GEORGIA (WALB) - Illicit fentanyl remains the most urgent substance-use threat in Georgia and across the U.S., according to Dr. Jordan Khail, a specialist at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Khail told WALB that the trend has been consistent for years, and its reach spans age groups and communities.

“As a result, [illicit fentanyl] is the number one cause of death in people 18 to 45 in the entire country,” said Khail.

Counterfeit pills are a major danger

One of the most serious risks, Khail said, is that people may unintentionally consume fentanyl—especially when taking pills they believe are something else.

“People can get a hold of a tablet that they think is something else, and it ends up being a counterfeit tablet mixed with fentanyl”

Prevention starts with targeted education

Khail emphasized education as the foundation of prevention—especially when messaging is tailored to the realities different age groups face.

“The most important thing we can do… is the education piece,” he said. “If people don’t understand the risks, then they can’t really try to meet where that risk is at.”

He noted that risk can look different depending on someone’s age and circumstances, according to Khail:

• For teens and college-aged people, prevention often focuses on “potential experimentation or recreational use.”
• Through middle adulthood, it may involve “long-term addictions.”
• For older adults, risk can stem from prescriptions and dangerous combinations: “Sometimes they’re prescribed opioids… because it’s very easy to end up accidentally overdosing with a combination of drugs or mixing alcohol with them.”

Addiction is treatable—and blame gets in the way

For families trying to support a loved one, Khail says a common misconception is that addiction reflects personal failure rather than a treatable condition shaped by multiple factors.

Khail pointed to genetics and life experience as contributors to risk, including “predispositions towards addictions” as well as “social determinants, like trauma… or dealing with a loved one or a parent that suffered from addiction.”

His advice: “Get past the blame and move on towards the treatment and solution. It is treatable.”

Early warning signs can be subtle—especially for teens

Khail said early signs of misuse can be difficult to spot because they may resemble typical adolescent behavior, but shifts in patterns can be meaningful.

“It can be mood swings. It might be a loss of interest in some of their hobbies or existing relationships.”

He added, “What you’re looking for is a general change in their overall behavior that seems out of character.” And, he stressed, “The earlier you’re able to have that conversation, the better.”

Khail said research consistently links certain mental health challenges with increased risk of addiction or overdose.

“There’s a lot of studies that tie… depression, trauma, and anxiety,” he said. “There is definitely a connection in risk for potential addiction or overdose risk in the future.”

When asked if ADHD is a contributing factor, he cautioned that the evidence is mixed and still developing: “There’s studies that show a connection, but there’s other studies that show that if someone has well-treated ADHD, that their overdose risk actually goes down.”

His broader point: “Mental health always plays a role in this, and addiction is a mental health disorder.”

The simplest next step for help: call 988

For someone ready to seek help, Khail said the appropriate next step depends on the severity of the situation—ranging from local peer support groups to medical detox.

In many cases, he said, it can start with community: “Finding a local support group like Narcotics or Alcohol Anonymous.”

But for anyone unsure what to do next, he recommended contacting the national crisis line.

“The best thing you can do is just call 988. It is basically your 911 for this type of crisis.”

He added that it can help even when someone doesn’t feel they’re in an immediate emergency.

“Even if you’re not in a full crisis, they can still help you find local resources and access and affordable access,” said Khail.

Find more of WALB’s health segments below.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.