Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Florida

Florida has been facing a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, youth substance use, and treatment and recovery challenges in Florida, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• Approximately 8% of Florida citizens are using illicit drugs at any given time, which equates to about 1.5 million Floridians.¹
• Florida had a drug overdose mortality rate of 37.5 per 100,000 population, with 7,827 deaths.²
• About 410,000 individuals suffered from a substance use disorder in Florida, with a significant number not receiving the necessary treatment.¹

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use and disorders are prevalent in Florida, with a significant portion of the population using illicit drugs and engaging in heavy or binge drinking. Consider these statistics:

• In 2019, 18% of adults in Florida engaged in heavy or binge drinking.³
• In 2022, 31.0% of students across all surveyed grades reported lifetime alcohol use, and 11.8% reported past-30-day use.⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in the state.

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit Florida particularly hard, with a high number of opioid-related deaths and overdose fatalities. Here are some troubling statistics:

• In the first six months of 2016, there were 2,664 opioid-related deaths recorded in Florida.⁵
• Fentanyl was involved in more than 85% of overdose cases.⁶

The alarming number of opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis.

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Youth Rates for Drugs and Alcohol

Substance use among young people in Florida is a growing concern, with a significant proportion of high school students using alcohol, marijuana, and other substances. Here are some relevant statistics:

• 27% of Florida high school students report that they currently drink alcohol, and 20% currently use marijuana.⁷
• Florida students reported a past-30-day rate of 9.7% for vaping nicotine and 7.5% of high school students reported binge drinking.⁴
• Past-30-day use of any illicit drug other than marijuana dropped from 9.3% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2022 among Florida students.⁴

While there has been some progress in reducing youth substance use, it remains a significant issue that requires ongoing prevention and intervention efforts.

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Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality treatment and recovery services is essential for addressing substance use disorders in Florida. However, many people who need help are not receiving it:

• About 410,000 individuals suffered from a substance use disorder in Florida, with a significant number not receiving the necessary treatment.¹

Expanding access to effective treatment and support for long-term recovery is crucial for addressing the addiction crisis in Florida.

The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Florida. From high rates of substance use disorders and opioid-related deaths to the concerning levels of youth substance use, it is clear that the state faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, Florida can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

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