Florida has seen its fair share of substance use issues and public health concerns related to addiction. The past several years have been marked by an uptick in addiction and overdose deaths because of the opioid crisis. However, alcohol is a decades-old problem that leads to the deaths of an estimated 88,000 people each year. Alcohol can be directly dangerous, causing an overdose or alcohol poisoning. It also can cause health problems after long-term use.
It also leads to accidents and injuries that often prove fatal. Though opioids are understandably receiving much of the focus of public health efforts, alcohol continues to be a problem for Florida communities. Learn more about the need for Florida alcohol rehabs.
Florida Alcohol Rehab Statistics
In 2018, medical examiners released a report of the drugs that were found in deceased people that year. They found that alcohol was present in Florida deaths more than any other drug. Alcohol was found in more than 18 percent of decedents. The next most common drug was cocaine, found in a little more than 10 percent. In total, medical examiners found that alcohol was present in 5,140 deaths and was the cause of 866 deaths.
In the United States, alcohol is one of the most culturally ubiquitous psychoactive substances. The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 86 percent of adults reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lives. While that’s higher than most substances, except for caffeine, the real danger is long-term abuse or binge drinking. The survey found that more than 26 percent said they binged on alcohol in the last month.
Most Common Substance To Mix With Alcohol
Alcohol is often used alongside other substances, especially in party settings. Excessive drinking can be dangerous on its own, but it can be even more deadly when mixed with other substances. Alcohol and other depressants are often mixed with stimulants to counteract certain negative effects. However, this can also numb one to higher doses, causing people to take more than they can handle, which can lead to an overdose.
In 2018, 2,481 of the 2,856 cocaine overdose deaths also included other substances like alcohol.
Alcohol is also mixed with depressants like prescription benzodiazepines. When depressants are mixed, their effects can combine and become more intense, leading to an overdose more quickly than if the drugs are taken individually. The same thing can happen when alcohol is mixed with opioids.
Florida’s Alcohol Rehab History and Rankings
Florida has been known as a popular drug and alcohol rehab destination for decades. Its warm weather caused clinicians and treatment professionals to open rehab centers in the state for years. Florida clinicians also pioneered the Florida Model of Treatment, which involved a stepped approach to addiction treatment.
Quick Treatment Facts
Alcoholism is another word for alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder. Addiction usually occurs after a period of misuse or abuse. Addiction is identified by compulsive use of a substance, even despite harmful consequences.
These consequences could include medical issues, but they can also involve mental health issues, social problems, or financial instability.
Alcohol addiction is chronic, but it’s treatable.
Treatment is a complex process that seeks to address multiple issues, including substance abuse and related, underlying issues.
Treatment plans are extremely personalized since people come to treatment with different needs. When you enter a program, you’ll meet with medical and clinical professionals to form a personalized plan.
