While Florida’s drug scene is a long way from the free-wheeling image presented by films like “Miami Vice,” it is far from a minor problem. Five people every day die from prescription drug overdose in Florida, while Ecstasy, the club drug of choice for most young people, is the most widely-available dangerous drug in the state. Over 30% of high school students in Florida admit to having used marijuana, and 11% have developed a dependency to prescription painkillers. The statistics are sobering, as seen in this May 2008 report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy:

While drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida have noted a steady decline in admissions for alcohol over the past 15 years, the rate of admissions for drugs has climbed steadily in the same period. The rate of abuse of opiates other than heroin, which include methamphetamine and prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Xanax, and a host of others, is on a steady upward path.

The number of alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities in Florida also grew in 2006 to 668, of which over half were private non-profit centers. Just 44 of all Florida drug treatment centers offered programs for opiate addiction. Most offered outpatient services; 228 offered residential programs as well. Individuals seeking treatment for either alcohol or drug abuse should evaluate all options for treatment, whether local or not, as the widespread number of rehab centers in Florida means that families need not limit themselves to either public or private facilities in the local area. Since about 57% of all Florida drug and alcohol treatment centers receive some sort of local, state, or federal funding for substance abuse treatment programs, patients should investigate the level of funding, the number and experience of staff within the facility, and their resources and experience in treating particular types of abuse. The constant introduction of new drugs and drug cocktails and the sudden sharp spike in meth addiction mean that drug rehabilitation centers in Florida and elsewhere must keep up with treatment modalities. There is no single approach to treating substance abuse.

The chart below shows that only cocaine overdoses exceeded the prescription drug overdoses in Florida in 2006 and the first half of 2007. This is a rather frightening statistic, indicating that the old images of street junkies being the only victims of drug abuse are falling by the wayside. Drugs prescribed for legitimate purposes, like Valium (diazepam), Xanax, Hydrocodone, and Oxycontin, are also being diverted for recreational use in alarming quantities. Individuals should not, therefore, think of “rehab” in a drug treatment center as pertaining only to heroin, crack, or meth. Awareness of the dangers in prescription sleep aids and painkillers is the first step to prevention or, if need be, treatment of a potentially lethal addiction to seemingly benign drugs.

Residents of this state are fortunate in the number of available drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Florida. They should not wait until a minor recreational habit turns into full-blown addiction before seeking help from one of them.