Atlanta Addiction Stats

Like many large cities across the United States, Atlanta, Georgia’s ongoing substance use problems aren’t going away. As fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses continue to rise, it’s important to note that the full effects of disordered substance use are much broader than the stats that prompt elicit headlines.

Addiction and substance use have devastating effects on families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and public health. Understanding addiction statistics specific to Atlanta can help illuminate options for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and their loved ones. Although addiction is often criminalized and stigmatized, it is possible to address drug use compassionately and effectively through addiction treatment programs available right here in Atlanta.

Here’s a closer look at the city of Atlanta’s substance abuse statistics.

Overall Atlanta Addiction Statistics

Drug abuse is not unique to Atlanta or the state of Georgia. A case in point: The American opioid crisis—driven initially by excessive prescription drug use—affects nearly every corner of the country. In Atlanta, opioid overdose is the most common type of overdose. According to the latest data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, there were 1,068 drug overdose deaths in the Atlanta metro area in 2023, compared to 1,097 deaths in 2022.

The issue surrounding opioids extends beyond just hydrocodone and oxycodone. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often mixed with other drugs, is exacerbating the opioid epidemic in alarming ways, particularly in the metro Atlanta area. Atlanta's strategic location along the East Coast, its easy access to the U.S. interstate system via I-95, and the area's concentration of wealth make it a significant hub for the illicit drug trade.

Additionally, stimulant overdoses from drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine are common in Atlanta, occurring at a higher rate in Fulton County than in the rest of the state.

While not often front of mind in discussions about drug abuse, alcohol continues to be a commonly used and abused substance in the Atlanta area, causing significant health and social issues. In Georgia, 15.1% of adults over age 18 binge drink at least once per month, with a median of 5.3 drinks per binge.

According to the latest National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) survey, the following percentages reflect the substances used by Atlantans at least once over the course of a year:

Alcohol Usage

Alcohol addiction is a destructive problem throughout Georgia. According to the CDC, an average of 3,953 Georgians die each year from alcohol abuse—a number that greatly exceeds deaths from illicit substances. The problem is especially pronounced among youth, with 14% of high school students regularly engaging in binge drinking compared to 11% for the national average. Adults in Georgia report binge drinking at only a slightly higher rate.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 20.9% of residents aged 12 and older in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta metro area binge drink alcohol at least once a month, highlighting just how bad alcohol misuse. Since alcohol is a dangerous substance to detox from, it’s essential that substance abuse treatment for alcohol be accompanied by trained providers and excellent care.

Drug Usage

Atlanta, like all cities, has a unique culture, which extends to the types of drugs commonly found there. The increase in the supply and use of synthetic opioids has led to significant issues throughout the city, contributing to a rise in overdose rates and deaths. However, stimulants, particularly meth, and cocaine, are also prevalent, though they do not account for as many overdoses as opioids and other narcotics in Atlanta.

A growing trend in Atlanta and across the United States is known as "polydrug" use, where individuals consume multiple drugs at the same time. Treatment providers are closely monitoring this phenomenon, as there has been a notable increase in overdoses resulting from combinations of stimulants and opioids. This rise in polydrug-related overdoses is evident not only in Atlanta but also throughout the state of Georgia and the entire country.

In fact, an increasing percentage of opioid deaths now involve other substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, marijuana, methamphetamines, or cocaine. Nationally, deaths that involved both cocaine and opioids increased five times from 2010 to 2022. In Atlanta, this trend is especially dangerous.According to the DEA, as many as one in four illicitly purchased prescription opioid pills seized in Atlanta are counterfeit and contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Explaining the Trends

Fortunately, when it comes to substance abuse in the Atlanta area, it’s not all bad news. Interventions like Naloxone—an increasingly common medicine that can be administered as a nose spray or injection—have been saving lives both in Georgia and throughout the country.

Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, providing a person who has taken a dangerous dose with crucial time to receive further emergency treatment. It functions by blocking opioid receptors and can restore normal breathing in as little as two minutes for someone whose breathing has stopped or slowed.

Treatment programs across the Atlanta area are now offering customized options for specific substances. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, or a complex substance use disorder that includes a mental health component, help is more accessible than ever.

Demographic Insights

Of course, drug addiction looks different for different people. Stats vary according to race, gender, age, and location in the state and city. Nationally, men are more likely than women to use illicit substances and to overdose on them, while data suggests that women become addicted more easily and suffer relapse more often.

Between 2019 and 2021, drug overdose deaths in Georgia rose significantly across nearly all age groups. Specifically, deaths increased by 110% among 15 to 24-year-olds, by 102% among 25 to 43-year-olds, and by 86% among 35 to 44-year-olds. Most alarming is that deaths involving fentanyl skyrocketed by 800% among individuals aged 10 to 19.

During the same period, overall drug overdose deaths rose by 123% among Hispanic individuals, compared to a 60% increase among non-Hispanic individuals. Additionally, drug overdose deaths increased by 65% among Black individuals, while white individuals experienced a 60% increase.

Data indicates that Atlanta experiences more overdose deaths than suburban or rural areas of Georgia. While alcohol and marijuana use are the most prevalent substances throughout Atlanta and the rest of the state, the primary driver of overdose cases remains opioids. This includes polydrug use involving opioids such as fentanyl.

For individuals seeking treatment, there are numerous rehab facilities and recovery programs available in the Atlanta area. However, rural Georgians have fewer options. In fact, residents in 71 of the state's rural counties face challenges in accessing methadone—a widely recognized and effective treatment for opioid addiction—as it is often more than a 15-minute drive away.

Treatment, Recovery, and Relapse

For residents of Atlanta, evidence-based recovery programs and relapse prevention resources are readily available, whether the issue involves pain relievers, alcohol, another substance, or a combination of substances. Addiction treatment options include both inpatient and outpatient programs, allowing for greater flexibility to accommodate clients' schedules and individual needs.

Still, treatment gaps do exist. In the metro Atlanta area, the demand for treatment among individuals with substance use disorder far exceeds the availability of recovery centers, detox programs, and support services. The state of Georgia is looking to address this shortage via millions in settlement money obtained as a result of the opioid epidemic.

Once accessed, recovery programs can significantly support a person's commitment to overcoming substance use. Individuals participating in these programs are much more likely to succeed in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse compared to those who attempt to quit drugs without the support of a recovery program.

Sources: NIH, JSAT, AA, NA

Prevention Efforts

In Georgia and the metro Atlanta area, prevention efforts are making significant progress. More individuals, organizations, and politicians are beginning to understand that preventing substance abuse involves more than just limiting access and usage. Organizations such as the Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition (GHRC) and the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition (AHRC) are showcasing data that demonstrates the need for a comprehensive approach to harm reduction. Addressing issues like poverty, increasing access to safe and affordable housing, and tackling domestic violence are all vital components in effectively reducing substance use disorders and improving individuals’ chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Harm reduction and prevention efforts for current substance users are widely available. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and GHRC operate needle exchange programs in Atlanta and across Georgia. Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is accessible in public schools, with the DPH providing training and resources for residents. To help protect drug users from accidentally consuming fentanyl-laced substances, fentanyl test strips can be obtained through the AHRC, GHRC, and the local health department in Fulton County.

Summary of Findings

Substance use in Atlanta and the surrounding area continues to have a negative impact on many residents and visitors. Although alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used substances, the risk of opioid overdose—particularly involving fentanyl—remains a serious concern. While harm reduction and prevention efforts are currently in place, more action is needed to address this issue effectively.

One of the most important tools in the fight against substance use disorder is evidence-based, values-driven treatment. While Atlanta has many recovery centers and treatment programs, the demand for these services still exceeds the available supply. Additionally, financial constraints and the ability to commit to treatment can prevent individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones, from accessing the much-needed care they urgently need.

Caron Atlanta understands the challenges of substance abuse in Atlanta and across Georgia. In addition to offering inpatient and outpatient care for adults, Caron also provides specialized teen programs to address the unique challenges facing young people struggling with substance use and mental health issues. Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient support, we’re here to help with a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Reach out today to find out how we can help you on your journey to recovery and sobriety.

FAQs About Atlanta Drug Statistics