A Closer Look at the Rates of Addiction in the State of Georgia
At Bluff Augusta, we seek to provide treatment to anyone who finds themselves struggling with mental health and/or addiction. As a Georgia-based treatment facility, we pay special attention to our residents, while extending a welcoming hand to anyone who may be seeking our services from out of state.
As a result of this, we take into consideration the statistics of addiction and abuse in our state. While all states in the country have been affected by the opioid crisis and the influx of illicit substances like fentanyl, we want to focus a little more intentionally on the impact in Georgia for the sake of increasing awareness and reducing stereotypes regarding addiction treatment.
Who is at risk for developing a drug or alcohol addiction?
Addiction can impact anyone at any time regardless of age, race, gender identity or social situation. It does not discriminate and can have significantly damaging effects on those whose lives it overtakes.
Certain factors will put some individuals at a greater risk of developing an addiction than others. These include:
- Genes – There has been research done to confirm that genetics play a role in the development of an addiction. Individuals who have a blood relative (especially a sibling or parent) are much more likely to develop an addiction than someone who does not. Additionally, a family history of addiction also increases the likeliness of struggling with addiction
- Peer pressure – This is especially relevant among younger individuals who begin using drugs and alcohol early as a result of pressures from friends or acquaintances
- Use at an early age – Those who begin using substances when they are younger are at a higher risk for developing an addiction as they get older
- Mental health disorders – Those with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD and PTSD are at a greater risk of developing a co-occurring substance use disorder, especially if the mental health condition is undiagnosed and/or untreated
- A history of trauma or abuse – Individuals who have suffered abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), are the victims of domestic violence, have experienced trauma or otherwise feel unsafe and threatened may be at a greater risk for developing a substance use disorder
Oftentimes the effects of medication are used to help ease symptoms of unaddressed stress, mental health disorders and trauma. But not everyone who goes through these experiences or is otherwise at risk for addiction is guaranteed to develop one. Knowing the risk factors, however, increases awareness and helps in preventative strategies.
What are the statistics of drug and alcohol addiction in Georgia?
Looking at statistics of drug and alcohol addiction in Georgia allows treatment facilities and mental health professionals the chance to focus attention on areas and demographics at the highest need to foster incredible growth and recovery.
According to the American Addiction Center, the following statistics identified the overall impact of drugs and alcohol on ages 26 and older:
- “Approximately 36.8 million adults age 26 or older—or 16.6 percent of this age group—struggled with a substance use disorder in the past year
- “About 23 million adults age 26 and older (10.4 percent) had an alcohol use disorder in the past year
- “Around 18.9 million adults age 26 or older (8.5 percent) had a drug use disorder in the past year”
Breaking it down even further, the state of Georgia continues to see high numbers of individuals who battle addiction.
Surveys from the past few years indicate the following for men and women over the age of 26:
- 628 estimated individuals used illicit substances in a month
- Approximately 517 used marijuana within the past month
- 211 reported cocaine use within the past year
- 205 reported misuse of pain relievers within the past year
Additionally:
- “In 2021, there were 1,799 opioid overdose deaths in Georgia, which accounted for 72 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the state.”
- Over ten years, this overdose death rate “increased from 5.4 per 100,000 to 17.1 per 100,000 in Georgia.”
These statistics make it important to keep treatment options open and available for those who need it.
Looking for addiction treatment in Georgia?
If you have suffered from substance abuse or addiction of any kind, help is available. If you are a Georgia resident or are from out of state and looking for a fresh start somewhere new, our facility in Bluff is conveniently located outside beautiful Augusta, Georgia, and just a short drive from Atlanta and other cities including Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC.
To learn more about our treatment programs and get started on your recovery journey today, contact Bluff Augusta by calling (844) 242-0806 or by contacting us online anytime.
