Drug Addiction in Florida

Socially-Encouraged Substance Abuse

Like much of the country, Florida's young adults are beset by the temptation of alcohol abuse, particulary via the many large state universities in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. There are 17 alcohol-related deaths every day in Florida, and 2,000 babies are born with fetal alcohol syndrome every year. Several of these state universities also receive sponsorship money from alcohol companies such as Anheuser-Busch in exchange for radio and banner advertisements at college sporting events. However few if any advertisements in these alcohol-drenched parts of Florida discuss alcohol abuse and treatment in a responsible manner.

Florida also has had the distinction of pioneering the recent prescription drug epidemic. Over 500 million prescription narcotic pills are sold in the state every year, many of which are fraudulently obtained and trafficked all over the country that have more restrictive rules for obtaining opiate-based painkillers and addictive prescription depressants.While recent laws have made it slightly less easy to get these drugs from a local "pill mill," substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are still the leading cause of accidental drug overdose in the state and indeed the nation. While the cost of the drugs have gone up they are still sold illicitly everywhere and can indeed still be abused via prescription for those who are willing to go through more traditional examination and prescription procedures to obtain it.

Consequences of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Across the State

The state's drug abuse problems are also tied to organized crime. There are estimated to be over 150 gangs in South Florida alone, while many of them operate under the radar of law enforcement. Trafficking drugs that come in from Latin America is their main profession, but there is plenty of side-businesses in the underground production of methamphetamine, obtaining fraudulent prescriptions, and fighting communities, law enforcement, and each other for drug-dealing turf. Cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Miami suffer disproportionately high crime rates, including murder rates, because of drug-related crime that occurs on a regular basis.

This problem is further tempered by a state in tough economic times. Amongst 2012 budget cuts include a $2.1 million reduction in funds for substance abuse treatment programs, or 1% of the total amount allocated for such programs. While much of the cuts will come from administrative costs, the fact is that Florida's drug problems, as well as its prison and gang populations, are continuously on the rise.

Unfortunately, funding is not the only thing in short supply when it comes to addiction treatment in Florida. Most precious of all is awareness of what resources and options are available for those with chronic substance abuse problems. Many people that are addicted to illicit drugs believe that they will be imprisoned for stepping forward and looking for help. Others believe that drug rehab centers are only for the wealthy. And far too many people that want to get clean make the same mistake over and over again, which is detoxing from a serious chemical dependence without professional help and addiction treatment counseling. Withdrawals are painful enough but relapsing and going through the same struggles repeatedly ensures that sobriety is going to be a long ways away. The most under-reported success of drug rehab is the long-term counseling and therapies that are applied. They are specifically configured to treat psychological and spiritual imbalances that are driving addictive, unsafe behaviors in patients. Techniques such as the Twelve Step Program and meditation help patients reflect on how they have gotten where they are today and how they can encourage themselves to stay sober. Alternative therapies that include art therapy and yoga are also an essential part of the process. This will help treat emotional and mental health problems that could otherwise stymie patients from making safe, healthy choices in the future once their time in rehab has ended.

For many hardcore drug addictions, the statistics for breaking free of the addiction and staying clean permanently are not great. But with more and more family and friends of individuals who are struggling from a drug or alcohol addiction getting involved in helping their loved one, recovery is becoming more of a reality. When individuals are encouraged by family and friends to confront reality and realize the necessity of mental, physical, and spiritual recovery in a professional addiction treatment atmosphere, chances of recovery are much higher.

Cities in Florida that have suffered from the booming substance abuse and mental health problems include: Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Saint Lucie, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, and more.

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