At Hand In Hand Recovery, we deeply acknowledge the profound impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities throughout Georgia. Let’s delve into some of the more prevalent substance abuse statistics in Georgia, examining the specific challenges associated with alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse, illegal drug use, and their cumulative effects. If you or someone you care about is seeking guidance on the path to recovery, Hand In Hand Recovery, located in Marietta, Georgia, is committed to providing tailored and comprehensive addiction recovery services.

Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics

Georgia faces a multifaceted battle against substance abuse, and the statistics below offer valuable insights:

Georgia Alcohol Abuse Statistics

Over 23% of adults in Georgia engage in binge drinking, surpassing the national average, and approximately 6.4% of adolescents in Georgia report alcohol use in the past month. In nearly half of the instances where individuals sought addiction treatment in Atlanta during the initial six months of 2013, alcohol emerged as the primary substance of abuse. For Atlanta residents undergoing treatment for cocaine or marijuana misuse, alcohol ranked as the second most commonly misused substance. The issue of alcohol abuse in Georgia is substantiated by these concrete statistics:

• More than 23% of Georgia adults partake in binge drinking, surpassing the national average.

• Over 32% of college students in Georgia engage in binge drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to accidents, injuries, and places a strain on healthcare resources.

• In 2016, there were more than 19,000 statewide arrests for DUIs.

• Approximately 2,200 alcohol-related deaths occur annually in Georgia.

Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics in Georgia

Prescription drug misuse is a growing concern in Georgia, as reflected in the following statistics:

Opioid Misuse:

• The misuse of prescription opioids has led to a significant number of overdose-related fatalities.

• Georgia’s opioid overdose rate is 12.5 deaths per 100,000 population. During the 2008-2009 period, 6.24 percent of 12- to 17-year-old Georgians used pain relief drugs non-medically.

• Easy access to prescription medications, coupled with insufficient awareness, contributes to the prevalence of prescription drug abuse. Addicted persons who have abused opiate prescription drugs are increasingly likely to transition to heroin because it’s cheaper.

• In 2020, there were 1,198 overdose deaths involving opioids in Georgia.

Illegal Drug Use Statistics in Georgia

Illegal drug use further complicates the substance abuse landscape, with the statistics illustrating the scope of the problem. Georgia enforces stringent criminal laws related to illicit drugs, yet substance abuse persists across diverse age groups and demographics. While certain regions, such as Atlanta, show declining trends in treatment admissions for substances like cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA, there is an observed increase in the use of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances.

• From 2002 to 2007, methamphetamine was the primary drug of abuse for 22.4 percent of Georgians between the ages of 21 and 25, and heroin in Georgia was the primary drug of abuse among 14.8 percent of people from 41 to 45 years old.

• In 2020, there were 996 overdose deaths involving stimulants and 672 involving heroin in Georgia.

• The availability and distribution of illegal drugs contribute to addiction and associated societal issues, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated response. Georgia has seen a 121% increase in drug-related overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020.

Combined Drug Use Statistics in Georgia

Drug abuse varies widely, and the circumstances of someone’s addiction play significant roles in the types of outcomes they might face. The convergence of alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse, and illegal drug use creates a complex set of challenges.

Interconnected Issues:

• Combined drug use amplifies health risks, elevates the likelihood of addiction, and places additional strain on treatment and recovery resources.

• Over 50% of individuals seeking substance abuse treatment in Georgia reported using multiple substances.

• The CDC reported that in 2014, more than 10 percent of all Americans above the age of 11 had used illicit drugs within the prior month. In addition, more than 2 percent had used prescription drugs for reasons other than valid medical purposes.

Find Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Marietta, Georgia Today!

For those navigating substance abuse challenges in Georgia, seeking support is a vital step. At Hand In Hand Recovery in Marietta, Georgia, we provide comprehensive services. Our evidence-based treatments, compassionate approach, and supportive community are designed to address the unique needs of each individual.

Comprehending the Substance Abuse Statistics in Georgia is crucial for addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities. Armed with this knowledge, Hand In Hand Recovery stands ready to offer personalized support, guidance, and effective addiction recovery services. If you or someone you know is seeking help, call us today at 470-280-2791 or verify your insurance now.