Drug Test - Port Saint Lucie, FL

Port Saint Lucie, Florida - Drug Testing

Substance abuse statistics for Port Saint Lucie, FL

Port Saint Lucie, Florida: Drug abuse trends

In 2020, 7,460 people overdosed in Florida and did not survive. In 2021, Florida EMS had 106,891 responses to drug overdoses, and almost 45,000 naloxone kits were administered. These numbers are alarming, and even though opioids are responsible for most overdose deaths in the state and nationwide, many other drugs also contribute to these statistics.

In addition to frequently abused opioids like codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine also contribute to fatal drug overdoses in St. Lucie County. Fentanyl has shown to be especially deadly since it is often laced into other substances without the knowledge of the person using them. Fentanyl has a high potency, at about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, which makes overdosing even more likely for unsuspecting people.

Local initiatives to curb drug abuse in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Drug Free St. Lucie is a network in Saint Lucie County that prioritizes the prevention of underage substance abuse. They work towards this goal through education, prevention, awareness, and community-based initiatives. Recently, the network received a five-year grant of $625,000 to prevent youth substance use. This fund comes from the White House as a recognition of the network's leadership and commitment to creating a healthy and safe community in Saint Lucie County.

Currently, the Drug Free St. Lucie network is working on multiple campaigns that could positively affect drug abuse trends in the county, such as Friday Night Done Right, Talk They Hear You, and Know the Law: a Guide for Youth and Parents.

Last updated 8/22/2022