Substance Abuse Statistics In Orlando

The Current State of Substance Abuse in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is an at-risk area for drug trafficking and smuggling. In general, the state of Florida had an increasing amount of pill mills. Orlando is also a shipment hub for cash and drugs. There is also a huge concern when it comes to controlled prescription drug trafficking, diversion and abuse, and cocaine use in Orlando. Prescription drug overdoses were at an all-time high in 2021 in the state of Florida. There’s tons of substance abuse statistics Orlando to back up the large amount of overdoses in the city. 

Trends in Substance Abuse in Orlando

Orlando has been a hub in Florida for drug trafficking and substance abuse in general. People are overdosing on prescription opioids and continue to do so in recent years in Orlando. Substance abuse statistics Orlando just keep rising each year. With the increase of ease getting the drugs, people in Orlando have a higher chance of obtaining them and abusing them. 

Drug Abuse Statistics in Orlando

In 2021, 8,163 of the 106,000 people who overdosed on drugs were residents of Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, over 681,164 opioid prescriptions were dispensed in Orange County, Orlando’s county, alone. In Florida, 4,740 people in 2021 died from one or more prescription drugs. In Orlando alone, the prescription overdose deaths were from: 

• Alprazolam (Xanax): 29 deaths 
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): 25 deaths
• Oxycodone: 12 deaths
• Hydrocodone: 16 deaths
• Morphine: 43 deaths

In the Central Florida area, primarily Orlando, drug treatment admissions were for the following substance abuse  in 2018: 

• Marijuana
• Prescription opioid
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine

Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Orlando

Many Americans die because of alcohol abuse. It’s been shown that about 261 people die because of drinking alcohol excessively. About 80% of those alcohol-related deaths are with adults who are ages 35 or older. It was reported that about 2,000 people entered rehab for alcohol addiction in the Central Florida area. 

 Impact of Substance Abuse Orlando

Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol it also affects their family and friends and their community. If someone with substance abuse doesn’t get the necessary treatment, it can have negative consequences on them and their community. In Orange County alone, there were 545 opioid-related deaths, which is the county Orlando resides in. It impacts the public health of the Orlando area. Substance abuse leads to overdose cases and being hospitalized from close to it being fatal. In the height of COVID in 2020, drug overdose rose to 70% in central Florida, specifically Orlando. 

Demographics and Substance Abuse Orlando

When looking at the demographics of substance abuse in Orlando, it was reported that 34% of people admitted to an Orlando rehab finished high school, and 19.7% had some college education but didn’t graduate. This shows that the demographic of people in Orlando who are addicted to drugs or alcohol didn’t graduate or pursue higher education. In Florida in general, it’s estimated at 10.5% of drug users are adults. 

Orlando’s Fight Against Substance Abuse

As Orlando is one of the hubs of pill mills and drug trafficking in Florida, there’s a huge prominence of fighting against substance abuse. The city continues to offer a ton of rehab centers for people struggling with addiction. The rehabs play the biggest role in controlling the extreme number of substance abuse cases in Orlando. 

 Orlando Addiction Treatment Centers and Their Role

Orlando addiction treatment centers play a huge role in preventing future overdosing and relapsing. WhiteSands Treatment in Orlando offers different options for treatment and you can choose if you want some holistic treatments as well. The main treatment that most people struggling with substance abuse go through is medical detox. This is when you’re supervised by medical professionals as you slowly detox from the drugs or alcohol and the doctors will manage and monitor your withdrawal symptoms. This is the safest option for someone trying to get rid of the substances from their body system and not relapse because of how uncomfortable the withdrawal symptoms are. After detox, WhiteSands will assess what the best treatment options are for you specifically. Some of the holistic treatments offered at WhiteSands are the following: 

• Art therapy: People can express themselves through art and show how they are feeling if they can’t find the words to explain it. It’s also a therapeutic method for some people. 
• Biofeedback: This procedure happens by sending biological information from the body of a patient and fed back to them, so they can learn and gain better control over it. 
• Nutritional therapy: Eating healthy is essential to have the necessary vitamins that people who had a chemical dependency lack. This is just another subset of living a healthy, sober life. 
• Exercise therapy: Exercising isn’t just healthy for your body but also your mind. When you exercise, you release a chemical called dopamine, which is lacking for people who were once dependent on alcohol or drugs. 

Community Initiatives in Orlando Against Substance Abuse

Some of the community initiatives in Orlando against substance abuse are just raising awareness in local news outlets and at the state level also. There’s also been great stride just having a supportive community in Orlando adding more and more rehabs for addiction treatment. There are also AA groups and other support groups in Orlando that give a support system to people who are struggling with substance abuse. Orlando also has many therapists in the area that are experts in helping people with how they feel after rehab. It’s important to get help immediately if you struggle with substance abuse, call WhiteSands Treatment at 877-640-7820. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Substance Abuse Orlando 

What are the current statistics of substance abuse in Orlando, FL?

About 80% of alcohol-related deaths are among adults who are ages 35 or older in Orlando. That’s a high percentage that shows how prevalent it is in Orlando.

 How have substance abuse trends in Orlando changed over the years?

In 2021, 8,163 of the 106,000 people who overdosed on drugs were residents of Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This was a big increase from the year before. 

What substances are most commonly abused in Orlando according to statistics?

The most commonly abused substances in Orlando were:

• Alprazolam (Xanax): 29 deaths 
• Clonazepam (Klonopin): 25 deaths
• Oxycodone: 12 deaths
• Hydrocodone: 16 deaths
• Morphine: 43 deaths

What impact does substance abuse have on Orlando’s community?

The Orlando community is impacted by substance abuse from a social, economic, and health impact. Orlando gets impacted by having to help fund people’s rehab treatment if they can’t afford it on their own.

What resources are available in Orlando for substance abuse treatment and recovery?

The resources available in Orlando for substance abuse treatment are rehabs. WhiteSands Treatment in Orlando offers medical detox, therapy, and medicine management. 

How effective are Orlando’s substance abuse treatment programs?

Orlando substance abuse treatment programs are effective because of all the treatments available at the rehabs. This also includes the holistic treatment programs they have. 

How is the Orlando community tackling the issue of substance abuse?

Orlando tackles substance abuse by spreading awareness and promoting the free services they have. They have support groups that are free of charge and can help people who are struggling with substance abuse or in recovery get support from others who have gone through a similar experience. 

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.