Addiction in Florida

Drug abuse and addiction are severe issues in Florida. Millions of men and women in the state use addictive drugs each year. Fortunately, thousands of people also sought addiction treatment in the past year. If you are struggling with addiction, you are not alone; there is a way out. Call us at (407) 691-3975.

Fast Facts About Addiction in Florida

Addiction in Florida is a serious problem.

  1. Approximately 8% of Florida citizens are using illicit drugs at any given time, weighing in at about 1.5 million Floridians.
  2. About 410,000 individuals suffered from illicit drug dependence within the last year.

Those who use addictive substances frequently are candidates for drug rehabilitation programs in Florida. These people are likely addicted or will become addicted to these drugs.

The rate of drug abuse and drug-related deaths is higher than the national average in Florida. There are about 3,000 deaths yearly from drug use in Florida—more than gun violence or automobile accidents.

Common Types of Addiction in Florida

Drug Abuse

Research shows that the major drugs abused in Florida are:

  • Prescription opioids
  • Marijuana
  • Xanax
  • Valium
  • Crack cocaine
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Crystal meth
  • Fentanyl

Opioid addiction is on the rise in Florida. Thousands of Floridians currently depend on heroin or prescription painkillers. Many get the drugs from a doctor and misuse them. Others will obtain these types of drugs illegally.

Florida is currently experiencing a crisis regarding excessive heroin abuse and addiction. Heroin addiction rates have been rising, with a 120% increase in heroin-related deaths in the last several years. Young adults (18-29 years) have been the most affected by heroin.

There have been no consistent changes in the use of cocaine and methamphetamine among Floridians in the past few years, but they are still prevalent issues. Crystal meth is often made in home laboratories in rural areas before it is distributed across the state.

The only drug that has shown a consistent decrease over the last few years in Florida is marijuana. Medical marijuana is now legal in the state of Florida.

Alcohol Abuse

There were more than 24,000 individuals who sought alcohol addiction treatment during the past year in Florida. The actual prevalence of alcohol addiction in Florida is not well-known. Most people who sought alcohol addiction treatment were 35 years of age or older, although a small fraction were teens.

Addiction in Central Florida

Approximately 2,000 people entered treatment centers for alcohol addiction in Central Florida alone. There were about 1,400 Central Floridians admitted to drug treatment programs for opioid abuse.

Contact Dr. Hoffman at (407) 691-3975.

Author:
Kent S. Hoffman, DO

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been practicing medicine for nearly 30 years. He is board-certified to practice addiction medicine and family medicine. Dr. Hoffman gets to know his patients on a first-name basis to provide compassionate and professional health care.

Last modified: 12/20/2022