Drug Test - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Drug Testing

Substance abuse statistics for Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Drug abuse trends

Drug overdose deaths in 2020 increased by 30 percent across the country. Florida saw an even higher increase in drug overdose deaths at 37.3 percent from 2019 to 2020. As of 2020, Floria ranked second in the nation for drug overdose deaths, behind only California.

The pandemic led to a considerable increase in drug overdoses nationwide, and Florida was no exception. Many people struggled with feelings of isolation and depression, rehabilitation centers were turning away in-person meetings, and employees were getting laid off or leaving their jobs in droves. Experts believe these factors increased the number of people who resorted to drugs as a coping mechanism, ultimately increasing the rate of fatal drug overdoses.

Fentanyl deaths have been rising in Florida over the years, and many people who use drugs don't even realize they're taking it before it's too late. Fentanyl is often mixed into cocaine or amphetamines, leading to unexpected overdoses by people who do not know it before using the drugs.

Local initiatives to curb drug abuse in Fort Lauderdale, FL

One of the biggest local initiatives in the area is the United Way of Broward County's Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention. The primary purpose of this coalition is to prevent substance abuse and promote mental health, reducing negative effects on communities, families, and individuals. They also aim to foster partnerships between agencies of all different levels and to search for new strategies to handle substance abuse and misuse in the community.

Last updated 8/18/2022