Addiction affects people and families from all walks of life across the nation, including in Georgia. Struggles with substance abuse affect communities across the state, driving the need for harm reduction efforts and accessible resources for recovery.1 Read on to learn more about substance abuse in Georgia, local resources, and how to begin recovery at our addiction treatment center in Atlanta.
Addiction and Substance Use in Georgia
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Georgia.2,3 According to the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly half of Georgians (44.55%) aged 12 and older reported using alcohol in the past month between 2023 and 2024.3
Data also shows that methamphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine are other frequently reported drugs in forensic lab data. In 2024, meth accounted for the highest rate of drug reports at 6.44 per 10,000 people, followed by marijuana (2.43) and cocaine (1.78).4
While substance use in Georgia happens in most groups, young adults aged 18 to 25 showed higher rates in some areas. Between 2023 and 2024, 37.49% of young adults reported marijuana use in the past year, 2.73% reported cocaine use in the past year, and 25.9% reported substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. Methamphetamine use was most common among Georgians aged 26 and older (1.65%).3
Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Georgia
As the most commonly used substance in the state, statistics shed light on the impact of alcohol abuse in Georgia. Between 2023 and 2024, 48.87% of Georgians aged 26 and older reported alcohol use in the past month.3 Moreover, 26.76% of young adults reported binge drinking in the past month.3 Rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) were highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (13.71%), followed by people aged 26 and older (9.6%).3
Fatal accidents related to DUIs in Georgia were also reported. In 2023, 27% of traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving, where at least one driver was under the influence of alcohol.5 Incidents involving alcohol related deaths, such as alcohol poisoning, have steadily increased since 2011. In 2018, 913 people in Georgia died as a result of alcohol-related causes.2
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics in Georgia
In Georgia, oxycodone stands out as the prescription opioid most commonly misused.6 According to the 2024 NSDUH, 3.46% of Georgians ages 12 and older reported prescription opioid misuse in the past year.3 People aged 26 and older had the highest rates (3.65%). Prescription opioid addiction was also most common among residents aged 26 and older (2.06%).3
While specific data on prescription drug arrests in Georgia is limited, news reports highlight the ongoing battle with oxycodone misuse and illegal distribution across the state. For example, in 2021, 10 residents were charged with prescription drug fraud and drug trafficking conspiracy.7 Similar cases exist, with many involving schemes to obtain and sell oxycodone using forged prescriptions.6
One 2021 University of Georgia study revealed the prevalence of prescription stimulant misuse on two southeastern college campuses. Research showed that one in five students out of a 604 sample had once misused prescription stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin. Of this sample, 8.9% had used these drugs in the past 30 days.8
Illicit Opioid Statistics in Georgia
Like all states nationwide, the opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on people, families, and communities in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the total number of opioid-related overdose deaths increased by 302% from 2010 to 2022.9
Between 2023 and 2024, 3.48% of Georgians ages 12 and older reported illicit opioid misuse in the past year. Young adults (3.79%) and residents aged 26 and older (3.65%) had the highest rates. Similarly, adults ages 26 and older (2.04%) reported the highest rate of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the past year.3
EMS trip data showed that from July 2024 to July 2025, adults aged 55 and older represented a significant amount of opioid overdose patients. In July 2025, there were 875 opioid-involved EMS trips per 100,000 residents, with 32.5% involving this age group.10 Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that in 2021, there were 396 drug sentences in Georgia involving opioids, including heroin and fentanyl.11
Drug Overdose Statistics in Georgia
Statistics show that opioids, particularly fentanyl, are responsible for many of the drug overdose deaths in Georgia.12 In 2020, 69% of overdose deaths in Georgia involved at least one opioid.12 From 2019 to 2022, fentanyl-involved drug overdose deaths increased 308%, from 392 to 1,601.9
Stimulants also play a significant role in drug-related overdoses and fatalities across the state. In 2020, 53% of overdose deaths involved at least one stimulant, such as cocaine or meth.12 Georgia’s 2025 Preliminary Quarterly Drug Overdose Surveillance Report showed that there were 228 stimulant-related overdose deaths just in the second quarter.13 Furthermore, there were 645 emergency department visits and 495 hospitalizations due to stimulant overdoses.13
Xylazine overdoses are a growing trend nationwide, including in Georgia. This non-opioid tranquilizer has been increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. Xylazine-involved overdose deaths increased from 0.8% in 2020 to 9% in 2022. All of these deaths also involved fentanyl.14
Addiction and Harm Reduction Resources in Georgia
While alcohol and illicit drug use in Georgia continue to impact communities, several options for treatment and local harm reduction resources are available. Harm reduction focuses on reducing the harmful effects of substance use by providing stigma-free, person-centered services.15
The Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition is a statewide wellness organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations by reducing the impact of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other life challenges.16
It provides a wide range of harm reduction services, including syringe exchange programs, counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and prevention programs. You can also access STD and STI testing, prevention services, and linkages to addiction treatment in Georgia.17
Additionally, several organizations throughout Georgia offer free Narcan (an opioid overdose reversal medication), including the Southwest Health District and Georgia Overdose Prevention.18,19 In 2023, the Fulton County Board of Health partnered with the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition and StopHIVATL to provide access to free fentanyl testing strips in the area.20
Metro Atlanta Addiction Treatment Services Areas
If you’re struggling with addiction in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, several treatment services are available nearby. Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta offers various outpatient programs and virtual treatment options personalized to your unique needs and recovery goals.
Our outpatient programs provide the support you need while still living at home. You can access comprehensive care for alcohol and drug abuse in Georgia, including MAT, co-occurring disorder treatment, and aftercare planning. Here are some of the areas we service within the Atlanta metro area:
Even if you live outside of these areas, we can still help you access care through our virtual treatment options. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard tracks are all available virtually for your convenience.
Addiction Treatment and Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia
Seeking treatment for substance use in Georgia can be an important next step. We’re here to help you start your recovery journey at Empowered Recovery Atlanta. Our addiction treatment center in Atlanta offers a wide range of outpatient programs that allow you to manage daily responsibilities while focusing on your journey.
Our admissions team can answer all your questions about getting into rehab and find the best program for your needs. We’re also here to offer guidance in navigating the payment process. Whether you’re considering using insurance to pay for rehab or other ways to pay for addiction treatment, we can help you explore your options.
Contact Empowered Recovery Center or verify your insurance online and explore our rehab programs to start your recovery journey.
References
- CDC Foundation. (2024). Overdose Response Coming to Rural Communities in Georgia. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://www.cdcfoundation.org/blog/overdose-response-coming-rural-georgia#:~:text=The%20CDC%20Foundation%20is%20proud,knowledge%20to%20track%20the%20problem.
- Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. (n.d.). Alcohol Use in Georgia. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://gaspsdata.dbhdd.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/Alcohol%20Use%20in%20Georgia%202020.pdf
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 2023-2024 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Prevalence Estimates (50 States and the District of Columbia). Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56957/2024-nsduh-sae-tables-percent-csvs/2024-nsduh-sae-tables-percent.pdf
- Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. (2025). The 2025 Georgia Social Indicator Study—Overall Volume I. Georgia’s County-Level Social Indicator Study to Assess Substance Use and Related Consequences. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://gaspsdata.dbhdd.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/GA-SIS_Vol_I_MainReport.pdf
- Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. (2025). Georgia Traffic Safety Facts 2023 Data. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2023-Impaired-Driving-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2014). Northern District Of Georgia Targets Prescription Drug Abuse. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2014/06/27/northern-district-georgia-targets-prescription-drug-abuse#:~:text=%E2%80%9COver%20the%20past%20decade%20Oxycodone,slow%20down%20this%20deadly%20epidemic.%E2%80%9D
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). Ten Defendants Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Alleging Prescription Drug Fraud. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2021/02/11/ten-defendants-charged-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-alleging-prescription
- University of Georgia. (2021). Misuse of stimulants linked to other drug abuse. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://publichealth.uga.edu/misuse-of-stimulants-linked-to-other-drug-abuse/#:~:text=One%20in%20five%20students%20reported,strongly%20associated%20with%20stimulant%20use
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2024). Opioid and Substance Misuse. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://dph.georgia.gov/opioid-and-substance-misuse
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2025). Emergency Medical Services Drug Overdose Trips: Georgia, July 2025. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/drug-surveillance
- U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2024). Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioid Offenses in Federal Courts, 2021. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hfooofc21.pdf
- CDC State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. (n.d.). Summary of Unintentional and Undetermined Intent Drug Overdose Deaths in Georgia – 2020. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/drug-surveillance
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2025). Preliminary Quarterly Drug Overdose Surveillance Report: Georgia, April – June 2025. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/drug-surveillance
- Georgia Department of Public Health. (2023). Xylazine-Involved Drug Overdose Deaths Georgia, 2020-2022. Retrieved on February 6th, 2026, from https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/drug-surveillance
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control. (2025). OD2A Case Study: Harm Reduction. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/od2a/harm-reduction.html
- Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, fromhttps://georgiaharmreduction.org/
- Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. (n.d.). GHRC PROGRAMS & SERVICES. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, from https://georgiaharmreduction.org/programs-services/
- Georgia DPH Southwest Health District. (n.d.) Free Narcan Kits. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, from https://swhealthdistrict.org/free-narcan-kits/
- Georgia Overdose Prevention. (n.d.) Fatal Opioid Overdoses are Preventable with Naloxone. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, from https://georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/
- Georgia Public Broadcasting. (2023). Free fentanyl tests now available in partnership with Fulton County. Retrieved on February 6, 2026, from https://www.gpb.org/news/2023/01/23/free-fentanyl-tests-now-available-in-partnership-fulton-county
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