Drug Trends and Statistics in Georgia
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Drug Trends and Statistics in Georgia
Substance abuse has been an ongoing issue in the state of Georgia for many years. Understanding the latest drug trends and statistics can help policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public better address this public health crisis.
Opioid Crisis in Georgia
Like much of the rest of the country, Georgia has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. From 2010 to 2020, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 207% [4]. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has driven much of this increase[4].
Some key statistics on the opioid crisis in Georgia include:
- From 2019-2021, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased by 124%, from 614 to 1,379[4]
- In 2021, there were 2,390 total drug overdose deaths in Georgia – 71% (1,718) were opioid-related and 57% (1,379) were fentanyl-related[4]
- Emergency department visits for non-fatal overdoses increased 10% from 2019 to 2021[4]
The rise in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis. Contributing factors likely include social isolation, economic stress, and disrupted access to addiction treatment and recovery services[2].
Prescription Drug Abuse
While illicit opioids are claiming more lives, prescription drug misuse remains a major concern. Some key facts:
- In 2016, Georgia providers wrote 96 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons (one of the highest prescribing rates in the U.S.) [1]
- In 2019, over 1.2 million Georgians (12% of the population) received at least one opioid prescription[5]
- In 2020, over 86 million opioid pills were dispensed in the state[6]
The most commonly prescribed opioids in Georgia include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet), and codeine. Alprazolam (Xanax), carisoprodol (Soma), and zolpidem (Ambien) are also among the top prescribed controlled substances[5].
To combat inappropriate prescribing, Georgia launched a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in 2011. As of 2022, all prescribers must check the PDMP before prescribing controlled substances.
Cocaine Use and Overdoses
After a period of decline, cocaine use and overdoses are rising again in Georgia. Cocaine-involved overdose deaths increased 22% from 2018 to 2019[3].
Factors driving this increase may include:
- Increased availability of cocaine at lower prices
- Combining cocaine with opioids
- Cocaine being cut with or substituted by fentanyl
In 2020, over 100 cocaine-related overdose deaths were attributed to complications involving cocaine and fentanyl or heroin[3].
Methamphetamine Use
After the federal government cracked down on domestic meth labs in the mid-2000s, methamphetamine produced in Mexico became more prominent. Currently, meth accounts for the greatest share of drug seizures in Georgia[1].
Some key facts about methamphetamine use in Georgia:
- From 2002 to 2007, meth was the primary drug for 22.4% of Georgians ages 21-25[6]
- In 2016, 1.2% of adolescents and 1.6% of young adults reported using meth[1]
- Meth has remained associated with risky sexual behaviors that increase the spread of HIV/AIDS[1]
Meth overdose deaths are still relatively uncommon compared to opioids and cocaine. But meth use can lead to violence, psychosis, dental problems, skin lesions, and other long-term health effects.
Marijuana Use
Marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug in Georgia[1]. Key facts include:
- In 2016, 16.5% of adolescents and 33.2% of young adults reported using marijuana in the past year[1]
- That same year, 7.2% of adolescents and 12.8% of young adults reported “frequent” marijuana use (use on 20 or more days in the past month) [1]
Public attitudes towards marijuana have steadily become more favorable. Georgia legalized medical marijuana in 2015 for certain conditions like cancer, seizure disorders, and Crohn’s disease. The state also decriminalized possession of 1 oz or less in 2020. But non-medical recreational marijuana remains illegal.
Heroin and Fentanyl Use
Heroin-related overdoses rose sharply in Georgia starting around 2012 but have declined recently as fentanyl has become more prevalent. Some key trends include:
- Heroin overdose deaths peaked at 306 in 2016 before falling to 103 by 2020[2]
- Fentanyl caused 57% of all opioid overdose deaths in Georgia in 2021[4]
- Fentanyl is often mixed with or sold as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills[3]
The potency of illicit fentanyl makes it an extremely high-risk substance. Many users underestimate the strength and overdose as a result.
Other Drug Use Trends
While opioids, cocaine, meth, and marijuana account for the majority of substance abuse issues, other drugs are also causing harm in Georgia:
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol use contributes to about 3,500 deaths in Georgia each year[1]
- Benzodiazepines – Prescriptions for benzodiazepines like Xanax have risen sharply, contributing to overdoses
- Hallucinogens – Past-year use of hallucinogens among young adults rose from 6.2% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2016[1]
- Synthetic Drugs – Drugs like K2 and bath salts, while less common, can cause severe reactions
Looking Ahead
Substance abuse issues have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic but remain a serious public health threat in Georgia. Continued efforts will be needed to reduce the supply of illicit drugs, improve access to treatment and recovery services, and educate the public on the risks of drug misuse.
By understanding the most current drug trends and statistics, Georgia can better focus its prevention and response efforts moving forward.
References
[1] SAMHSA, Substance Use in the Atlanta Metro Area
[2] Georgia DPH, Drug Surveillance Unit
[3] Southeast Addiction Center, Drug Use in Georgia
[4] Georgia DPH, Opioid Overdose