The Opiate Epidemic in Florida
The Patterns and Trends of Substance Use in Florida 2019 report indicates that deaths due to opioid overdose have been recognized as the main cause of the life expectancy decline in the United States since 2016. Statistics in Florida suggest that there is an increase in opioid related deaths in our state, which can be attributed mainly to Heroin and Fentanyl.
Due to the rising numbers of overdoses in 2017 Florida enacted stiffer penalties for drug dealers, allowing them to be charged with murder if their customers overdose and die using fentanyl, a cheap, deadly painkiller that is often mixed in with other substances such as heroin and cocaine.
The opiate epidemic is a real problem in Florida. Many families just like yours are struggling. Watching drugs take over your loved one’s life is heart breaking.
Cocaine Use Increasing in Florida
The Florida Medical Examiners Commission Report indicates that the number of deaths with detected cocaine use, has been increasing. Because of it’s geographical location, Florida is an entry point for much of nation’s supply of cocaine. The Coast Guard says that for the past three years they have broken records for drug seizures, stopping more than 1.3 million pounds of cocaine from reaching Florida’s shores. It’s important that the community knows about these issues and where to receive drug treatment in Florida if needed.
Methamphetamine Use In Florida On The Rise
The National Emerging Threats Initiative, part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program is warning the nation of the increase in methamphetamine (meth) use. Data indicates that seizures of methamphetamines are up, which shows us that more and more people are using this dangerous and highly addictive substance. Like other illegal substances methamphetamines can be obtained from drug dealers, but meth can also be produced using regular household chemicals, and “cooked” relatively easily.
Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed orally. Oftentimes people with drug and alcohol problems will use several different substances, raising the risk that something bad could happen to them. Meth in particular is extremely addicting and very difficult to break away from.
Drug and alcohol counselors in Florida can help your loved one, but for many families it is difficult to convince their loved one to get the drug and alcohol treatment that they need.
Alcohol Problems in Florida
Although drunk driving deaths fell in the state of Florida last year, 814 people still died as a result of an impaired driver. Studies also show that young adults are drinking less than in previous generations but that for older adults binge drinking has actually increased. This is a sobering statistic for Florida, who has a large retirement population, and also highlights the importance of drug and alcohol treatment programs in Florida.
When a loved one has a problem with alcohol it can be very difficult to treat, as alcohol is a legal substance, and very easy to obtain. Oftentimes a person with an alcohol problem might not even realize that they need help, they might not see the effects it is having on their loved ones.
What You Can Do If You Think Your Loved One Has A Drug Or Alcohol Problem
You know your loved one better than anyone else. You know if something isn’t right, but you might not suspect drug use until their addiction is really serious. People with drug and alcohol use issues will minimize their problems and try to cover up the truth about how bad their addiction is. Educating yourself on substance use issues is important, so that you can really understand what you are up against. Having information can help both you and your loved one. Knowing who to call if your loved one is willing to get counseling for their drug and alcohol problems can help your loved one take some of the first steps towards sobriety.
Unfortunately many families find that their loved one is not willing to go to drug and alcohol treatment. But even if your loved one isn’t cooperative in getting help for themselves, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have options.
Reaching out to a drug and alcohol counselor that specializes in addiction issues can help you deal with the stress and worry that you are going through as well as help you decide on a plan of what to do next. Talking to a counselor yourself can help give you the support you need. Many families in Florida also find support at Al-Anon Meetings or Nar-Anon Meetings. Which ever option you choose it is important to know that you are not alone.
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