Statistical Data on Drugs in Georgia
Georgia, like many states across the U.S., faces significant challenges related to drug and alcohol abuse. The following statistics provide an overview of the substance abuse landscape in Georgia, covering overdose deaths, prescription drug abuse, youth substance use, and more. This data highlights the severity of the issue and underscores the need for continued prevention and treatment efforts.
Overdose Statistics
- 1,408 overdose deaths per year in Georgia
- 1.65% of all deaths in Georgia are from drug overdose
- Overdose death rate increased at an annual rate of 0.18% over the last 3 years
- Overdose death rate: 13.1 deaths per 100,000 residents (36.71% below the national average)
- Georgia accounts for 2.00% of nationwide overdose deaths
While Georgia’s overdose death rate is below the national average, the increasing trend is concerning and indicates a growing problem that needs addressing.
Opioid-Related Statistics
- 71 opioid prescriptions written for every 100 people in Georgia (compared to national average of 59 per 100)
- From 2019 to 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by:
- 232% among adults
- 800% among adolescents (aged 10-19 years)
The dramatic increase in fentanyl-related deaths, especially among adolescents, highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and education about the dangers of synthetic opioids.
Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Georgia
- Deaths attributed to heroin increased from 40 to 263
- Deaths involving synthetic opioids (mainly fentanyl) went from 61 to 419
- Prescription opioids accounted for the largest number of opioid-related overdose deaths, totaling 568 in 2017
These statistics demonstrate the dramatic rise in opioid-related deaths in Georgia over a five-year period. The sharp increase in heroin and synthetic opioid deaths, particularly those involving fentanyl, aligns with national trends and highlights the evolving nature of the opioid crisis. The high number of prescription opioid deaths underscores the ongoing issues with prescription drug misuse and the need for continued efforts to address overprescribing.
Demographic Trends in Overdose Deaths (2019-2021)
- 123% increase among Hispanic persons (compared to 60% among non-Hispanic persons)
- 65% increase among Blacks (compared to 60% among Whites)
- Age group increases:
- 110% among persons aged 15-24 years
- 102% among persons aged 25-34 years
- 86% among persons aged 35-44 years
The disproportionate increase in overdose deaths among Hispanic individuals and younger age groups suggests a need for culturally-sensitive and age-appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
Youth Substance Use
Substance | Percentage | Timeframe |
Marijuana | 4.6% | At least once in their lifetime |
Substance Use Problem | 5.8% | Within the past year |
Marijuana | 5.8% | In the past month (2017-2019 average) |
Illicit Drug | 6.7% | In the past month (2017-2019 average) |
First-time substance use among youth aged 12-17 (2017-2019 annual averages):
- 5.8% (50,000) used marijuana for the first time
- 1.5% (13,000) used cigarettes for the first time
While youth substance use rates in Georgia are generally lower than or similar to regional and national averages, the numbers still represent a significant portion of the youth population engaging in substance use, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.
Prescription Drug Abuse
- Around 361,000 people (4.62% of Georgia citizens) used pain relievers for non-medical purposes from 2008 to 2009
- 6.24% of 12- to 17-year-old Georgians used pain relief drugs non-medically during the same period
These figures highlight a significant issue with prescription drug misuse in Georgia, particularly among adolescents. This suggests a need for better control and education around prescription medications.
Illicit Drug Use (Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA)
Drug | Percentage of Population Aged 12 or Older |
Any Illicit Drug | 14.8% |
Marijuana | 11.6% |
Prescription-Type Pain Relievers (Nonmedical Use) | 11.6% |
The rates of illicit drug use in the Atlanta metro area are comparable to state and national averages, with marijuana being the most commonly used illicit substance. This indicates that urban areas in Georgia face similar drug challenges to the rest of the country.
Drug-Related Crime
- Hundreds of Georgia correctional officers have been accused of schemes to smuggle drugs and other contraband to state prisoners
This alarming trend indicates a serious issue with corruption within the prison system, contributing to the drug problem among incarcerated individuals and highlighting the need for better screening and oversight of correctional staff.
Prison Overdose Statistics
- 2 Georgia prisoners died from drug overdoses in 2018
- At least 49 Georgia prisoners died from overdoses between 2019 and 2022
- 5 inmates have died from accidental overdoses so far in the current year (as of the report date)
- Methamphetamine has been cited as a cause in at least 45 prison deaths since 2018
- Fentanyl was first listed as a cause of death for a Georgia prisoner in June 2021, with at least 8 more prisoners dying from overdoses including fentanyl since then.
The sharp increase in prison overdose deaths since 2018 indicates a growing problem of drug availability and use within Georgia’s correctional facilities, calling for improved security measures and addiction treatment programs in prisons.
Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions (2019)
Substance | Admissions |
Nonprescription Opiates | 7,274 |
Methamphetamines | 6,970 |
Cocaine | 3,318 |
Heroin | 1,865 |
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Georgia
Georgia faces significant challenges with alcohol and substance abuse, affecting both adults and youth. The following statistics, compiled from various sources within the provided document, highlight the extent of the problem and its impact on public health, safety, and the economy.
Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking
- 47.79% of adults in Georgia reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 19.34% of adults reported binge drinking in the last 30 days
- 15.7% of adults reported excessive drinking (binge or heavy drinking)
- 16.6% of adults reported binge drinking in 2011
Nearly half of Georgia’s adult population consumes alcohol regularly, with a significant portion engaging in binge drinking. This high prevalence of alcohol use suggests a need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Crime and Public Safety
Crime/Public Safety Statistic | Number/Percentage |
Statewide arrests for DUIs in 2016 | 19,000+ |
Alcohol-related homicides | 40 |
Alcohol-related nonfatal violent crimes | 15,000 |
Alcohol-related property crimes | 30,000 |
Alcohol-related public order crimes | 600,000 |
Inmates reporting both drug and alcohol problems | 14% |
Alcohol abuse significantly contributes to crime rates and public safety issues in Georgia, placing a burden on the criminal justice system and community resources.
Comparison to National Averages
- Georgia’s alcohol use among youth aged 12-17 (7.3%) is lower than both the regional (9.2%) and national (9.4%) averages
- Georgia’s death rate due to excess alcohol (10 per 100,000) is lower than the national average (13.1 per 100,000)
Underage Drinking
Category | Percentage |
People aged 12-20 reporting alcohol use in the last 30 days | 12.62% |
People aged 12-20 reporting binge drinking in the last 30 days | 6.89% |
Youth admitting to consuming alcohol within the last month | 7.7% |
Teenagers who had at least one drink of alcohol in their lifetime | 59.2% |
Teenagers who had their first drink before age 13 | 18.1% |
Teenagers who had at least one drink in the past 30 days | 27.9% |
Teenagers who engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days | 13.3% |
Underage drinking remains a significant concern in Georgia, with a substantial portion of youth engaging in alcohol consumption. Early initiation of alcohol use (before age 13) is particularly worrying and may indicate a need for earlier intervention programs.
Alcohol-Related Deaths and Health Impacts
- 2,202 Georgians died from alcohol in 2020, the highest number this century
- 61 alcohol-related deaths in 2020, a 10% increase from 2019 (55 deaths)
- 26% increase in alcohol-related deaths between 2018 and 2020
- 10.5 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 residents in 2020
- Excessive drinking results in 2,555 deaths and 79,183 years of potential life lost annually
- 5-year average (2015-2019) alcohol-related deaths:
- 347 suicides
- 357 homicides
- 141 deaths due to Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
- 153 deaths from Coronary Heart Disease
- 1,766 deaths from all causes attributable to alcohol use
The increasing trend in alcohol-related deaths, particularly the sharp rise in 2020, highlights the growing public health crisis associated with alcohol abuse in Georgia.
Treatment and Rehab Admissions
- 13,181 Georgians admitted to rehab for alcohol addiction in 2019
- 44,890 people entered treatment programs for alcohol and drug dependence in 2005
- 60.1% male, 39.9% female
- 9,427 people treated for alcoholism alone in 2005
- 6,394 people treated for alcohol abuse and a secondary substance in 2005
- Approximately 700 teenagers enter treatment for alcohol abuse annually
The high number of rehab admissions indicates a significant demand for alcohol treatment services in Georgia.
Sources
- Drug Overdose Death Statistics [2023]: Opioids, Fentanyl & More
- Drug Use In Georgia: Latest Statistics (2020) – Southeast Addiction Center
- Georgia Drug Overdose Data
- https://www.addictiongroup.org/georgia/drug-statistics/
- Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics | Lakeview Healthstics/
- Drug overdose deaths soar at Georgia prisons
- Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics – BHC
- Alcohol Statistics in Georgia
- Alcoholism in Georgia: Breaking Down Drinking Patterns