Georgia

The state of Georgia is faced with several serious drug threats, which threaten the quality of life for residents in the state on a daily basis. In order to get a handle on this threat, it is important to understand the full scope of the problem and what can be done about it. Because substance abuse in Georgia can have so many devastating effects on both the substance abusers themselves as well as others, getting a handle on it can save lives and prevent moral and social decay in the state. Providing prevention services and treatment to individuals who are at high risk for example can prove very effective in curbing the problem before there are any serious or permanent consequences. The substance abuse problem in Georgia affects all age groups, so parents should also be aware of the signs of substance abuse and take whatever preventative measures possible to curb the problem.

Over 7% of Georgia residents report using some sort of illicit drug in the past month. When looking into which drugs Georgians are abusing, it is apparent based off of treatment admissions data that marijuana, stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and other opiates are the primary drugs of choice in the state. Other opiates refers to opioid prescription drugs, which are similar in formulation and effect as the illicit street drug heroin. Abuse of other opiates is a national problem, an epidemic in fact. This is no exception in Georgia. In fact, there were 729 drug overdose deaths in Georgia in 2010. Of these deaths, 560 involved prescription drugs exclusively, and 68 of these deaths were attributed to a combination of both prescription and illicit drugs. The remaining drug overdose deaths in the state in 2010, 101 of them, were attributable to illicit drugs alone. Methamphetamine appears to remain a problem in the state, despite efforts by law enforcement agencies to stop production of the drug in the state. Meth lab incidents in Georgia have increased significantly instead of declining like so many other states, and there were 128 such incidents in 2009.

There are effective solutions to the substance abuse problem in the state of Georgia, and actions which can be taken today to help resolve it. First and foremost, individuals who are already in too deep to help themselves must seek effective treatment. There is very little chance for individuals to be able to stop using drugs and alcohol if they have become physically and psychologically dependent to these substances. In fact, it is actually dangerous to attempt to do so without professional help. It isnt worth putting ones life at risk another minute longer, when so many treatment professionals are available in a number of treatment settings to help. The most effective drug rehab programs in the state of Georgia are those which provide an ample amount of treatment in a setting which is conducive to recovery. Private long-term inpatient or residential drug rehab programs are the premiere treatment options available in Georgia and are programs which churn out the biggest success stories.