Georgia’s Good Samaritan laws encourage you to request help if someone is experiencing an overdose emergency without fear of legal consequences.1 This law aims to reduce fatal overdoses and save lives in Georgia, particularly in the current opioid epidemic.1 Keep reading to learn more about the Good Samaritan law in Georgia or contact our Atlanta drug rehab to begin treatment today.
What Are Good Samaritan Laws?
Overdose Good Samaritan laws provide limited criminal immunity to individuals seeking emergency assistance for themselves or another person during a suspected drug overdose. Fundamentally, these laws encourage bystanders and people experiencing an overdose to call 911 or intervene. Most states have their own specific Good Samaritan laws, which can vary.2
Good Samaritan laws aim to reduce barriers to contacting emergency services for people experiencing an overdose. The fear of drug-related charges or other legal consequences could deter you from seeking help. With these laws, someone having a drug overdose and those who step in to help have some protection from drug-related criminal charges, depending on the state.2
Having Good Samaritan laws for drug overdoses in place can help save lives and potentially address the opioid crisis through harm reduction.2 By removing the fear of legal consequences, people can feel more comfortable seeking emergency help and possibly receive ongoing substance abuse care. Bystanders in certain states can also feel confident that they won’t be held liable for certain drug-related crimes or any unintentional harm when stepping in to help someone in need.
It’s vital for those struggling with AUD and their loved ones to know that there is help available for this disease. Specialized treatments and lifestyle changes enable individuals to live meaningful lives free from alcohol addiction’s grip. With proper rehabilitative care from trusted professionals like those at Empowered Recovery Center, individuals can learn how to maintain sobriety and find fulfillment in recovery.
What Is Georgia’s Good Samaritan Law?
Georgia’s Good Samaritan Law is a harm reduction measure that protects those seeking help in overdose situations.1 This state-specific statute safeguards the caller and the person experiencing an overdose from arrest, charges, or prosecution when requesting medical assistance at the scene of a suspected drug or alcohol overdose.1
Certain factors can affect eligibility for drug overdose immunity in Georgia, such as the amount of substances and type found at the scene. Georgia’s Good Samaritan Law also requires you to remain at the scene of the overdose until emergency assistance arrives, whether you’re helping someone or are the person experiencing an overdose.1
Georgia’s medical amnesty statutes also include expanded access to naloxone.1 Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a rapid opioid overdose reversal medication that can save lives.3 In Georgia, naloxone is available to the general public without a prescription at most pharmacies.1 Free naloxone is also available to anyone at high risk of opioid overdose and to their loved ones.1
How Good Samaritan Laws Protect People in Overdose Situations
Each state’s Good Samaritan drug laws offer certain protections for people in overdose situations. These typically include exemption from arrest or prosecution for minor drug charges (low-level possession offenses) when seeking emergency services. Depending on a state’s specific laws, there could be protection limits.2 For example, in Georgia, eligibility can depend on the amount and type of substance involved.1
Good Samaritan laws typically don’t apply to unrelated or more serious crimes, such as drug trafficking or violent crimes.4 Still, in Georgia, both the person providing help and the person experiencing an overdose are protected from penalties for violating a protective or restraining order or for breaking conditions of pretrial release, probation, or parole.1
Good Samaritan Protections Beyond Overdoses
Georgia’s Good Samaritan statutes also apply to alcohol-related medical emergencies. In alcohol overdose situations, the caller or person experiencing an overdose is still eligible for certain protections, even if alcohol is present or the person is underage.1
These laws safeguard helpful bystanders in broader situations, beyond those involving drugs and alcohol. Whether helping someone hurt in a fall or a car accident, Georgia’s Good Samaritan laws protect people who offer emergency care in “good faith.”5 This means if someone helps during an accident or emergency without charge, they can’t be sued for mistakes they make while providing care.5
Good Samaritan Statute Awareness Impact
While overdose Good Samaritan laws were developed to address the impact of the opioid epidemic, current studies show mixed effectiveness. Some individual studies suggest that people are more likely to call 911 in a drug overdose event if they are aware of these laws. Others found that knowledge of Good Samaritan laws was typically limited among people who sought assistance for an overdose, as well as police and emergency personnel.2
A 2021 study examining the impact of these laws on overdose prevention revealed that certain factors, such as the type of legal protection offered under a state’s specific Good Samaritan laws, were significant. The study also found that the impact of these laws often didn’t appear until one to two years after enactment. That said, after two years of enactment, states with Good Samaritan laws that protected individuals from arrest and also offered access to naloxone saw a 7% decrease in overdose deaths.2
What to Do During an Overdose Emergency
If you witness an overdose emergency, you can take specific steps to save someone’s life. Good Samaritan laws are meant to protect you and remove barriers to seeking life-saving assistance.2 Here’s what to do during a drug overdose emergency:6
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer naloxone if it’s available, and you suspect an opioid overdose.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing; administer rescue breaths if necessary.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with the person until emergency services arrive.
Addiction Recovery and Support in Atlanta
Learning more about Good Samaritan laws in Atlanta can equip you to help someone in need during an overdose situation or seek assistance for yourself without the fear of legal consequences. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta. From partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) to standard outpatient care, we offer a comprehensive range of rehab programs in Atlanta to help you start recovery.
Our rehab admissions team is here to help you find the best level of care for your situation and get started on treatment. Whether you’re considering using insurance for rehab or exploring alternative methods to cover the cost of rehab, we can offer guidance and support throughout your journey. Contact Empowered Recovery Center to verify your insurance and learn more about how to start your pathway to healing.
References
- Georgia Overdose Prevention. (n.d.). GA’s 911 Medical Amnesty and Expanded Naloxone Access Law. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://rx.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2019-Law-Summary-1-pg-pretrial-probation-restraining-etc-included.pdf
- Hamilton L., Davis C., Kravitz-Wirtz N., Ponicki W., Cerdá M. (2021). Good Samaritan laws and overdose mortality in the United States in the fentanyl era. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9529169/#S15
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Naloxone DrugFacts. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
- National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. (2015). Overview of State Legislation to Increase Access to Treatment for Opioid Overdose. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://nasadad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Opioid-Overdose-Policy-Brief-2015-Update-FINAL1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Justia. (n.d.). 2024 CODE OF GEORGIA Title 51 – TORTS (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-16-5) Chapter 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-1-57) Section 51-1-29 – Liability of persons rendering emergency care. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-51/chapter-1/section-51-1-29/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Understanding an Overdose and How to Respond to One. Retrieved on November 24, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/understanding-an-overdose-and-how-to-respond-to-one#:~:text=As%20a%20quick%20refresher%2C%20the,their%20side%20to%20prevent%20choking.
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