Substance Abuse in Florida is Increasing at an Alarming Rate
Substance Abuse in Florida has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the state, accounting for 78 percent of all drug abuse problems. In the last five years, there has been a 20 percent jump in the use of methamphetamine and a 300 percent spike in the use of opioids.
The number of people in Florida suffering from substance use disorder is also on the rise. In 2018, over 800,000 Floridians were using narcotics, a number that has grown considerably since 2012. And of those, 65 percent are actively addicted to alcohol or drugs.
These troubling statistics extend to the younger population; 28 percent of high school students in Florida have reported abusing drugs or alcohol in the last year, and that number is growing. These young people are putting their future at risk, not to mention their safety.
The increasing number of people in Florida suffering from substance abuse problems has led to a sharp rise in the rate of deaths due to drug overdoses and other substance abuse-related causes. In 2014, Florida had 2,600 overdose deaths, a number that more than tripled by 2018. The majority of those deaths were due to opioids.
At the same time, Florida has seen an increase in alcohol-related accidents. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in 2018 there were over 1,100 alcohol-related crashes in the state, resulting in at least 538 deaths and 2,400 injuries.
These alarming figures are cause for concern, and the state is taking notice. The Florida state legislature passed a measure last year that provides $50 million in funding for treatment of substance use disorder, as well as money for opioid abuse prevention.
The goal of this funding is to help reduce the number of people in Florida who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Treatment centers are being opened throughout the state in order to help those in need, and local law enforcement organizations are also working to combat the issue.
At the same time, the campaigns to increase public awareness on the dangers of substance abuse must continue in order to help protect young people from the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Parents and teachers have a unique role to play in teaching children proper methods of controlling their cravings and avoiding dangerous substances.
Substance Abuse in Florida is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. Law enforcement, legislators, and citizens must all work together to reverse the trend before it leads to further tragedy. With the right help and commitment, we can put an end to Substance Abuse in Florida and create a better future for everyone.
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