Resources in

Georgia

In 2020, there were 1916 identified overdose deaths in Georgia.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

GET NALOXONE MAILED TO YOU

If you are a person who uses drugs, was recently released from jail or prison, or a person likely to be a first responder to an opioid overdose emergency, we will mail you naloxone free of charge if you’re unable to access it any other way. This service is provided in partnership with Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition.

PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS

In Georgia, naloxone is available without a prescription. We suggest you call ahead to ask if your local pharmacy participates in this program and request information about your co-pay.

NALOXONE ACCESS POINTS

You can also obtain naloxone for free in-person from local Recovery Community Organizations in Georgia or from the Community Service Board that serves your county. There are also several 24-hour access Naloxone Distribution Boxes throughout the state.

Georgia HARM REDUCTION COALITION

Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition (GHRC) is a community-based prevention and wellness organization committed to improving the overall health and wellbeing of marginalized individuals and communities. Among other services, GHRC provides naloxone distribution, harm reduction, and health services in Atlanta.

GHRC provides naloxone and fentanyl test strips free of charge in the Atlanta and Stone Mountain areas.
Call (404) 817-9994 or email ghrcemail@ghrc-ga.org.

NALOXONE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Law enforcement officers, EMS, fire departments, security guards, and other formal first responders in GA who need naloxone kits can access them after receiving a training from the GA Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities (DBHDD). After the training, participants will receive an application to apply for naloxone kits.

GEORGIA OVERDOSE PREVENTION

Georgia Overdose Prevention (GOP) is a statewide advocacy organization working to provide naloxone to laypeople at highest risk of opioid overdose and their friends and families. GOP provides in-person naloxone training and distribution across Georgia.

GOP equips uninsured or underinsured laypeople at highest risk of overdose and their loved ones in close proximity. GOP's grant does not allow them to equip law enforcement, first responders (traditional and nontraditional), schools, recovery community organizations, community service boards, or healthcare providers as there are other groups funded to provide naloxone to those groups. Please do not apply for naloxone by mail from GOP if you are a law enforcement officer, first responder (including volunteer responders), healthcare provider, or if you are with a school system, an RCO or a CSB, or if you have insurance which will usually cover the cost of naloxone from a pharmacy except for the copayment.

GEORGIA AGENCY DATABASE

Use this helpful search feature to find program and support information in Georgia. The databased is location-specific and provides a comprehensive array of options.

NEWS & EVENTS

Visit Georgia Overdose Prevention’s Facebook page (Georgia 911 Good Samaritan Law) for the latest news and events supporting overdose prevention efforts in Georgia.

GEORGIA 911 MEDICAL AMNESTY LAW

Georgia provides limited immunity from being arrested, charged, and prosecuted for possession of certain amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia for the victim of an overdose and the 911 caller who seeks help for the victim. This immunity also applies to a medical emergency involving an underaged drinker and the 911 caller who seeks help for them.

GEORGIA CRISIS & ACCESS LINE

Georgia’s Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can reach them at 1-800-715-4225.

DRUG USER ORGANIZING

The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs.