Fentanyl and methamphetamine are the primary substances driving overdose deaths in Chatham County. Polysubstance combinations involving fentanyl and stimulants are increasingly common, and people who use cocaine or methamphetamine now face opioid overdose risk even when they are not seeking opioids.
Savannah sits near Fort Stewart, one of the largest Army installations in the U.S., and the area has a significant active-duty and veteran population with distinct treatment access needs.
The city’s drug and alcohol detox system operates under a layered state licensing framework. Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Programs (DATEPs), including outpatient detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, are licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health through its Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFRD) division.
Furthermore, Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs) and Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) are licensed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).
At the local level, Gateway Behavioral Health Services is the Community Service Board (CSB) for Chatham County. It operates a 24/7 crisis center in Savannah and provides state-funded detox and stabilization for uninsured and low-income residents.
For anyone weighing their options, speaking directly with Gateway’s crisis line is often the most practical starting point before choosing a detox center type or level of care.
