Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Georgia
In This Article
Substance misuse trends in Georgia have changed considerably over the past two decades, with opioid overdoses and alcohol-related harms presenting serious challenges. Data reveals significant increases in drug overdose mortality, persistent alcohol misuse, and critical disparities across demographics and regions.
This article summarizes the latest available numbers on drug and alcohol use in Georgia, highlighting overdose patterns, demographic variations, and shifts in prescription and illicit substance misuse. By focusing on the most current, citable statistics, these findings offer insight into the scale of Georgia’s substance-related issues.
Key Quick Facts
- From 2005 to 2025, Georgia experienced a 200% increase in drug overdose deaths.
- In 2022, the state recorded 2,687 overdose deaths, with 45% of fatalities involving multiple substances.
- The 2022 overdose rate in Georgia stands at 24.9 per 100,000, below the national average of 34.6 but above Alabama (21.1) and South Carolina (23.4).
- Georgia’s overall opioid prescription rate is 71 prescriptions per 100 residents, surpassing the U.S. average of 59.
Together, these figures underscore the importance of examining how substance misuse affects different populations and regions across Georgia. Below is a more comprehensive look at the data shaping the state’s substance use landscape.
Overdose Mortality Trends
Understanding the steady rise in overdose rates is central to assessing the full impact of substance misuse in Georgia.
- Between 2005 and 2025, overdose deaths increased by more than 200% statewide.
- Local research shows 60% of counties with overdose rates above national averages are in rural areas.
- By 2022, the statewide overdose mortality rate reached 24.9 per 100,000, below the national rate of 34.6 per 100,000.
- Rural parts of Georgia often have 73% less access to treatment providers than urban centers.
These figures highlight both the upward trend in deaths and the concentration of overdose risks in underserved rural counties.
| Year | Key Overdose Data |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 40 heroin-related deaths statewide |
| 2017 | 263 heroin-related deaths statewide |
| 2021 | 2,390 total overdose deaths (71% involved opioids) |
| 2022 | 2,687 total overdose deaths |
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Opioid and Fentanyl Patterns
Opioid misuse, including prescription painkillers and illicit synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has contributed heavily to Georgia’s overdose statistics.
- Prescription opioids accounted for 568 annual overdose deaths during certain periods, making up 40% of all drug-related fatalities.
- Heroin deaths rose from 40 in 2012 to 263 by 2017, reflecting a shift from prescription opioids to illicit forms.
- Fentanyl-involved deaths increased by 232% among adults between 2019 and 2021.
- Among adolescents aged 10–19, fentanyl fatalities spiked by 800% from 2019 to 2021.
Synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, have transformed Georgia’s drug market, often contaminating cocaine and methamphetamine supplies.
| Substance | Percent of Overdose Deaths (2022) |
|---|---|
| Prescription Opioids | Approximately 40% of drug fatalities in earlier periods |
| Fentanyl (Synthetic Opioids) | Implicated in 57% of opioid overdose cases |
| Heroin | Noted rapid rise from 2012–2017 |
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Alcohol Misuse and Excessive Consumption
Although opioids have received much attention, alcohol remains a consistently misused substance in Georgia.
- 47.8% of adults report past-month alcohol use.
- Alcohol comprises 48% of all rehab admissions across the state.
- Binge drinking affects 19.3% of adults, with heavy drinkers averaging 7.5 drinks per episode.
- Excessive drinking rates reached 16.6% in 2023, up 4% from 2011.
- An estimated 104,946 years of potential life are lost annually due to alcohol-related causes.
This persistent level of alcohol misuse continues to be a leading cause of substance-related health issues in the state.
| Category | Percentage / Figure |
|---|---|
| Adult past-month use | 47.8% |
| Proportion of rehab admissions | 48% |
| Years of potential life lost | 104,946 annually |
Underage Drinking Trends
Youth alcohol consumption rates remain a concern in Georgia, often surpassing national averages.
- 13.3% of 12–20-year-olds reported past-month alcohol use in 2021.
- Statewide underage binge drinking was 7.4% for the same age group, higher than in 32 other states.
- In Fulton County, 25% of high school students initiated alcohol before age 13.
High early initiation rates point to ongoing challenges in youth prevention and education.
| Underage Drinking Indicator | Georgia (%) | National Benchmark (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 12–20 Past-Month Use | 13.3 | Lower in 32 other states |
| Binge Drinking (12–20) | 7.4 | Below some states, above others |
| High School Initiation (Fulton County) | 25 | Not Available |
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Demographic Breakdowns
Analyzing substance misuse by demographic factors sheds light on which populations face the highest risks.
- Men account for 60.1% of treatment admissions statewide.
- Women show a faster progression to opioid dependence, underlining unique treatment needs.
- Among adults aged 26 and older, 8.5% report past-year drug use disorders.
- 72% of overdoses occur within the 26+ age category.
- Medicaid-based data indicates that Black residents face 2.3× higher opioid prescribing rates than other groups.
These figures highlight how substance misuse varies by gender, age, and race, indicating that prevention and intervention strategies may need to be tailored accordingly.
| Demographic Group | Notable Statistic |
|---|---|
| Men | 60.1% of treatment admissions |
| Women | Faster progression to opioid dependence |
| Adults 26+ | 8.5% report past-year drug use disorders |
| Black Residents | 2.3x higher opioid prescribing rates in Medicaid data |
Treatment Access and Gaps
Availability of effective treatment is another critical component in addressing Georgia’s substance use challenges.
- Only 39.9% of people in Georgia with substance use disorders receive treatment, 8% below the national average.
- Rural areas have 73% fewer addiction specialists compared to urban locations.
- Statewide opioid prescriptions remain at 71 per 100 residents despite the implementation of prescription monitoring programs.
- Coverage gaps in Medicaid and other insurance plans restrict access to crucial treatment services.
These statistics highlight how geographic barriers and insurance limitations remain persistent obstacles to care.
| Treatment Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Proportion Receiving Treatment | 39.9% of individuals with substance use disorders |
| Rural Access to Specialists | 73% lower than urban areas |
| Opioid Prescribing Rate | 71 per 100 residents |
Key Statistics Summary
- Overdose deaths rose by 200% between 2005 and 2025
- Fentanyl-related adolescent deaths jumped 800% from 2019 to 2021
- Alcohol accounts for nearly 48% of all rehab admissions
- Underage drinking rates reached 13.3% for 12–20-year-olds
- Only 39.9% of Georgians with substance use disorders receive treatment
Georgia’s landscape of drug and alcohol use is defined by rising opioid overdoses, persistent alcohol misuse, and significant disparities in both rural and urban counties. These statistics demonstrate that, despite modest improvements in some areas, many challenges remain in ensuring access to treatment and preventing substance-related harm.
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Related Articles
- Addiction Statistics in Atlanta. The Summit Wellness Group, 2023.
- Drug Overdose Deaths. drugabusestatistics.org, 2023.
- Drug Surveillance. Georgia Department of Public Health, 2023.
- Fight Substance Abuse, Improve Mental Health Care to Help More Georgians. Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, 2022.
- Georgia Drug & Alcohol Statistics. Methadone.org, 2023.
- Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics. BehavioralHealth-Centers.com, 2023.
- Georgia Substance Abuse Statistics. North Atlanta Behavioral Health, 2023.
- Injury Center: Georgia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023.
- State Reports: Georgia Profile. StopAlcoholAbuse.gov, 2022.
- The Long Weary Road: Substance Abuse Recovery Among Disadvantaged Populations. NeuWrite GSU, 2023.
