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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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Four people died and dozens more were injured in what Georgia health officials called the largest occurrence of opioid overdoses in state history.
In a June 6 press release, the Georgia Department of Public Health said a spate of overdoses occurred during a 48-hour period in the cities of Albany, Perry, Macon, Centerville and Warner Robins. Victims purchased pills that were falsely labeled Percocet, a prescription opioid, on the street.
Georgia health officials said the pills may still be for sale in other areas of the state, which could lead to more overdoses. On June 11, WSB-TV in Atlanta reported another overdose case in middle Georgia. The Georgia Poison Center believes the case may be tied to the same fake Percocet pills.
In a June 7 statement, state health officials said six additional overdose cases possibly related to these counterfeit drugs were reported.
“Call 911 immediately if you have taken the pills or if you think someone has used the drug,” the state Department of Public Health said in a statement.
Fentanyl Analogue Found in Pills
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation told WSB-TV that the pills contained an unidentified synthetic opioid and an analogue of the drug fentanyl that is unknown to the bureau. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has been associated with thousands of deaths in North America.
The June 6 press release stated that large quantities of naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, were used to revive people who were unconscious, unresponsive or not breathing after taking the pills. Toxicology reports confirming the causes of the overdoses and deaths have yet to be released.
In an effort to gather intelligence, Bibb County Sheriff David Davis said criminal charges will not be filed against those who provide information that could result in an arrest.
“We need to know who is putting this poison in the community,” Davis told CBS News.
Opioid Abuse in Georgia
The number of drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased from 2012 to 2015, according to a report by the Georgia Prevention Project. Fifty-five counties in Georgia had higher rates of drug overdose deaths than the U.S. average in 2014. Eleven years ago, just 26 counties had rates exceeding the national average.
In 2014 and 2015, more drug overdoses than car accidents occurred in Georgia.
The Georgia Prevention Project report also stated that there were 900 opioid overdose deaths in 2015, which included those related to heroin. The majority of these deaths involved prescription opioids.
“Georgia’s prescription opioid and heroin problem threatens the well-being of every Georgian at every socio-economic level and in every geographic region of the state,” the report stated.
The opioid epidemic has greatly affected Georgia’s economy. In 2007, opioid misuse cost the state about $447 million, or roughly $44 per capita. Some experts estimated that these costs have increased by 80 percent since then.
Naloxone More Readily Available in Georgia
Georgia has gone to great lengths to fight opioid abuse in the state. In December 2016, Gov. Nathan Deal expanded access to naloxone by reclassifying the medication as a Schedule V exempt drug, removing it from the state’s dangerous drug list.
In a statement, Deal stressed the importance of naloxone in overcoming the opioid epidemic. He said that the state is working to make the antidote available to Georgians who witness or experience an opioid overdose.
“We will continue working to implement similar efforts to save lives across the state,” said Deal.
Upon Deal’s request, the state Department of Public Health ordered naloxone to be provided over the counter at pharmacies throughout Georgia. Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, commissioner of the department, said that the medication is an important tool in fighting an epidemic that has threatened public health in the state.
“The governor’s decisive action to make this drug accessible to anyone in a position to assist persons at risk of overdose will save countless lives,” she said.
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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CBS News. (2017, June 6). Unknown street drug blamed for deaths, dozens of overdoses in Georgia.
Gehlbach, S. (2017, June 11). Another overdose case in Georgia related to fake Percocet pills.
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