
Opioid & Substance Misuse Response

Individuals & Families | Providers & Pharmacists | Law Enforcement & First Responders
For access to services and immediate crisis help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225, available 24/7.
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Learn more about:
General Overview
The nationwide opioid epidemic started in the 1990s with increased opioid prescribing and opioid overdose deaths. Heroin and other synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, led to further increases beginning in 2010 (CDC - Understanding the Epidemic). From 2010 to 2020, the total number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 207%. In October 2017, HHS declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. In 2020, 67% of drug overdose deaths in Georgia were related to opioids—1,309 total. Stimulant-related overdoses have also been increasing in Georgia; the number of stimulant-related overdose deaths rose 546% from 2010 to 2020. In 2020, 996 deaths involved stimulants, representing 51% of all overdose deaths (for further related data, visit Drug Surveillance Unit).
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is working to combat the opioid epidemic through the following Programs:
- Opioid and Substance Misuse Response
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
- Drug Surveillance Unit
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Page last updated 11/7/2022