The Opiate Crisis
Unfortunately the opiate crisis is hitting St. Pete very hard, and people are dying from overdoses at alarming rates. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Pinellas County Forensic Lab is finding that even “users looking for uppers like cocaine or meth are getting substances mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic, potent opioid similar to heroin”.
This means that even though a person might not have an opiate addiction, they might still run the risk of overdosing on opiates, not knowing what they are really putting into their bodies. Drug dealers are looking to make a quick buck, they are not concerned about the damage they are doing to our community, and Florida is being hit hard. That is why it is so important that St. Petersburg and Pinellas County has access to quality drug rehab programs.
Alcohol Use in St. Pete
This substance use crisis is affecting the people who you know and love. St. Petersburg, in Pinellas County, Florida an area known for having the most consecutive days with sunshine and beautiful beaches is struggling with alcohol use as well. The Florida Department of Health reports that Pinellas County is experiencing an increase in heavy and binge drinking.
Alcohol use disorders are associated with many things including car crashes, violence, and even chronic diseases such as heart disease. Alcohol use disorders are very difficult to treat, because alcohol is legal, and socially accepted. But there is a difference between having a glass of wine with dinner, and drinking a couple bottles.
Methamphetamine Use in Pinellas County Florida
Methamphetamines also known as “meth” are a problem in Pinellas County as well. Largo, Florida especially is having issues with this dangerous substance.
ABC Action News reports that a GNC employee was recently arrested for selling meth out of the store he worked at. Police Officers reported that when they walked into the store, they saw drug paraphernalia in plain view, including needles, and a scale.
In Clearwater Florida a man was arrested after investigators caught him with a needle (used to inject meth) at McDonald’s. The man even tried to hide the crystal meth in his belly button. This was at a McDonalds!!
Methamphetamine is very dangerous because it is so easy to make using regular household items, and because it is highly addictive making it even harder for people to quit using it once they start.
When Someone You Love Needs Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Pinellas County / St. Petersburg Florida
Most people don’t want to be known as having a problem with drugs or alcohol. That’s what makes addiction so scary, because a lot of the time a person hides the disease of substance use from those they love. The person tries to cover up drinking or drug use with excuses. At first family members might believe the lies, trusting that their loved one is working late, or had a hard day. It’s easy for a person to get caught up in a culture of drinking and drugs, and before they realize it are facing severe consequences such us DUI, or overdose. You might not even realize that your loved one is addicted until their problem is very severe. Knowing the different options available for substance use treatment and having a counselor who specializes in addiction treatment is imperative to getting help as fast as possible.
Helping You When Your Loved One Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem Pinellas County / St. Petersburg Florida and Surrounding Areas
I know how hard it is to have a loved one addicted to drugs and alcohol. I know that it hurts you to see them hurting. Getting them help is important, but I also know you need support as well.
Al-Anon Meetings in Pinellas County or Nar-Anon Meetings in Pinellas County can give you the support you need. I have attended many meetings myself and can personally say how much they helped me. However for me, and probably for you as well, getting one on one help from a counselor that specialized in drug and alcohol counselor helped me the most. Having someone who understands exactly what you and your family are going through is important. If you have any questions, please reach out.
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Helping You Help Your Loved One with Addiction
Loving Someone with an Addiction is Hard
Getting Help for Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma