Substance abuse and addiction take a significant toll on individuals and communities, both in terms of human suffering and economic costs. In Florida, the annual cost of substance abuse and addiction is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, with costs associated with healthcare, criminal justice, lost productivity, and other factors. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is important to seek professional help to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Guardian Recovery Network offers evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans that can help you or your loved one on the path to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services and start your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Substance Abuse Rates in Florida

Florida is one of the states with high rates of substance abuse, with opioids being a particular concern in recent years. According to FL Health Charts, in 2022, approximately 105,490 EMS overdose responses reported from illicit drug use. Additionally, the state has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years, with more than 6,000 deaths in 2020 alone. Other alarming statistics related to substance abuse in Florida include:

In 2019, there were more than 2,700 deaths attributed to opioid overdoses in Florida.

The rate of heroin overdose deaths in Florida is higher than the national average.

In 2020, there were more than 2,400 deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl in Florida.

The rate of alcohol-related fatalities in Florida is higher than the national average.

Florida Yearly Overdose Death Rates & Statistics

Florida has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with overdose death rates continuing to rise in recent years. In 2020, there were more than 93,000 overdose deaths in Florida, marking a 37% increase from the previous year. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl were responsible for the majority of overdose deaths in the state, with more than 2,400 deaths attributed to these drugs in 2020. The opioid crisis has also led to a rise in other drug-related health issues, such as hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. The state has taken steps to address the crisis, including implementing a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and expanding access to medication-assisted treatment for addiction.

What Counties in Florida Have the Highest Substance Abuse Rates?

Substance abuse rates vary across Florida, with some counties experiencing higher rates of addiction and overdose than others. According to data from the Florida Department of Children and Families, some of the counties with the highest substance abuse rates include Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, and Duval counties. These counties also have some of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the state. However, it is important to note that substance abuse is a statewide issue, and individuals in all counties may be affected by addiction and overdose.

How Much Does Drug Abuse Cost Employers in the U.S. & the Workplace Annually?

Drug abuse and addiction have a significant impact on the workplace and employers in the U.S. The costs associated with substance abuse in the workplace include lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and increased absenteeism and turnover rates. According to the National Safety Council, substance abuse in the workplace costs U.S. employers an estimated $81 billion annually. This includes costs associated with healthcare, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims. Additionally, drug abuse in the workplace can lead to workplace accidents and injuries, further increasing costs for employers. It is important for employers to recognize the impact of substance abuse in the workplace and take steps to address the issue, including providing access to resources and support for employees who may be struggling with addiction. 

The Economic Annual Costs of Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders to Florida

Addiction and co-occurring disorders have a significant economic impact on the state of Florida. According to a report by the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, substance abuse and addiction cost the state more than $6 billion annually, including costs associated with healthcare, criminal justice, lost productivity, and other factors. Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, further increase the economic burden of addiction. In addition to the economic costs, addiction and co-occurring disorders also have a profound impact on individuals and families, leading to increased rates of morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life.

Factors That Contribute to Drug Use Rates in Florida

There are several factors that contribute to drug use rates in Florida, including availability, accessibility, and social factors. Florida’s location and proximity to international drug trafficking routes make it a prime location for drug smuggling, which contributes to the availability of drugs in the state. Accessibility to prescription drugs and the opioid epidemic have also played a role in the high drug use rates in the state. Additionally, social factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can also contribute to drug use rates in Florida. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is important to seek professional help to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Guardian Recovery Network offers evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans that can help you or your loved one on the path to recovery. Our experienced and compassionate team of professionals will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Don’t wait to get help – contact Guardian Recovery Network today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one on the path to recovery.

Call to Learn More

At Boca Detox Center, we remain dedicated to providing our clients with a comprehensive program of heroin and cocaine detox — one that focuses on much more than physical stabilization. In addition to emphasizing physical recovery, we tackle mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While we prioritize a safe and pain-free withdrawal, we offer individual, group, and family therapy sessions, case management services, relapse prevention training, and aftercare planning. 

Contact us today if you or your loved one is ready to begin an entirely new way of life and commit to long-term recovery. As soon as you call, we start developing a plan of action that begins with an initial pre-assessment. This assessment helps us determine which level of care is the most appropriate for each unique case. We identify potential coverage options if our medically monitored detox program is a good fit. We work closely with most major regional and national insurance providers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation insurance benefit check.