Opioid use disorders are an issue in Florida, with heroin and fentanyl being the most commonly consumed of these narcotics. The Florida opioid crisis has prompted the passing of bills that restrict access to serious painkillers and that crack down on the possession of illicit substances, but overdoses still occur.
If you have noticed that a loved one has developed an opioid use disorder, it’s essential to encourage them to attend an opioid rehab in FL. With the right treatment, your loved one can break free from substance use disorders. But what is the biggest drug problem in Florida, and how does a treatment center offer the necessary support?
Gulf Breeze Recovery can help you understand how to get started on the road to recovery from the opioid epidemic plaguing Floridians.
What is the biggest drug problem in Florida?
The Sunshine State ranks 18th in the country when it comes to the overall number of overdose fatalities.1 Does Florida have an opioid problem, though? As in the rest of the country, opioids continue to be a serious issue in Florida, with fentanyl leading the way.
Opioids such as fentanyl are so dangerous because of how they impact the central nervous system, with overdoses leading to:
- Depressed breathing
- Cold and clammy skin
- Very low blood pressure
- Depressed gag reflex
All of these issues can put your loved one’s life at risk if they don’t receive medical assistance immediately. The risks of long-term health problems and death are the most serious consequences of opioid misuse, but legal consequences can result as well.
Although the majority of opioids are legal in Florida, as long as they have a medical purpose, your loved one can only have them in their possession if they have a valid prescription. Other drugs, like heroin, aren’t legal at any time or in any amount.
What is the opioid overdose rate in Florida?
The Florida opioid crisis claims too many lives each year, with the majority of people who suffer from this condition not getting the assistance they need. But what is the opioid overdose rate in Florida?
In recent years, the overdose rate has declined in the state, with opioid-related deaths decreasing by 11%. This is, in great part, because of the efforts the state has made to pass legislation that addresses the epidemic.
The passing of the Controlled Substances Act is particularly important, since it places numerous restrictions on how doctors can prescribe these medications, the patient checks they must perform, and many other factors.2 To ensure that only people who need opioids get them, Florida also has a prescription drug monitoring program.
What county in Florida has the most overdoses? Escambia County remains one of the areas in the state that experiences the most overdoses, both fatal and non-fatal.3
Legal consequences of opioid use disorders
If a loved one has an opioid use disorder, they could be placing themselves at risk of experiencing legal problems. The consequences of being charged with drug crimes can be serious, depending on the amount of drugs involved. They could face fines and jail time. In the most serious cases, they could end up with a criminal record.
Help combat the opioid epidemic at Gulf Breeze Recovery today
Does Florida have an opioid problem? Yes, it does, and your loved one could be caught right in the middle of it. To address this problem, the best option is for them to begin a treatment program that offers the exact level of support your loved one needs. Gulf Breeze Recovery can guide you and your loved one through this difficult time through opioid rehab.
We’re ready to answer your concerns regarding the legal issues that opioid use disorder could cause. Whether you want to know what county in Florida has the most overdoses or need to understand your loved one’s chance of recovery, we can help. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery by calling 833.551.2304 or schedule an appointment through our convenient online contact form.
Source:
1. Florida Health – Florida Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (FL-DOSE) Accessed May 12, 2025