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It is difficult to capture the eclectic and beloved state of Georgia in only a few words. It has been the subject of many songs and world-famous people and products sprouted Georgia’s red clay. Because of his soul-shaking song about the state, Ray Charles is one of the many names that come to mind. Like so many Georgians today, the singer struggled with chemical dependency for years. Palm Partners Detox & Rehab offers professional therapy and helps hundreds of people overcome their addictions every year.
Data shows that those 26 and older particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Georgia. If you’re using and abusing drugs or alcohol, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 770-676-1414. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.
What you should know
With extensive interstate highway, rail and bus networks as well as air and marine ports of entry, Georgia is on a smuggling corridor for drugs transported along the East Coast. Atlanta especially is important to drug trafficking organization.
The Mexican border is the primary source and staging area for cocaine, meth, marijuana and heroin. In fact, Mexican poly-drug organizations are the largest foreign threat to the state. Other areas supplying drugs are Southeast Asia, West Africa, South America and the Caribbean.
Compared to other states
- Illicit drugs overall – average for those 18 and older
- Pharmaceuticals – average for those 18-25, moderately low for those 26 and older
- Marijuana – moderately high for those 26 and older, moderately low for those 18-25
- Alcohol – moderately low for those 18 and older
- Cocaine – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
Source: SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, based on 2008-2009 annual averages. SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A closer look
Marijuana
Most widely abused drug.
Cocaine
Most widely available drug. Bulk quantities of powder cocaine come from the Southwest Border and go directly to local crack cocaine dealers in the state.
Methamphetamine
Fastest growing drug problem. That’s particularly true in Atlanta, Dalton and Gainesville. In-state meth labs have decreased since legislation was enacted in 2005 to restrict over-the-counter sale of pseudoephedrine, an essential ingredient for producing meth. Meanwhile, the availability of ice in the Atlanta area has increased.
Heroin
South American the predominant type. However, recently Southwest Asian heroin has reemerged. Availability of heroin is stable in the Atlanta area, but the port of Savannah is a target for Colombian heroin traffickers.
Pharmaceuticals
Xanax and Lorcet most commonly abused. Illegal use of hydrocodone and oxycodone products continues to be a problem. The primary sources are the illegal sale and distribution by health care professionals and workers, “doctor shopping,” and the internet.
Club drugs
Atlanta a transit city for Ecstasy to other U.S. cities. Ecstasy, GHB and ketamine are popular and easily available where young people congregate: gyms, college campuses, nightclubs, rave parties and concerts. LSD is imported from the West Coast via post office packages or commercial express mail.
Alcohol
Not a significant problem.
Percentage of Georgia population using/abusing drugs
| AGE1 | 18+ |
|---|---|
| ILLICIT DRUGS | |
| Past Month Illicit Drug Use2 | 7.40 |
| Past Year Marijuana Use | 9.68 |
| Past Month Marijuana Use | 5.70 |
| Past Month Use of Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana2 | 3.20 |
| Past Year Cocaine Use | 2.70 |
| Past Year Nonmedical Pain Reliever Use | 5.05 |
| Perception of Great Risk of Smoking Marijuana Once a Month3 | 43.01 |
| ALCOHOL | |
| Past Month Alcohol Use | 50.23 |
| Past Month Binge Alcohol Use4 | 22.71 |
| Perception of Great Risk of Drinking Five or More Drinks Once or Twice a Week3 | 46.73 |
| PAST YEAR DEPENDENCE, ABUSE AND TREATMENT5 | |
| Illicit Drug Dependence2 | 1.88 |
| Illicit Drug Dependence or Abuse2 | 2.94 |
| Alcohol Dependence | 3.40 |
| Alcohol Dependence or Abuse | 7.06 |
| Alcohol or Illicit Drug Dependence or Abuse2 | 8.71 |
| Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Illicit Drug Use2,6 | 2.63 |
| Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Alcohol Use6 | 6.80 |
| Serious psychological distress | 12.08 |
| Having at least one major depressive episode7 | 7.55 |
1 Age group is based on a respondent’s age at the time of the interview, not his or her age at first use.
2 Illicit Drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically. Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana include cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically.
3 When the Perception of Great Risk in using marijuana or alcohol is low, use of marijuana or alcohol is high.
4 Binge Alcohol Use is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.
5 Dependence or abuse is based on definitions found in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
6 Needing But Not Receiving Treatment refers to respondents needing treatment for illicit drugs or alcohol, but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility.
7 Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and had a majority of the symptoms for depression as described in the DSM-IV.
Source: Condensed version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004 and 2005, from SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies.