Augusta Treatment Centers

Augusta, GA is known for its natural and man-made attractions. Unfortunately, behind closed doors, it is also home to many people with drug or alcohol addiction. Luckily, the state and the city have recognized this, and they have put systems in place to ensure that people can get the help they need. In fact, the state of Georgia is home to no less than 262 different rehab facilities, as well as 183 sober living houses.

Demographics on Substance Abuse in Augusta

One thing that Augusta understands very well is that anybody can fall victim to a substance abuse disorder. It is not limited to the homeless, the veterans, or the battered wives. Rather, it can also affect a child, a physician, a coworker, or anyone else.

However, it is also said that certain people do have a predisposition to become addicted. Risk factors include:

• Living below the poverty line
• Associating with other substance abusers
• Exposure to drugs and alcohol at a young age
• Certain behavioral problems

Statistics on Substance Abuse in Georgia

• $1.2 billion was paid in 2013 as a result of underaged drinking. $30.8 million of this was spent on alcohol treatment, including detox and rehab.
• 49% of high school students have smoked, 35% drank in the past month, 38% had used cannabis during their lifetime, 13% had used inhalants during their lifetime, 3% had used cocaine in the past 30 days, and 6% had abused prescription painkillers in the past year.
• A particular problem with substances abuse in Augusta, and Georgia as a whole, is that of abuse of prescription medication. This is a particular concern for the elderly population. 83% of all prescription drugs are supplied to those over the age of 60, yet they only make up 13% of the population.
• Children of alcoholic parents are four times more likely to become dependent on drugs or alcohol themselves.
• The baby boom generation has seen a significant increase in drug abuse (4.1%, up from 1.9%).
• 7.27% of the entire Georgia population has reported using illicit substances in the past month, less than the national average (8.02%).
• 3.07% of Georgia residents use drugs other than cannabis, lower than the 3.58% national average.
• 10.2 for every 100,000 people die as a result of substance abuse, lower than the national average of 12.7 for every 100,000 people.
• Methamphetamine labs continue to be a significant concern. There has been a 91% increase in meth seizures, much higher then the national average of 76%.
• Cocaine is the preferred illicit substance in Augusta.

As a form of intervention, Augusta has engaged in efforts to help people avoid turning to substances in the first place. A lot of work is being done to help educate young people. At the same time, the city has ensured that detox and rehab treatment facilities are readily available, thereby breaking through the barriers towards getting help. Those with a substance abuse problem in Augusta are encouraged to contact their nearest rehab facility for help.