Editor’s note: This article was written by members of the HOSA club at McIntosh for a project aimed at raising awareness about public health issues. The article has been lightly edited by the editorial board for journalistic style but the original MLA format of sources is listed at the end of the letter. The National Drug Helpline at (844)-289-0879 is a free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline.
Living in Peachtree City, it’s easy to feel like we’re in a bubble. We have the golf cart paths, the parks and a pretty quiet atmosphere. However, drug abuse is a real issue here and in Fayetteville, even if we don’t always see it on the surface. Understanding how drugs affect the body and how they’re impacting our local area is important for keeping our community safe.
The science behind drug abuse shows it isn’t just about making a bad choice because it actually changes how the brain works. When someone uses drugs, it messes with the brain’s reward system which is supposed to release chemicals like dopamine when we do something good like eating or exercising. Over time, the brain gets used to the high levels of chemicals and stops producing them naturally, which is why people who struggle with addiction often feel depressed or flat when they aren’t actively using substances. Aside from the brain, drugs can cause serious long-term damage to the heart, liver, and lungs. Depending on the substance, even one use can lead to an overdose, especially with the rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Because the brain’s decision-making center gets affected, it becomes much harder for a person to stop using even when they know it’s ruining their life.
A lot of people think drug problems only happen in big cities like Atlanta, but statistics show it’s a Fayette County issue too. In Peachtree City, a big concern is drug use among teenagers and young adults. Local programs like the Insight Program in the Tyrone and Peachtree City area deal specifically with high schoolers who have started using substances. Sometimes it starts with things that seem small and escalates from there. In Fayetteville, there has been a noticeable increase in cases involving heroin and meth over the last few years. According to local reports, Fayetteville saw a spike in drug-related emergency room visits during the early 2020s. This shows that the problem isn’t just somewhere else – it’s happening in our neighborhoods and schools.
When someone in our community struggles with drugs, it doesn’t just affect them. It puts a huge strain on parents and siblings, and many local counseling centers in Fayette County have seen a rise in families needing help to deal with the stress. Drug use also leads to more dangerous situations on the road, like drugged driving, which makes the streets less safe for everyone. It even affects how students perform in school and how people do their jobs, which eventually impacts the local economy.
Since we are all around each other at school or practice, it is helpful to know some of the signs that a friend might be struggling. You might notice someone suddenly losing interest in the sports or clubs they used to love, or their grades might start dropping for no clear reason. Sometimes their personality changes, like they get really irritable or secretive about who they are hanging out with. Physical signs can include things like bloodshot eyes, sudden weight loss or smelling like smoke or chemicals. If a friend starts acting completely different or seems like they are always tired or out of it, it might be a sign that something is going on.
The good news is that there are resources right here in Fayette County for people who are struggling. We don’t have to drive all the way to Atlanta to find help. The Insight Program is located right near us and focuses on helping teens and young adults get sober. The Fayette County Counseling Center offers mental health support and help for substance abuse. There is also Full Purpose Solutions in Fayetteville which helps people manage their recovery through therapy. We need to be aware that Peachtree City and Fayetteville aren’t immune to these problems. By knowing the facts and being aware of what’s happening locally, we can help look out for our friends and neighbors. It’s not about judging people, but about making sure our community stays healthy and safe for everyone.