Throughout South Florida, drug abuse frequently stems from prescription medication misuse. Today, 2 of the most commonly abused prescriptions in the US are opioids and benzodiazepines. Combining both substances can lead to deadly consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Benzodiazepines were involved in 6,982 (16.8%) of 41,496 overdose deaths during January 2019 to June 2020 reported by 23 states, with opioids involved in 6,384 (91.4%) benzodiazepine deaths.”
Prescription opioids treat pain from physical health issues and chronic medical conditions. Opioids activate opioid receptors in the brain responsible for regulating pain and rewarding specific behaviors. They remain highly addictive, however. Opioid abuse in Jupiter, Florida and throughout other towns in the US is attributed to the misuse of prescription pain killers.
Many people struggling with opioid use disorder unintentionally become addicted to their prescriptions. Consequently, misuse of opioids occurs when a person uses their prescription for euphoric effects. These effects are not related to relieving physical pain. Another reason opioid-related overdose deaths continue to rise is fentanyl.
Fentanyl is about 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Often, fentanyl gets mixed into other opioids like heroin to get users hooked more easily. Thus, fentanyl abuse in South Florida contributes to the rising number of hospitalizations and deaths from opioids each year.
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are also frequently misused by some people in Jupiter, Florida. These medications treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. Like opioids, benzos can also give users feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Moreover, benzodiazepines work by calming overactive minds.
Insomnia, seizures, and anxiety disorders are often the result of brains that “don’t seem to shut off.” Benzos can help relax the central nervous system to reduce brain activity. Some prescriptions are fast-acting for the sudden onset of symptoms, like panic attacks. Unfortunately, these powerful medications carry a high risk of abuse.
Common brand name benzodiazepines include:
Drug use in Jupiter is no different from most other towns and cities of South Florida. One reason being is tourist areas tend to bring lots of drug trafficking to the towns of South Florida. Since South Florida is a popular tourist area, both illegal and prescription drugs are sought after and profitable for drug dealers in the area.
South Florida also boasts a high number of drug treatment centers compared to other areas in the US. Sadly, some dealers take advantage of vulnerable individuals in recovery, and the temptation to relapse is high due to the availability of drugs in South Florida. In fact, the Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition reports that teens and young adults become addicted to opioids in 1 of 3 ways.
These include:
The earlier that a person uses substances, the more likely they are to become addicted as adults. Teens and young adults struggling with substance abuse disorders could become adults with the same issues. Getting treatment early is the best way to prevent developing a substance use disorder later in life. However, it is never too late to seek help for drug addiction.
Due to the issues of drug abuse in Jupiter, Florida and other Palm Beach County communities, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has enacted a program to:
The benefits of our Jupiter rehab center can help clients get better after addiction causes issues in their lives. Above all, a person gains the skills needed to not only get sober but to advance a person’s overall quality of life.
Benefits of our rehab include the following:
At our drug and alcohol rehab, each person gets the best treatment to suit their unique needs. We have something to offer everyone in recovery to put their lives back together after active addiction.
Communities in South Florida face many challenges regarding substance abuse and addiction. At Ambrosia Treatment Center, our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you or your loved one overcome drug addiction. Our drug rehab in Jupiter, Florida provides a full continuum of care to set our clients up for a successful recovery. Call today or visit our admissions page to begin your recovery.
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