In June of 2014, FOX News Atlanta ran a story that has viewers asking themselves the question, “Are you taking too many pills?” The story outlined the growing prescription problem in the state of Georgia that experts say is fueled both illegally and through legal prescriptions. The drug problem in Georgia, much like the one throughout the United States, is being fueled by prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone, to name a few. However, other prescriptions are also being taken and abused in Georgia, including prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin and anti-anxiety medications like Valium, Xanax and sleeping pills.
While the prescription problem is a fundamental issue in Georgia, many local counties are addressing drug abuse; especially the problem as it affects teens. Some of the recent issues with teen drug abuse include increases in overall marijuana use, alcohol abuse problems and synthetic drug issues.
Georgia, like other states has seen an increase in synthetic drug abuse with substances like:
- Synthetic marijuana or Spice/K2
- Synthetic methamphetamine or Bath Salts
- Synthetic ecstasy
During the 1980’s, cocaine was one of the largest threats to Georgia along with an inner-city heroin problem. During the 1990’s crack cocaine became a major drug of choice in the state. More recent issues point to prescription-drug abuse, an increasingly large and diverse number of new heroin users. This along with marijuana, alcohol abuse, and new synthetic abuse issues has caused the state tremendous trouble.
Georgia Drug Abuse
The state of Georgia is unfortunately in a prime position on the drug-smuggling corridor for drugs being shipped along the East Coast. There are many interstate highways, railroads, bus routes, marine ports and airports throughout the state, making drug transportation easy. The I-95 highway that runs between Miami and New York City and is often used for drug transportation passes right through Georgia, allowing for several major dealers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida to base their trafficking operations in Atlanta.
According to the last published statistics in 2007-2008 by National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately seven percent of all Georgia residents reported they had used illicit drugs in the month prior to being surveyed. The national average at the time was eight percent.
Marijuana, imported from Mexico or grown locally, still is and has been the most commonly abused drug in the state of Georgia. Cocaine and crack cocaine, imported from Texas or California, are the most widely available drugs in Georgia. Additionally, Heroin, Ecstasy, MDMA, GHB and Ketamine are popular among younger Georgia’s residents. New trends point to prescription issues, and synthetic drug issues along with the continuous threats that have affected the state for some time.
The Oconee Center
With substance abuse and addiction destroying the health, lives and families of numerous Georgia residents, it is important that organizations within the state take action to not only help individuals repair the damaging effects of drugs, but also learn how to become productive, contributing members of the community. The Oconee Center seeks to do exactly this by providing mental health, developmental disability and addiction services to residents of all ages.
The Oconee Center boasts multiple facilities throughout Georgia, and serves the Baldwin, Hancock, Jasper, Putnam, Washington and Wilkinson counties. Some of the services provided include:
– Community Access Services
Many individuals need help in learning how to function independently in the community. Community Access Services may include life skills training in areas such as daily living skills, communication, socialization and more.
– Community Residential Alternative
These intensive services are designed for each specific individual, and are intended to help the individual learn how to cope with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming and so forth.
– Supported Employment Services
These services help individuals learn the skills essential to become part of competitive employment opportunities. Supported Employment Services help the individual gain the tools that are necessary to both obtain and sustain a job.
With the help of The Oconee Center, many Georgia state residents who suffer from problems with substance abuse, and addiction can be assisted in re-entering their community as productive, contributing citizens. With continued support and action, the state of Georgia may be able to reverse the dangerous substance abuse trend that affects many individuals and their communities.
This article has been written by Drug Rehab Services which is a helpline that refers people to drugs and alcohol treatment in Georgia and all over the United States.
Source:http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/25736697/are-you-taking-too-many-pills
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/100772/
http://www.usnodrugs.com/drugtrends.htm?state=Georgia
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state_profile_-_georgia.pdf
http://www.oconeecenter.org/
