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Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
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The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department held a press conference on Feb. 7 to address a spike in drug overdose deaths in Chatham County.
Six people died from suspected drug overdoses in Chatham County in January. In 2016, Savannah police investigated an average of two overdose deaths per month.
While the exact cause of the recent deaths cannot be determined until the coroner or medical examiner completes the autopsy and toxicology report for each death, witness statements and drugs found on the scene have led Savannah-Chatham police to believe drug overdoses occurred. Results from toxicology reports are generally available after eight weeks.
Chief Joseph Lumpkin of the Savannah-Chatham police called on the public to assist in overdose-prevention efforts.
“We want to alert our citizens of the dangers of illegal drugs,” Lumpkin said in a press release. “We are also asking parents, spouses, other family members and friends of known drug users to help us share the message of the danger of taking illegal drugs and illegal prescription drugs.”
Lumpkin said that illegal street drugs are extremely dangerous because they are often laced with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl — a potent painkiller linked to mass numbers of overdoses in the United States.
Savannah-Chatham police Captain Cary Hill reiterated that law enforcement needs help from Chatham County residents to curb the effects of drugs in the area.
“We’re asking you the citizens to reach out to those that you know that have drug problems or drug issues,” Hill said at the press conference.
Hill said that no one particular substance is behind the rash of overdoses. Investigators have encountered heroin, prescription drugs and cocaine when responding to the suspected overdose calls.
The suspected overdose victims were between 30 and 41 years old and included men and women. Police say the victims were from multiple ethnic backgrounds and lived throughout Chatham County.
Increasing Overdoses in Beaufort County
Just across the South Carolina state line, Beaufort County — which borders Chatham County — is also experiencing a substantial increase in drug overdoses.
Since July 2016, Hilton Head first responders have delivered 32 doses of naloxone, a lifesaving opioid overdose antidote, to individuals in Beaufort County. According to WSAV, an NBC affiliate, Hilton Head used 10 out of the 15 naloxone doses administered in December 2016 and January 2017 on victims of a suspected drug overdose.
Georgia Legislature Responds
Georgia lawmakers are responding to the state’s opioid epidemic by introducing a number of bills that address substance abuse.
Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, is sponsoring a bill that expands the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Unterman’s bill would prevent doctor shopping — the act of visiting multiple doctors to obtain large quantities of prescription drugs — and would identify doctors who prescribe unnecessarily large amounts of prescription drugs.
The bill would also make Gov. Nathan Deal’s 2016 emergency order to legalize over-the-counter sales of naloxone permanent.
Other bills currently awaiting approval aim to address fentanyl abuse and regulate Georgia methadone clinics.
Community Response: Naloxone
Law enforcement, lawmakers and community organizations are calling for greater access to naloxone in response to the opioid epidemic.
Savannah-Chatham police officers now carry Narcan, a naloxone-nasal spray, while on duty. Police officers are often the first on the scene of potential overdoses and frequently provide first aid to those who have overdosed.
“When an officer responds, if EMS is not present, the officer is going to provide first aid,” Hill told Savannah Morning News. “The officers are provided a small kit, a narc kit, to counteract the actions of whatever drug they may have taken.”
In addition to law enforcement, community members are also making an effort to boost naloxone availability and awareness.
Lesli Messinger lost her son to an opioid overdose when he was 24. She is now the executive director of the Savannah Harm Reduction Coalition and works to increase naloxone availability in Savannah.
Messinger is certified to train people how to use naloxone and hopes to save lives by getting it to the family and friends of drug users.
“If users understand how to use Naloxone, and give this injection to their friend and call 911 at the same time, it’s a win-win situation,” Messinger told WTOC, a local Savannah news outlet.
Narcan is the most used form of naloxone medication, though the overdose-reversal drug can be administered through injection as well.
“I don’t want another mom to have to go through this,” Messinger told WTOC. “When I do this, I’m trying to save a mom, because moms don’t want to lose their kids.”
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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Davis, A. (2017, February 8). Follow Up: Beaufort County Dealing With Massive Increase in Overdoses. Retrieved from http://wsav.com/2017/02/08/follow-up-beaufort-county-dealing-with-massive-increase-in-overdoses/
Evans, S. (2017, February 9). Suspected drug overdose deaths on the rise in Chatham County. Retrieved from http://www.wtoc.com/story/34446293/drug-overdose-deaths-on-the-rise-in-chatham-county
Foody, K & Kaplan, E. (2017, February 5). Proposals on Gerogia’s opioid crisis, school credits pile up. Retrieved from http://savannahnow.com/news/2017-02-05/proposals-georgia-s-opioid-crisis-school-credits-pile
Negrete, D. (2017, February 7). Deadly accidental drug overdoses increase in 2017 throughout county. Retrieved from http://wsav.com/2017/02/07/deadly-accidental-drug-overdoses-increase-in-2017-throughout-county/
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. (2017, February 7). Drug Overdose Deaths Increasing in Savannah-Chatham. Retrieved from http://scmpd.org/drug-overdose-deaths-increasing-in-savannah-chatham/
Savannah Morning News. (2017, February 7). Savannah-Chatham police see spike in local drug overdoses. Retrieved from http://savannahnow.com/crime-courts-news/2017-02-07/savannah-chatham-police-see-spike-local-drug-overdoses
WTOC Staff. (2015, September 9). Tragedy inspires mother to help others avoid drug overdose. Retrieved from http://www.cbs46.com/story/29745822/tragedy-inspires-mother-to-help-others-avoid-drug-overdose
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