For many years, Miami has been considered a top destination in the world for travel. Miami is a beautiful city located in South Florida where you can practice your Spanish. Despite its historical Cuban communities, palm trees, and sunshine, the city has become a hotbed for opioid addiction.
While many of us remember Miami for its cocaine and alcohol-infused 24-hour nightlife, the city has evolved with the times, which means the drugs have changed, and so have the users. Unfortunately, opioid addiction has become widespread throughout the state and beyond.
The allure of this booming South Florida city has extended throughout the country, and many are moving to the area and calling it home. Unfortunately, this has increased the need for opioid treatment in Miami. Whether it was an accident that required pain pills and led to heroin addiction, or you’re ready to stop using pain medication, help is available to you.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released statistics highlighting the severity of the crisis nationwide – an estimated 128 people lose their lives to opioid overdoses each day in the United States. The staggering figure is the result of areas saturated by the potent drug fentanyl, which is said to be 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. The Port of Miami is one of the most vital ports in the country, and the sheer volume of cargo makes it challenging to catch all the drugs entering the country.
If you’re new to the city, or you’re considering opioid treatment in Miami, it’s crucial to read on and learn about your options. Opioid treatment may be the difference between living or existing, getting your family and friends back, or staying alone. Depending on where opioid addiction has brought you, it could be the last chance to save your life. Fortunately, the area boasts Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those needing additional care.
How Substance Abuse Is Affecting Miami
As we mentioned above, Miami has been notorious for its 24-hour parties and cocaine. Opioids were never an issue until the 90s, but as time has progressed, we’ve seen a spike throughout the country. Opioids have climbed to the top of most abused drugs in South Florida, and Miami is experiencing issues like never before.
The latest reported numbers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) mention 67,367 drug overdose deaths took place in the United States during 2018. Opioid drugs, which include prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl, accounted for 46,802 deaths – the number accounts for 70 percent of total overdose deaths nationwide.
As discussed above, Miami is home to one of the busiest ports in the United States. The number of drugs flowing into Miami-Dade County is unknown, but Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) has their hands full when searching the cargo entering each day. It has caused adverse effects to occur throughout the region and beyond.
Miami Substance Abuse Statistics
In the state of Florida, 4,968 drug overdose deaths were caused by opioids in 2018 – this number translates to 68 percent of deaths. Fentanyl was the leader of overdose deaths with 2,091 casualties throughout the state, while prescription opioids caused 689, and heroin with 1,282 deaths.
As of 2017, the southern Florida region noticed an increase for the fourth straight year in opioid-related deaths. Southern Florida, including Miami, describes witnessing 3,922 opioid-related deaths in 2016, which jumped nine percent to 4,279 deaths in 2017.
Fentanyl is the primary culprit in deaths, increasing from 1,390 in 2016, to 1,742 in 2017, translating to a 25 percent increase. The primary demographic making up the rise in numbers include white males aged 25 through 34.
Opioid Withdrawal and Treatment In Miami
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is a challenging and extremely uncomfortable process involving cessation from prescription opioids, heroin, or fentanyl. Opioid withdrawal is generally not life-threatening; however, in severe cases, it may lead to dehydration, which could be fatal if not addressed. In other instances, when someone opts out of help, they’ll find the symptoms to be so severe that they don’t follow through with stopping. Unfortunately, this can lead to relapse, which may be deadly when their tolerance drops.
Opioid Treatment
Fortunately, Miami is a safe haven when it comes to opioid treatment. Those ready to get the help they need are only a phone call or email away. Opioid treatment in Miami consists of Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT) options that are proven by science and peer-reviewed. It will assist you in becoming self-sufficient and living the life you’ve dreamed of without using opioids. Many of us get caught in the cycle of addiction without realizing it, but entering an inpatient or outpatient program that offers MAT or other programs can help you achieve your goal of sobriety.
