Substance abuse and addiction are problems all over the country, and Florida is no exception. In fact, there are many alarming Florida substance abuse and addiction statistics that the public should know. Substance use disorder isn’t an uncommon problem and is shaking the very core of society.
Florida Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics
Substance abuse and addiction are issues that not only cause harm but are also economic burdens. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) calculates the cost, and Florida has staggering numbers. In fact, the state loses nearly $15.3 billion each year to substance abuse and addiction.
According to the BRFSS, a decrease in workplace productivity accounts for around 72% of this figure. Health care expenses account for a further 11%. The remaining costs are a combination of criminal justice expenses, property damage, and motor vehicle crashes.
More Girls Than Boys Initiate Alcohol Use in Florida
A recent Substance Abuse Trends Alert found that girls initiate drinking alcohol more often than boys in Florida. This study, which came out in March 2019, found that girls also drink more than boys.
This trend contradicts the efforts of the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The department strongly believes that preventing alcohol use is the best way to reduce overall adolescent drinking. For Florida, reducing alcohol use at a young age is integral to reducing adult substance abuse. The reason is that those who abuse alcohol at a young age are at risk of abusing it as adults.
Statistics from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found an increase in the onset of alcohol use in Florida youths. Unfortunately, this increase came at the same time that the rest of the nation reported a decline. In short, girls abusing alcohol in Florida isn’t the only problem. Instead, the bigger problem is that people in general drink alcohol at a young age.
Opioid Abuse in Florida
Another problem in Florida is the rise in opioid abuse. One reason for this rise is the number of prescriptions that doctors write. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says that doctors wrote more prescriptions in Florida in 2017 than the national average.
In order to illustrate, Florida doctors wrote 60.9 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people. However, the national average was 58.7 prescriptions per 100 people. Of course, there’s still some silver lining to these statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that it’s the lowest rate it has seen in Florida since 2006.
Don’t Avoid the Facts, Pay Attention to the Statistics
Sometimes, statistics are misleading. When it comes to substance abuse and addiction, though, we can’t ignore them.
For that reason, finding a Davie, FL drug and alcohol rehab center is important. In fact, Atlantic Recovery Center offers a range of programs that help people overcome addiction. A few examples of these programs include:
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Addiction treatment for professionals
- Group and individual therapy
- Outpatient treatment
- Dual diagnosis help
- Addiction treatment for union workers
Don’t let a lack of knowledge about drug abuse keep you from seeking help. Learn more about Florida substance abuse and addiction statistics. Contact us anytime at 1-866-824-5193.