For Georgians struggling with addiction, peer coaches provide support

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, like hospitals around Georgia, is seeing an increase in patients seeking help with mental health or substance use. (Jess Mador/WABE)
Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, like hospitals around Georgia, is seeing an increase in patients seeking help with mental health or substance use. (Jess Mador/WABE)

A Northeast Georgia hospital program is trying a different approach to help people struggling with addiction. It connects patients with specialized help right in the ER instead of just treating their symptoms and releasing them.

The program’s results may show promise in helping the state tackle its opioid and overdose epidemic. 

For Marie, it started with pills.