The Ultimate Addiction and Mental Health Guide for College Students in GA

College represents a transformative period in a young adult’s life—a time of newfound independence, academic challenges, social exploration, and personal growth. 

This journey brings extraordinary opportunities and unique pressures for students across Georgia’s diverse campuses, from the historic halls of the University of Georgia to the innovative spaces at Georgia Tech.

 While pursuing higher education, many students face challenges that can impact their mental health and potentially lead to substance use issues.

The college years coincide with a critical developmental period when many mental health conditions first emerge, and when substance use patterns may become established. 

According to recent data, Georgia college students face significant mental health and substance use challenges that mirror national trends but also reflect distinct regional influences and pressures.

This addiction and mental health guide for college students in Georgia addresses the specific challenges facing the next generation of our great state. 

Drawing from the latest research, state-specific data, and expert insights, we aim to provide students, families, educators, and healthcare providers with a thorough understanding of these issues and connect them with the extensive network of resources available throughout the state.

Understanding the Landscape: Mental Health and Addiction Among Georgia College Students

Georgia’s college students face a complex landscape of mental health and substance use challenges. 

• Recent studies indicate that approximately one-third (33.9%) of adults in Georgia reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in early 2023, slightly higher than the national average of 32.3%. For college-age individuals, these numbers are often even more concerning.
  
• The 2019 Georgia College National Collegiate Health Assessment revealed that 25.8% of surveyed students reported depression, 28.8% experienced anxiety, and 13.5% had suicidal ideation in the previous year.
  
• Perhaps most alarmingly, 60.9% of students reported high stress levels. Female students generally reported higher rates of mental health conditions than their male counterparts, except suicidal ideation, which affected students across gender demographics.
  
• Substance use presents another significant challenge. The same assessment found that 70.5% of Georgia college students reported alcohol use within the previous 30 days, with 21.2% reporting marijuana use during the same period. These statistics highlight the prevalence of substance use as a coping mechanism and social activity on Georgia campuses.
  
• Drug overdose death rates in Georgia have more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 10.7 per 100,000 in 2011 to 23.5 per 100,000 in 2021. While this remains below the national rate of 32.4 per 100,000, the trend is deeply concerning and reflects the growing impact of the opioid crisis in the state.
  
• In 2021, opioid overdoses accounted for 72% of all drug overdose deaths in Georgia.

The relationship between mental health challenges and substance use is particularly important to understand. 

Research from Georgia College found that mental health conditions are associated with increased participation in risky health behaviors among college students, including binge drinking, unprotected sex, and use of marijuana, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and illicit drugs. 

This connection creates a potential cycle where mental health issues may lead to substance use, which in turn can exacerbate mental health conditions.

Addiction and Mental Health Challenges for Georgia College Students

Mental Health Challenges

Prevalence and Trends

Mental health challenges are widespread among Georgia’s college student population. According to the 2019 Georgia College National Collegiate Health Assessment, the prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions is significant:

• 25.8% of students reported depression
• 28.8% experienced anxiety
• 13.5% had suicidal ideation in the previous year
• 60.9% reported high stress levels

These statistics align with broader state trends, where approximately 33.9% of adults in Georgia reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in early 2023, slightly higher than the national average of 32.3%.

Academic Impact

Mental health challenges significantly affect academic performance among Georgia college students. 

The Georgia College National Collegiate Health Assessment found that within 12 months:

• 32.9% of students reported that anxiety had affected their academic performance
• 22.3% reported that depression had affected their academic performance
• 38.4% reported that stress had affected their academic performance

These impacts can manifest as lower grades, missed classes, difficulty concentrating, reduced participation, and, in some cases, withdrawal from courses or programs.

Barriers to Care

Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, many Georgia college students face barriers to accessing care. 

In May 2022, among adults in Georgia who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, 28.3% reported needing counseling or therapy but not receiving it in the previous four weeks.

Barriers to care include:

• Stigma surrounding mental health treatment, particularly in certain cultural contexts
• Limited availability of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas
• Financial constraints and insurance coverage limitations
• Lack of awareness about available resources
• Time constraints due to academic and work commitments

Substance Use Challenges

Alcohol Use

Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among Georgia college students. The 2019 Georgia College National Collegiate Health Assessment found:

• 70.5% of students reported alcohol use within the previous 30 days
• 15.1% reported using alcohol on 10 or more days within the previous month
• Only 15.8% reported never using alcohol

The consequences of alcohol use among college students can be significant:

• 39.2% reported doing something they later regretted while drinking
• 34.5% forgot where they were or what they did while drinking
• 29.0% had unprotected sex while drinking
• 15.9% physically injured themselves while drinking
• 5.8% reported that alcohol use had affected their academic performance

Marijuana and Other Drug Use

Marijuana is the second most commonly used substance among Georgia college students:

• 21.2% reported marijuana use within the previous 30 days
• 43.2% reported using marijuana at some point in their lives

Other substance use is less common but still present:

• 2.6% reported that drug use had affected their academic performance
• Use of e-cigarettes and vaping products has increased significantly in recent years

Overdose and Mortality

Drug overdose death rates in Georgia have more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 10.7 per 100,000 in 2011 to 23.5 per 100,000 in 2021. 

While this remains below the national rate of 32.4 per 100,000, the trend is deeply concerning.

Opioid overdoses are a particular concern:

• In 2021, opioid overdoses accounted for 72% of all drug overdose deaths in Georgia
• From 2011 to 2021, the age-adjusted death rate due to opioid overdose increased from 5.4 per 100,000 to 17.1 per 100,000 in Georgia

The Intersection of Mental Health and Substance Use

Research from Georgia College found that mental health conditions are associated with increased participation in risky health behaviors among college students. 

This creates a potential cycle where:

1. Mental health issues may lead to substance use as a form of self-medication
2. Substance use can exacerbate existing mental health conditions
3. Both issues can impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being

This intersection highlights the importance of integrated approaches to prevention, intervention, and treatment that address both mental health and substance use concerns simultaneously.

Unique Factors Affecting Georgia College Students

Several factors unique to Georgia’s context influence mental health and substance use patterns among college students.

Geographic and Demographic Diversity

Georgia’s higher education landscape spans urban centers like Atlanta, historic college towns like Athens, and rural communities. Each setting presents different challenges:

• Urban campuses may have more resources, but also more access to substances and higher stress levels
• Rural campuses may have stronger community ties but limited access to specialized mental health services
• Demographic factors, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and LGBTQ+ identity, can influence both risk factors and access to care
  

Cultural Context

Southern cultural norms can influence mental health and substance use patterns:

• Traditional values may contribute to stigma around mental health treatment
• Social norms around alcohol consumption, particularly in college settings, can normalize problematic drinking
• Religious communities can provide support, but may also contribute to stigma in some cases

Healthcare Access

While Georgia has made strides in mental health workforce development (meeting 43.2% of mental health professional needs compared to the national average of 27.7%), significant gaps remain:

• Rural areas face particular shortages of mental health professionals
• Insurance coverage for mental health and substance use treatment remains inconsistent
• Telehealth has expanded acces, but is not universally available or appropriate for all needs

Economic Factors

Financial stress affects many Georgia students:

• Rising tuition costs and living expenses create additional pressure
• Many students work while attending school, adding to stress and time constraints
• Economic disparities can affect access to care and support services

How to Access Resources and Get Help

Recognizing When You Need Help

Recognizing when you need support for mental health or substance use concerns is the first step toward wellness. Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Using substances to cope with stress or emotions
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Academic performance suffers due to mental health or substance use
• Relationships are being negatively affected by your mental health or substance use

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent issues from becoming more severe.

Navigating Campus Resources

Most Georgia colleges and universities offer mental health and substance use services through their counseling centers or student health services. 

To access these resources:

• Start with your campus counseling center: Most offer free or low-cost services to enrolled students and can provide initial assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, and referrals to specialized services if needed.
• Visit your student health center: Many campus health centers provide mental health screenings and can help with medication management if appropriate.
• Check with your Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP): If your campus has a CRP, they can support students in recovery or struggling with substance use.
• Explore peer support options: Many campuses have trained peer educators or support groups that can provide additional assistance.
• Utilize after-hours services: Most campus counseling centers offer crisis services outside regular business hours, often through partnerships with crisis hotlines.

Using Community and State Resources

When campus resources aren’t sufficient or available, Georgia offers numerous community and state resources:

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL): Available 24/7 at 1-800-715-4225, GCAL can provide immediate assistance during a crisis and connect you with appropriate local resources.
• Community mental health centers: Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) funds community service boards nationwide that provide mental health and substance use services on a sliding fee scale.
• Support groups: Organizations like NAMI Georgia, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous offer free support groups throughout the state.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): These centers provide healthcare services, including mental health care, regardless of ability to pay.

Accessing Resources Based on Insurance Status

Your insurance status can affect how you access care:

• Student health insurance: If you have student health insurance, review your plan to understand mental health and substance use treatment coverage, including in-network providers and any required referrals.
• Private insurance: Most private insurance plans cover mental health and substance use treatment due to parity laws, though coverage details vary. Contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
• Medicaid: If you qualify for Medicaid, it covers a range of mental health and substance use services. Georgia’s Medicaid program can be accessed through the Department of Community Health.
• Uninsured: If you don’t have insurance, options include:
  • Campus health services, which often provide care regardless of insurance status
  • Community service boards, which offer sliding fee scales
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Free or charitable clinics
  • Crisis services, which are available regardless of ability to pay

Using Digital and Telehealth Resources

Digital resources can supplement traditional care or provide support when other options aren’t available:

• Telehealth services: Many providers now offer video or phone appointments, increasing access to care, particularly in rural areas.
• Mental health apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Sanvello can provide tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Online support communities: Platforms like 7 Cups, Reddit recovery communities, and In The Rooms offer peer support and community.
• Crisis text lines: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Helping a Friend in Need

If you’re concerned about a friend or classmate:

• Start a conversation: Express your concerns calmly and without judgment.
• Listen actively: Give them your full attention and validate their feelings.
• Offer to help them connect with resources: Offer to walk with them to the counseling center or help them make a phone call.
• Know the warning signs of a crisis: If someone expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, take it seriously and get help immediately.
• Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with mental health or substance use challenges can be difficult. Make sure to attend to your well-being.

External Support Resources

Crisis Hotlines and Emergency Resources

Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) – Free and confidential 24/7 hotline providing mental health crisis assistance and substance abuse support: 1-800-715-4225

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources: Call or text 988

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 24/7 treatment referral and information service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Georgia Poison Center – 24/7 emergency poison information and treatment advice: 1-800-222-1222

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 support, crisis intervention, and referral service: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Veterans Crisis Line – Support for veterans and their loved ones: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1

Georgia State Agencies and Public Health Resources

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) – State agency overseeing mental health and substance abuse services across Georgia

Georgia Department of Public Health – State agency providing public health programs, resources, and data

Georgia Prevention Project – Statewide prevention initiative focused on reducing substance abuse among teens and young adults

Georgia Council on Substance Abuse – Statewide organization promoting addiction recovery through education, advocacy, and training

Georgia Tobacco Quitline – Free tobacco cessation service: 1-877-270-STOP (7867)

Georgia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) – State program to prevent prescription drug misuse

Georgia Apex Program – School-based mental health program providing services in schools across Georgia

Georgia Campus Resources

Georgia Tech Center for Mental Health Care & Resources – Provides Georgia Tech students with accessible, timely, and high-quality counseling and mental health services

University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) – Comprehensive mental health services for UGA students

Georgia State University Counseling and Testing Center – Mental health services, crisis intervention, and substance abuse assessments for GSU students

Kennesaw State University Counseling and Psychological Services – Variety of counseling services for KSU students

Georgia Southern University Counseling Center – Provides personal counseling, group counseling, and psychoeducational workshops

University of North Georgia Student Counseling – Free, confidential counseling services for UNG students

Georgia College Counseling Services – Individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services

Augusta University Student Counseling & Psychological Services – Comprehensive mental health services for Augusta University students

Emory University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – Mental health services for Emory students

Mercer University Counseling and Psychological Services – Confidential counseling services for Mercer students

College Prevention Programs

Georgia College ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) Prevention – Prevention and education programs for Georgia College students

Georgia Tech Collegiate Recovery Program – Support for students in recovery from substance use disorders

University of Georgia Collegiate Recovery Community – Community support for UGA students in recovery

Kennesaw State University Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery – Comprehensive recovery support services and programs

Georgia Southern University Collegiate Recovery Community – Support for students in recovery from addictive behaviors

Support Groups and Community Organizations

Mental Health America of Georgia – Nonprofit organization providing mental health resources, education, and advocacy

NAMI Georgia – Georgia chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offering support groups, education, and advocacy

Georgia Recovery Community – Network of recovery community organizations across Georgia

Georgia Addiction Counselors Association – Professional organization providing resources and referrals for addiction services

Faces & Voices of Recovery Georgia – Advocacy organization supporting individuals in recovery from addiction

Georgia Overdose Prevention – Community organization focused on preventing overdose deaths in Georgia

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Georgia – Fellowship for alcoholism recovery with meetings throughout Georgia

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Georgia Region – Community-based organization for recovery from drug addiction in Georgia

SMART Recovery Georgia – Science-based mutual support groups for addiction recovery in Georgia

Al-Anon Georgia – Support for families and friends of alcoholics in Georgia

National Organizations and Federal Agencies

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Federal agency leading public health efforts to advance behavioral health

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research institute supporting science on drug use and its consequences

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Federal agency for research on mental disorders

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization

Mental Health America – Nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to mental health

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide

Active Minds – Organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students

The Jed Foundation – Nonprofit protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults

Healthy Minds Network – Research organization dedicated to improving college student mental health

Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) – Association supporting collegiate recovery programs and communities

Digital Resources and Apps

Headspace – Meditation and mindfulness app offering student discounts

Calm – App for meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques

Talkspace – Online therapy platform connecting users with licensed therapists

BetterHelp – Online counseling platform with licensed professionals

Sanvello – App providing tools for stress, anxiety, and depression management

Woebot – AI chatbot providing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques

ULifeline – Online resource for college mental health

Half of Us – Mental health resource specifically for college students

College Drinking Prevention – Resources for reducing harmful and underage college drinking

Rethinking Drinking – Tools to evaluate and change drinking patterns

In The Rooms – Online social network for the recovery community

SoberGrid – Social networking app for people in recovery

Awareness for the Next Generation

Mental health and substance use challenges are significant issues facing Georgia college students, but with awareness, education, and access to appropriate resources, these challenges can be effectively addressed. 

This guide has provided an overview of the current landscape, detailed the specific challenges faced by Georgia students, and offered a comprehensive directory of resources available throughout the state.

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re a student struggling with these issues, a friend or family member concerned about a loved one, or an educator or healthcare provider working with college students, the resources in this guide can help connect you with the support needed to promote mental health and prevent or address substance use problems.

By fostering open conversations about mental health and substance use, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to quality care, we can create campus communities across Georgia where all students have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.