By the Numbers: Drug Use Statistics in Georgia

Drug abuse is a grave concern in Georgia, affecting many individuals and families across the state. Understanding drug use statistics in Georgia illuminates the widespread nature of the problem and shows why it’s so important to seek help – early treatment improves outcomes.

In recent years, the state of Georgia has seen a significant rise in deaths related to opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. This guide to Georgia drug abuse statistics illustrates the shock wave of substance abuse in the state and explains how to get compassionate and effective addiction treatment.

Georgia Drug Abuse Statistics by Gender

Drug and alcohol abuse affects both men and women, but it doesn’t impact them in the same way. Men and women may use drugs for different reasons, and the effects on their bodies and minds can vary.

In Georgia, looking at drug abuse statistics by gender can give us a clearer picture of these unique challenges.

Data from United Health Foundation show that 9.9% of women aged 18 to 49 resident in Georgia used drugs in 2019. Substances used include:

• Prescription painkillers
• Tranquilizers
• Sedatives
• Cocaine
• Crack
• Meth
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants

Using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs without a doctor’s guidance can be very dangerous and cause long-term problems. The effects of drug misuse depend on the drug but can include serious issues like heart attacks, strokes, mental health issues, and even death. Drug abuse can also lead to addiction, which often needs medical and therapeutic help to overcome. For pregnant women, using drugs can increase the chances of problems like early labor, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Mental health problems and substance use often go hand in hand, although one doesn’t always cause the other. About 20% of people with a severe mental health disorder will struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives. The health problems caused by drug use are costly, both for the person involved and for society as a whole.

Men are more likely than women to use most illegal drugs, and they are also more likely to end up in the emergency room or die from an overdose. Men tend to have higher rates of drug and alcohol use or dependence across most age groups than women. That said, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder – the clinical term for addiction. Women might also experience stronger cravings, and they are more likely to relapse, too.

Georgia Opioid Addiction Statistics

Statistics from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) indicate that:

• 307,000 people misused prescription painkillers in Georgia in 2019.
• 14,000 residents of the state reported using heroin in that year.

In 2017, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported that 1,014 people in the state lost their lives due to opioid overdoses.

Between 2012 and 2017 in Georgia:

• The number of deaths linked to heroin jumped six times, reaching 263.
• Deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased sharply, with fatal overdoses rising from 61 to 419.
• Prescription painkillers were involved in 568 overdose deaths during this time.

Hallucinogenic Drug Abuse in Georgia Statistics

Other dangerous drugs, like LSD, are becoming a bigger problem in Georgia. This drug is often abused by teenagers and young adults in middle-class suburban areas. Most of the LSD in the state is sold and distributed by independent local dealers, according to the DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration).

LSD, also known as acid, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that can trigger serious effects on the mind and body. When someone takes LSD, it can cause them to see and hear things that aren’t really there. This is called an acid trip, and while some people may find it interesting or exciting, it can also be very frightening and dangerous.

One of the primary dangers of LSD is that you never know how the drug will affect you. Even if someone has taken the drug before, the experience can be completely different each time. A bad trip can cause intense fear, panic, and confusion. In some cases, people may hurt themselves or others while under the influence because they lose touch with reality.

LSD can also have long-term effects on mental health. Some people who use LSD develop lasting problems like anxiety, depression, or flashbacks, where they suddenly relive parts of their trip even long after the drug has worn off. These flashbacks can be disturbing and make it hard for a person to feel safe or comfortable in their everyday life.

Using LSD is illegal and very risky. The drug can be laced with other dangerous substances without the person knowing, making it even more harmful.

Options for Drug Abuse Treatments in Georgia

If you are looking for drug abuse help in Georgia, start by calling Addiction Hotline at 844-575-6602. You can speak with a friendly and compassionate professional who can advise you on the following forms of drug abuse treatments in Georgia:

• Detox programs: These programs help people safely remove drugs from their bodies while being supervised by medical professionals.
• Inpatient rehab: This is a place where people stay for 30 to 90 days to focus on their recovery. They get therapy and support 24/7.
• Outpatient rehab: In these programs, people go to treatment sessions during the day but can return home afterward.
• Counseling and therapy: Talking with a counselor or therapist can help people understand why they use drugs and learn how to stop using substances and remain abstinent.
• Support groups: Groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) provide a network of people in recovery dealing with similar issues and can offer support.

These treatment options are available across Georgia to help people start their journey toward recovery.

Learn About Your Options for Drug Addiction Treatment at Addiction Hotline

If you feel that you might need help getting back on track from drug addiction, calling a substance abuse helpline can be highly beneficial.

Addiction Hotline is available 24/7 and is toll-free. When you call, you will speak with a trained and compassionate professional ready to answer any questions you have about drug addiction and recovery.

Hotline staff can connect you with detox centers across the state if you need help with drug withdrawal. They can also help you find inpatient and outpatient rehabs so you can continue with treatment.

For immediate assistance fighting drug addiction, call 844-575-6602.