Increasing Problem of South Florida Drug Abuse

A recent report revealed that South Florida drug abuse rate is once again climbing. This is due to the presence of international crime groups operating in the area and making it one of the gateways in order for illicit drugs to enter and spread across the country. According to a new drug abuse survey conducted in South Florida, around ten percent of teenagers aged 12 years and older have used illicit drugs in the past month. The survey also revealed that the non-medical use of prescription painkillers is the number one form of drug abuse. This is followed by marijuana and cocaine abuse.

The survey also revealed that more than 30,000 teenagers in South Florida alone is in dire need of treatment for drug problems but were not able to receive it. This is perhaps primarily due to their anxiety and worry about what is going to happen once they are admitted into such facility. Some fear that coming into contact with other addicts undergoing treatment in drug rehabilitation centers might lead into more a serious type of addiction in the future.

Monetary concern is another factor why these drug dependents were not able to receive the necessary drug addiction treatment. Most of them believe, albeit falsely, that drug rehabilitation costs a lot of money, which is why many of them opted to cease from using drugs without any expert help. Although they could certainly withdraw from using drugs on their own volition, the success rate of addicts ceasing from abusing drugs are usually low, with most relapsing into addiction.

Seeking professional help at drug rehabilitation centers is the best way for addicts to free themselves from addiction. With regards to the payment of necessary fees, many of the drug rehab centers in South Florida feature a sliding fee scale, which would allow you to pay certain fees based on your income. They also accept payment through insurance.

The increasing rate of South Florida drug abuse has also prompted a number of organizations to band together and set up various programs to assist those who are suffering from drug addiction. There are also a number of groups that have been formed to protect those who may be endangered by the presence of persons who are into the drug trade. One example of such is the Florida Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. This group is comprised of individuals and organizations concerned about the children who are endangered by their caregivers who manufacture drugs, deal illegal drugs or use them, and in doing so, physically and psychologically endanger the well-being of the children.

The increasing rate of South Florida drug abuse has also prompted the government to classify it as one of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas or HIDTA. Far from being a negative label, this allowed an enhanced coordination of the drug control efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in South Florida. This is to further strengthen their effort in eliminating or reducing the drug trafficking activities in the area. While it is true that South Florida drug abuse rate is still high at present, the combined efforts of government agencies and private organizations will definitely have make a positive impact in the near future.