Like other states, Georgia has its share of public health crises. Drug abuse is among the most serious challenges that the state’s population faces, and it takes many distinct forms.

Whether you or someone that you care about is dealing with these problems, keeping yourself informed about the statistics and treatment options can help. If you or someone you care about may benefit from compassionate and comprehensive addiction treatment, Lakeview Health offers addiction treatment programs that ensure safety and comfort throughout the addiction treatment process.

Once you see the statistics about substance abuse in Georgia, you have a better understanding of whether you or a loved one may need addiction treatment. One of the most effective substance abuse treatment centers in Georgia is the compassionate treatment available at Lakeview Health. At Lakeview Health, our team creates customized plans that are based on the specific needs of each person in treatment. Our team of experts understands that the recovery process may be different for each person in treatment. That’s exactly why Lakeview Health is a leader in compassionate addiction treatment in Georgia.

We ensure that addiction treatment is suited to fit your needs or the needs of someone you care about. If you or a loved one is sick and tired of being sick and tired, Lakeview Health is ready to help. Although the Georgia substance abuse statistics may be difficult to see, it is crucial for people who may need addiction treatment to see how devastating the effects can be. Keep Lakeview Health in mind as a resource for addiction treatment. People in Georgia who are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol can find the tools for long-lasting recovery at Lakeview Health.

The prescription drug abuse problem that took the nation by storm at the beginning of the 20th Century hasn’t spared Georgians. As the office of the state’s attorney general notes, this form of substance misuse is particularly prevalent in teen populations. Some doctors may also over-prescribe medication negligently or intentionally.

Although it’s hard to pin down the scope of the prescription drug abuse problem, some troublesome indicators include that:

The prescription drug abuse problem that took the nation by storm at the beginning of the 20th Century hasn’t spared Georgians. As the office of the state’s attorney general notes, this form of substance misuse is particularly prevalent in teen populations. Some doctors may also overprescribe medication negligently or intentionally.

Although it’s hard to pin down the scope of the prescription drug abuse problem, some troublesome indicators include that:

• Around 361,000 people, or 4.62 percent of Georgia citizens, used pain relievers for non-medical purposes from 2008 to 2009.
• During the same period, 6.24 percent of 12- to 17-year-old Georgians used pain relief drugs non-medically.
• Addicted persons who have abused opiate prescription drugs are increasingly likely to transition to heroin because it’s cheaper.
• Some 4.5 million Americans used prescription pain relievers non-medically in 2013.

Georgia has harsh criminal laws concerning illegal drugs, but abuse remains a problem across many different age groups and demographics. Although some areas, like Atlanta, exhibit decreasing trends for treatment admissions concerning drugs like cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA, heroin, methamphetamine, and other hazardous substances seem to be on the rise.

Advocacy groups and lawmakers say that Georgia and Atlanta are important Southeastern drug trafficking locations for international cartels and criminal organizations. This unique position contributes to the high availability of various substances.

• According to the University of Georgia, people who use illicit drugs may be more likely to abuse prescription painkillers.
• 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.
• Following six years of decline, cocaine usage among American college students doubled from 2013 to 2014 and remained high the following year.
• Statewide, MDMA and GHB are the most commonly abused club drugs, and marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug.

Drug abuse varies widely, and the circumstances of someone’s addiction play significant roles in the types of outcomes they might face. For instance, individuals who begin using at a younger age may have a more challenging time overcoming their harmful behaviors. Those detained by the police or indicted on criminal charges might find that they lose important career and education opportunities, like job offers or student loan eligibility.