Rates of drug addiction and alcohol addiction have been increasing in Florida, like in all U.S. states, since 2020. Fortunately, more people are getting effective addiction treatment – over 10 million over-18s in the United States engaged with inpatient or outpatient treatment in 2022.
This guide to Florida substance abuse and addiction statistics highlights the extent of the issue in the Sunshine State and shows you how to connect with compassionate, science-based treatment for substance abuse.
Florida Addiction Statistics
Florida is dealing with a serious drug abuse crisis. Each year, about 3,000 people die from drug-related causes, which is more than deaths from gun violence or car accidents.
Around 8% of Florida’s population, or about 1.5 million people, use illegal drugs. Since 2020, problems like isolation, job loss, and eviction from the pandemic have made alcohol and drug use worse.
In 2011, a National Public Radio report highlighted Florida as the epicenter of America’s prescription drug abuse crisis, with opioids being the main concern.
Since then, Florida has made various efforts to combat opioid abuse. In 2018, Governor Rick Scott signed a law aimed at preventing addiction to prescription opioid painkillers.
Despite these efforts, prescription drug abuse and opioid-related deaths remain a significant problem in Florida. Opioids and benzodiazepines were the most common prescription drugs found in overdose deaths, with illicit fentanyl causing over 4,000 deaths in the state.
From 2011 to 2015, excessive alcohol use was responsible for an estimated 95,000 deaths nationwide, and alcohol dependence is a pressing concern in Florida. In 2019, 18% of adults in Florida reported heavy or binge drinking.
The Dangers of Drug Addiction
In 2022, 24 million U.S. adults had addictions involving illicit drugs or prescription medications. Drug addiction is a chronic condition that affects all areas of life. When someone is addicted to drugs, they find it challenging to stop using the substance, even when they know it’s causing problems.
Drug addiction can lead to serious health problems. Drugs can damage important organs like the heart, liver, and brain. For instance, using cocaine can cause heart attacks, while other drugs might lead to liver failure or brain damage. These health issues can be very severe and sometimes even life-threatening.
Addiction impacts the mind as well as the body. People addicted to drugs often feel anxious, depressed, or stressed. The changes drugs cause in the brain can make it hard to think clearly, make good choices, and control emotions. This can create a cycle where they use drugs to try to handle their mental health problems, but the drugs only make things worse.
Drug addiction can hurt relationships with family and friends. Addictive behaviors, like lying or stealing to get drugs, can cause trust issues and fights. Loved ones may feel hurt and frustrated, leading to loneliness and isolation for the person with the addiction.
Using and possessing illegal drugs can result in serious legal trouble. People with drug addictions might get arrested, face charges, and even go to jail. A criminal record can make it hard to find a job, get a place to live, or continue education.
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
The same 2022 data from NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) show that 29.7 million U.S. over-18s were addicted to alcohol. Alcohol is the most abused addictive substance, with 177 million people reporting past-year use compared to 62 million people reporting past-year marijuana use.
Like drug addiction, alcoholism can seriously harm the body. Drinking heavily for a long time can lead to liver diseases like cirrhosis, where the liver becomes damaged and stops working well. It can also raise the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers, like those in the liver, mouth, and breast.
Alcohol addiction is strongly linked to mental health problems. People addicted to alcohol might feel anxious, depressed, or have mood swings. Alcohol can also affect the brain’s ability to work properly, leading to memory issues and trouble thinking clearly.
Alcohol addiction often damages relationships. The person addicted to alcohol might act unpredictably, miss important events, or become aggressive, causing fights with family and friends. This can break down trust and support, making the person feel isolated.
Alcohol addiction can interfere with work or school responsibilities. People might miss work or classes, do poorly, or even lose their job or fail their courses because of drinking. This can lead to financial instability and slow progress in their career or education.
Drinking alcohol affects judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. People addicted to alcohol are more likely to get into car accidents, falls, or other dangerous situations. These accidents can cause serious injuries or even death, affecting not only the person with the addiction but also those around them.
Mortality Rates in Florida Due to Substance Abuse
In 2020, Florida had the second-highest number of drug overdose deaths in the United States, with 7,579 fatalities. This was a 37% increase from the previous year, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Pasco County alone saw a 71% rise in overdoses, totaling 1,491 deaths. The main cause for this spike was the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Addiction Treatments in Florida
Florida offers many ways to help people with addiction. There are different types of treatment programs to fit different needs.
- Detox programs: Detox programs help people safely stop using drugs or alcohol. Medical professionals support them to manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Inpatient treatment: Inpatient programs involve living at a treatment center for 30 to 90 days or more. People receive therapy and support in a structured environment to help them recover from drug addiction or alcoholism.
- Outpatient rehab: Outpatient treatment programs allow people to live at home while attending treatment sessions. This option is good for those who have responsibilities like work or family, and for those with milder addictions.
- MAT: MAT (medication-assisted treatment) uses medications to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is often combined with therapy for better results.
- Counseling and therapy: Individual and group therapy sessions help people understand their addiction and learn ways to cope without drugs or alcohol.
- Support groups: Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) offer a community of people who share similar struggles. They provide encouragement and advice.
Addiction in Florida | FAQs
How do I know if I am addicted to drugs?
You might be addicted to drugs if you can’t stop using them, even if they cause problems in your life. Other signs include craving the drug, needing more to get the same effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
How can I tell if I am abusing alcohol?
You might be abusing alcohol if you drink more than you planned, have trouble stopping, or continue to drink despite negative consequences. Frequent hangovers, memory loss, and drinking to cope with problems are also signs of alcohol abuse.
Where can I find help for substance abuse in Florida?
You can find help for substance abuse in Florida at treatment centers, hospitals, and through support groups.
What is the most used drug in Florida?
The most used drug in Florida is marijuana, but there is also a significant issue with opioids like fentanyl.
Get Compassionate, Insurance-Covered Treatment in Florida at Renaissance Recovery
If you need treatment for alcohol addiction or drug addiction in Florida, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We specialize in the outpatient treatment of all addictions and mental health issues. We’re happy to work with all major health insurance providers so everyone can get the science-based care they need to move beyond drug addiction or alcoholism.
If you or your loved one need help with drug or alcohol withdrawal, we can connect you with medical detox centers across the state. After dealing with dependence on drugs or alcohol under close supervision, you will be ready for ongoing treatment at Renaissance.
We appreciate that every addiction is different, so we deliver personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Talk therapies (CBT and DBT)
- Motivational therapies
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Aftercare
When you are ready to deal with addiction, call Renaissance at 866.330.9449.
