Are Addiction Rates Rising in Florida?

Why Are Drug and Alcohol Abuse on the Rise in Florida?

Substance abuse has rapidly been increasing among Americans across the nation, and Florida residents have felt the impact of this rising epidemic. While most people who think about alcohol or drug addiction will correlate the increasing numbers in individuals to the youth of Florida and individuals living in poverty being the majority of the individuals affected, drugs and alcohol abuse is prominent across various demographics. The allure of alcohol and drugs can be enticing for Florida residents of all walks of life for their ability to allow for an escape or break from the hardships in life or a way to manage physical or mental health issues. To combat the rising addiction rates in Florida, there is hope for recovery with the support of drug or alcohol addiction therapy within the WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab center.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Addiction Rates

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of millions across the globe and within America. As the residents of Florida have tried to combat the coronavirus through quarantine and remaining isolated from those you love, the effect that has had on Florida residents’ mental health issues has been substantial. With many looking for ways to mitigate the mental health concerns or the adverse side effects of lockdown, the use of drugs and alcohol has had a greater pull on many individuals creating the rising addiction rates in Florida. 

The Most Abused Substances 

Americans have access to many forms of drugs and alcohol to use when looking for an escape from reality or a method to numb their emotions or mental health issues. The variety of drugs and alcohol available raises the same concerns for alcohol or drug addiction to be developed within the user. The most commonly abused substances and substance use disorders are:

• Alcohol 
• Marijuana 
• Prescription stimulant drugs 
• Methamphetamines 
• Prescription painkillers or opioids
• Heroin 
• Cocaine
• Sedatives 

Who Is Abusing Alcohol and Drugs Most?

Drug and alcohol addiction can happen to anyone from any demographic. Still, some groups of Americans and residents of Florida are at greater risk for developing an alcohol addiction or drug addiction. The rising addiction rates in Florida can be primarily attributed to:

Baby boomers

Residents of Florida over the age of 50 have had a dramatic increase in the number of individuals affected by drug addiction. There has been a significant increase in the number of individuals needing hospitalization for the use of prescription painkillers and cocaine. This need has led to more patients accessing medical detox to safely remove the toxins of drugs and ultimately needing substance abuse rehab afterward to heal from the inside out from your drug or alcohol addiction. 

College students

College is often associated with experimenting with alcohol and drugs and meeting new people to help you find who you are now that you have left home. Many students will find themselves trying drugs and alcohol for the first time. Unfortunately, many will fall victim to the addictive components of alcohol and drugs through the fast-paced, party atmosphere of the college. College students in Florida have begun accessing medical detox and addiction treatment at an alarming rate. 

Women

Females are at higher risk for alcohol addiction, prescription opioid addiction, and cannabis due to higher mental health issues among women. Additionally, women experience a more significant number of mood disorders or anxiety disorders, leading them to look for ways to cope with the adverse side effects of a co-occurring condition. 

The Rising Need for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Florida

Due to the rising addiction rates in Florida, state residents need an effective alcohol and drug rehab program that will help restore individuals’ self-compassion and self-worth through evidence-based treatment methods. To heal from alcohol addiction or drug addiction effectively, we believe that you need the expert support of medical professionals who can design a holistic rehab plan that targets healing from your addiction and mental health. Through specialized treatment plans, patients can address their addiction within individual therapy methods. Patients are offered to participate in dual diagnosis treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral therapy to create a shift in their lifestyle that fosters a healthy life in sobriety. 

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers a variety of addiction treatment plans targeted to meet your specific needs and lifestyle. If you or a loved one struggles with a substance abuse problem, contact us today to meet the team and speak to one of our expert counselors about getting started on your individualized addiction treatment program or to learn more about the rising addiction rates in Florida.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.