse and substance dependence when discussing “addiction.”  Substance abuse involves a pattern of using a substance that can lead to failure to fulfill major obligations, physical danger (e.g. driving while drunk or high), legal problems related to usage, and continued use of the substance in spite of increasing social problems caused by using.  Not everyone who is abusing a substance is truly dependent, however. 

Dependence (sometimes referred to as “addiction”) usually involves two factors, in addition to the characteristics present in substance abuse: tolerance and withdrawal. With tolerance, an increased amount of a drug or behavior is needed to achieve the same effect as was achieved before. With withdrawal, an individual can experience physical side effects if the he or she stops using the substance. For example, heroin withdrawal can lead to flu-like symptoms.  Withdrawal from alcohol for someone who is seriously dependent can lead to a coma, and death. 

Fortunately, several different therapies have been found to be effective in assisting those dealing with substance abuse or dependence, or with making recovery from a dependency stick. Counseling, along with 12-step programs in case of true dependence, can be extremely beneficial in assisting with breaking the cycle of addiction.

In addition to general counseling skills in dealing with addiction, I have special clinical and research experience in the following types of substances:

Alcohol - Alcohol is by far the most widely used and abused drug in the United States today.   About half of all adult Americans drink alcohol at least once a month.  Alcohol can have a relaxing effect by reducing tension and lowering inhibitions.  It can also lead to slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior, altered emotions, and vomiting.

Crystal Meth - Crystal Methamphetamine (Tina, Meth, Ice, Glass) is believed to be the fastest-growing drug problem in the Atlanta metropolitan area.  Use of crystal meth can result in increased activity, an inability to sleep, increased sex drive, and decreased appetite. After taking the drug, however, most people experience depression, irritability, and the need for prolonged sleep. 

“Club Drugs” –  These are drugs, such as MDMA (Ecstasy, X), GHB (G), and Ketamine (Special K) which are often associated with all-night or all-weekend dance events, such as raves or circuit parties.  Ecstasy often makes people feel more “connected”; GHB has similar effects to alcohol, but with a greater likelihood of unconsciousness; and Ketamine users often experience disassociation and a state of sedation, which can lead to unresponsiveness and a coma-like state (a “K-hole”).

Prescription Drugs –  Whether it is benzodiazopines such as Xanax, or opiates such as  Oxycontin, prescription drug abuse is one of the fastest-growing problems in the Atlanta-area, especially among women ages 30-45.  Users may feel relaxed and sleepy while taking these drugs, but withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, sleeplessness, mood swings, and agitation.

If you feel you might benefit from counseling to deal with addiction or manage addiction recovery, you can contact Will Mahan, LAPC, at 404-229-6177, or e-mail atlantacounselor@gmail.com to schedule a free phone consultation.

In addition, Atlanta is fortunate to be home to many organizations that work with individuals recovering from many types of addiction or dependence.   Here are a few links for additional information: