Statistical Data on Drugs in Florida
Florida faces significant challenges with substance abuse, experiencing higher-than-national-average drug-related deaths and widespread addiction issues. This report synthesizes key statistics from various sources, highlighting the complex landscape of drug use in the state.
Overall Drug Use and Overdose Statistics
- Approximately 8% of Florida residents (about 1.5 million people) are using illicit drugs at any given time.
- In 2021, there were 8,093 overdose deaths statewide.
- Florida had the second highest number of overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2020 with 7,579 deaths, a 37% increase from 2019.
- In 2022, there were 105,490 EMS responses to overdoses.
Drug-Related Deaths and Incidents in 2022
- Total fatalities: 7,769
- Overdose emergency medical service (EMS) calls: 105,490
- Naloxone administered: 51,752
- Drug-related arrests: 83,452
- Prescription medications filled: 11,722,146
- Cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): 935
The data highlights a sustained opioid crisis, with nearly half of all EMS overdose responses involving Naloxone—suggesting opioids play a significant role in emergency drug situations.
Opioid Epidemic
- There were 6,089 opioid overdose deaths in 2021.
- Fentanyl was involved in over 60% of Florida’s overdose deaths in 2019.
- From January to June 2022, fentanyl caused 2,744 overdose deaths, the most of any drug.
The opioid crisis continues to be a major concern in Florida, with fentanyl playing a particularly deadly role. The high number of opioid-related deaths and the frequent use of naloxone for overdose reversal underscore the epidemic’s severity. The large number of opioid prescriptions dispensed suggests that both illicit and prescription opioids contribute to the crisis.
Prescription Drug Abuse
- From January to June 2022, there were 3,033 prescription drug overdose deaths.
- 437 deaths occurred due to benzodiazepines in the first half of 2022, with 260 from alprazolam (Xanax).
- Amphetamine was responsible for 418 deaths from Jan-June 2022.
Prescription drug abuse remains a significant issue, with a high number of overdose deaths attributed to various prescription medications. Benzodiazepines and amphetamines are notable contributors to this problem, indicating a need for stricter monitoring and control of these substances.
Illicit Drug Use
1,282 adults had an illicit drug use disorder in 2020.
From January to June 2022:
- 1,230 deaths from cocaine use
- 1,088 deaths from methamphetamine use
Cocaine and methamphetamine use continue to pose serious threats, as evidenced by the high number of deaths associated with these substances. The data on illicit drug use disorders suggests a need for increased prevention and treatment efforts targeting these specific drugs.
Adult Drug Use by Age Group
| Substance | Ages 18–25 | Ages 26+ |
| Marijuana | 32.9% | 14.5% |
| Cocaine | 4.4% | 1.4% |
| Methamphetamine | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Heroin | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Pain Reliever Misuse | 4.8% | 3.4% |
| Illicit Drug Use Disorder | 17.0% | 6.2% |
Substance use is markedly higher among young adults, especially regarding marijuana and cocaine. Heroin usage, however, remains consistent across both age groups.
Substance Use by Gender
| Drug Type | Female | Male |
| Opioids | 52.0% | 48.0% |
| Sedatives | 54.8% | 45.2% |
| Cocaine | 33.0% | 67.0% |
| Cannabis | 38.0% | 62.0% |
| Multiple Substances | 38.7% | 61.3% |
Women show higher rates of opioid and sedative use, while men have higher usage rates of cocaine, cannabis, and polysubstance abuse.
Youth Substance Use in 2023
| Substance | Lifetime Use | Past 30 Days |
| Marijuana | 14.2% | 7.4% |
| Synthetic Marijuana | 2.6% | 1.1% |
| Inhalants | 5.3% | 1.5% |
| Club Drugs | 0.8% | 0.3% |
| Hallucinogens | 2.1% | 0.7% |
| Cocaine/Crack | 0.7% | 0.3% |
| Methamphetamine | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Heroin | 0.3% | 0.2% |
Youth drug use has declined steadily since 2012. Marijuana remains the most commonly used substance among teens, though usage has dropped significantly from 23.2% to 14.2% in lifetime use.
Addiction Treatment Figures
- Treatment centers statewide: 847
- Patients treated annually: 57,335
- Relapse rates are estimated at 40-60%, similar to other chronic conditions.
Over 60% of people eventually overcome their substance use disorder.
- Outpatient treatment: 50,808
- Residential (non-hospital): 5,562
- Hospital-based treatment: 965
- Centers providing free services: 13
Treatment Cost Breakdown
- Average cost for residential treatment: $56,640
- Average outpatient treatment cost: $1,705
- Total outpatient spending: $86.63 million (3.75% of national total)
- Total residential spending: $315 million (6.07% of national total)
The considerable gap between residential and outpatient costs poses accessibility challenges for many individuals in need of intensive care.
Healthcare Burden of Substance Use
- Total 3-year healthcare cost of illicit drugs: $6.4 billion
- Medicare coverage: $2.16 billion
- Medicaid and private insurance: $1.36 billion
The financial toll on Florida’s healthcare infrastructure is immense, with government-funded insurance programs bearing a major portion of the expense.
Prevention and Response Efforts
- Naloxone kits distributed: 373,000+
- Overdose prevention training recipients: ~22,000
- Confirmed overdose reversals: 23,000+
- CVS opioid settlement: $484 million over 18 years
- Walgreens opioid settlement: $683 million over 18 years
Public Attitudes Toward Naloxone Use
- 31.7% are willing to use Narcan if available
- 20.2% would prefer to contact emergency services
- 42.8% would administer with prior training
- 5.3% expressed reluctance to use it
Despite public health campaigns, readiness to intervene with Naloxone remains limited, underscoring the need for broader community education.
Florida’s drug statistics reveal a complex crisis, with high rates of substance abuse and overdose deaths straining healthcare and emergency services. While youth drug use is declining and treatment access is improving, the opioid epidemic and prescription drug abuse remain critical issues. The data shows disparities in substance use across demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Despite ongoing prevention and treatment efforts, the financial burden on the healthcare system is significant. To address this multifaceted problem, Florida must continue to prioritize comprehensive strategies combining prevention, treatment, and harm reduction approaches.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Florida
Florida continues to deal with the widespread effects of alcohol misuse, especially among adults. The data below highlights the state’s public health, social, and economic challenges related to alcohol, emphasizing the need for ongoing prevention and treatment efforts.
Annual Mortality and Demographics
- Alcohol-attributable deaths annually: 10,655
- Years of potential life lost per year: 255,673
- Gender breakdown: 69.2% male
- Deaths among those 35 and older: 85.9%
- Deaths among individuals under 21: 2.34%
The burden of alcohol-related mortality disproportionately affects older males.
Chronic and Specific Alcohol-Related Death Causes
Chronic causes (e.g., alcohol dependency): 60.8%
- Liver disease/cirrhosis: 1,709 deaths
- Stroke: 170 deaths
- Esophageal cancer: 39 deaths
- Liver cancer: 79 deaths
Counties with High Alcohol-Involved Driving Fatalities
- Dixie County: 70%
- Union County: 50%
- Walton County: 45%
- Putnam County: 44%
Rural areas show the highest percentage of alcohol-involved driving deaths, indicating a need for targeted safety campaigns in these locations.
Adult Alcohol Use (2019–2020)
Highest binge-drinking income group: $50,000–$74,999
- Adults reporting alcohol use in the past month: 52%
- Adults engaging in excessive drinking: 16.7%
- Male: 19%
- Age 18–44: 20%
While most adults drink responsibly, a notable portion engage in hazardous drinking, especially younger adults and middle-income earners.
Trends in Youth Alcohol Use (2012-2023)
- Lifetime alcohol use decreased from 47.3% (2012) to 28.2% (2023)
- Past 30-day use decreased from 24.6% (2012) to 11.0% (2023)
- Females consistently report slightly higher rates than males
- White, non-Hispanic youth report highest rates, followed by Hispanic/Latino, then African American
- By 12th grade in 2023: 41.2% lifetime use, 20.5% past 30-day use
There’s a clear downward trend in youth alcohol use across all demographics, which is a positive development. However, significant differences persist among racial/ethnic groups and age cohorts.
Youth Alcohol Consumption: 2012 vs. 2023
| Year | Lifetime Use | Past 30-Day Use |
| 2012 | 47.3% | 24.6% |
| 2023 | 28.2% | 11.0% |
Teen alcohol use has dropped by nearly half in the last decade—a promising sign for long-term public health.
Early Alcohol Use (High School Youth Who Started at Age 13 or Younger)
- “More than a sip” decreased from 25.4% (2012) to 12.5% (2023)
- Regular use by age 13 decreased from 5.0% (2012) to 2.1% (2023)
The reduction in early alcohol use is encouraging, suggesting that prevention efforts targeting younger adolescents may be having an impact.
Binge Drinking Behaviors
- Median drinks per binge: 5.5
- Top 25% drinkers: 7.3 drinks per binge
- Median binge frequency: 1.8 times/month
- Top 25% binge frequency: 4.9 times/month
Heavy drinkers tend to consume more alcohol more frequently, raising concerns about long-term health risks.
Financial Cost of Alcohol Use
- Total cost (2010): $15.322 billion
- Inflation-adjusted (2022): $20.685 billion
- Cost per drink (2022): $2.46
- State and federal alcohol tax per drink: $0.23
Alcohol-related costs far outweigh the tax revenue collected, pointing to a potential need for policy adjustments and stronger public health initiatives.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment
- Over 24,000 individuals sought alcohol addiction treatment in the past year
- Majority of treatment seekers were 35 years or older
- 18% of treatment seekers were between 18-25 years old
While a significant number of individuals are seeking treatment, the data suggests that many may not seek help until later in life, highlighting the need for earlier intervention.
Alcohol misuse remains a significant public health concern in Florida, with older adults—particularly men—bearing the greatest burden of alcohol-related harm. While youth alcohol use is declining, risky drinking behaviors among adults persist, especially in rural areas and certain income groups. The financial and human toll of alcohol far exceeds current preventive efforts, underscoring the urgent need for stronger, targeted interventions, earlier treatment access, and continued public health investment.
In general, Florida faces a serious substance abuse crisis, with high rates of drug and alcohol-related deaths and significant strain on healthcare and emergency services. Opioids, especially fentanyl, remain a leading cause of overdose, while prescription and illicit drug use continue to pose major challenges. Although youth substance use is declining, adult misuse—particularly of alcohol—remains widespread. Disparities across age, gender, and region highlight the need for targeted interventions. Despite ongoing prevention and treatment efforts, the financial burden is enormous, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive, statewide solutions.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Drug Abuse and Addiction Statistics in Florida – Olympic Behavioral Health
- Substance Use Dashboard: Overview | CHARTS
- 2023 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Statewide Tables
- Addiction Statistics in Florida – Data on Addiction, Abuse and Treatment
- Substance Abuse Statistics in Florida | Riverside Recovery of Tampa
- Florida Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
- Substance Abuse and Rehab Statistics for Florida – NP Addict
- Florida Substance Abuse Statistics | Gulf Coast Recovery Center
- FLORIDA – National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 2019-2020
- Substance Abuse and Rehab Statistics for Florida – NP Addict
- Explore Excessive Drinking in Florida | AHR
- Addressing Excessive Alcohol Use: State Fact Sheets
- 2019 Statistics: Alcohol Use in Florida – Ambrosia Treatment