2023 Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics

Drug use continues to be rampant in the U.S. and overdose rates continue to rise. If you pay attention to the news headlines, you already know that we are currently facing the worst drug and overdose epidemic the world has ever seen. Overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in this country, and more than 100 people die every day from the repercussions of drug and alcohol addiction. Here in Georgia, the epidemic continues to grow. 

Georgia Drug Addiction Statistics

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, in 2021, there were 2,390 drug overdose deaths in Georgia. Of those, 71% were attributed to opioids and 57% were attributed to fentanyl. Deaths involving synthetic opioids (largely illicitly made fentanyl) and stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine) have increased in recent years.

In the U.S. in 2021, 98,268 people died from preventable drug overdoses – an increase of 781% since 1999. Additionally, overall life expectancy has declined for three years in a row, largely attributed to the opioid epidemic, reversing a half-century trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13% of Americans reported increasing or starting substance use as a way of coping with stress related to the pandemic. The CDC currently estimates there are more than 1,000 emergency department visits nationwide daily related to the misuse of opioids, and about 91 opioid overdose deaths every day.

If you or a loved one in Georgia is in the midst of opioid or drug addiction, the time to seek treatment is right now. There is no shame in this disease, and addiction is more common than we think. It touches every city in the state, including Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Roswell, Norcross, Savannah and more.

Georgia Alcohol Addiction Statistics

Alcohol is another big problem in Georgia. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that 15.1% of Georgia adults over age 18 binge drink at least once per month. The median number of drinks per binge is 5.3, and the 25% most active drinkers consume a median 7.5 drinks per binge. Based on these statistics, it appears Georgia has a higher rate of underage drinkers than the majority of states. Worldwide, alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) kill over 3 million people each year, accounting for up to 6% of global deaths.

Too many lives are cut short – the CDC estimates 104,946 years of potential life is lost to excessive alcohol use each year. If you or a loved one in Georgia has a troubling or worrisome relationship with alcohol, the time to seek treatment is right now. You’re not alone: one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 struggle with alcohol use disorder.

Commonly Abused Drugs in Georgia

All drugs, both legal and illegal, can lead to abuse. Abuse and increased dependence can lead to addiction, which is defined as the inability to stop the use of a substance despite consequences and negative effects in one’s relationships and home, work, and family life.

Drug overdoses have been increasing both in Georgia and nationally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely driven by fentanyl. Cocaine, amphetamines marajuana, opioids and heroin are all commonly abused drugs in Georgia, similar to national trends.

Georgia Drug and Alcohol Resources

Remember that you are never alone in fighting alcohol or drug addiction. There is hope: 3 out of 4 (75%) people eventually do recover, and life after addiction isn’t just possible – it’s the norm. 

Below are several available resource links to help you locate free local support groups.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (go to the AA main page, click on find a meeting, follow link to state pages, click on Georgia)
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Alanon and Alateen Family Group

Finding community support and meeting other individuals who have fought addiction and turned their lives around can be helpful. 

Addiction Treatment in Georgia

If you or your loved one needs help, remember that seeking addiction treatment – and taking that first step – is always the hardest. Programs like PHP (partial hospitalization), IOP (intensive outpatient) and OP (outpatient) in Georgia have helped thousands of people combat addiction and get back on the road to recovery and a life well-lived. 

North Atlanta Behavioral Health can help you tackle your addiction and co-occurring mental health issues head on with individualized programs, backed by trauma-informed and evidence-based addiction treatment. Our services include IOP, PHP, outpatient rehab and virtual programs. 

Additionally, we offer psychiatry, red light therapy, trauma therapy, family therapy, brainspotting therapy, neurofeedback therapy and holistic therapy. North Atlanta Behavioral Health’s experienced team can offer a thriving start to your or your loved one’s recovery journey.

Call us now at 770-230-5699 or fill out the contact form below. We are standing by and here for you.