Like many other cities across the United States, Tampa has a drug and alcohol problem. Substance abuse and addiction can negatively impact individuals, families, and communities, leading to various negative consequences, including health problems, legal issues, and social isolation.

According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019, approximately 13.9% of individuals in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area reported past-month illicit drug use, slightly lower than the national average of 14.7%. The most commonly used illegal drugs in the area are marijuana, prescription opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Alcohol is also widely consumed in Tampa, and excessive drinking is a concern.

One factor contributing to the drug and alcohol problem in Tampa is the prevalence of prescription drug abuse. The overprescription of opioids has led to an increase in the number of individuals addicted to these drugs. Additionally, the high demand for prescription drugs has led to the proliferation of pill mills and clinics that prescribe opioids without proper medical evaluation.

Another contributing factor is the easy availability of drugs in the area. Tampa is a major transportation hub, with several major highways passing through the city, making it an attractive location for drug trafficking organizations. The city’s proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America makes it a common drug entry point.

If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, Curasouth is available to help. We are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and individualized medically monitored detox program. To learn more about our programs, contact us today.

What Are the Most Commonly Used Drugs in Tampa, FL?

The 2019 Annual Drug Report published by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Medical Examiners Commission provides information on the drugs found in deceased persons in Florida. According to the report, the top five drugs found in deceased persons in the Tampa Bay area in 2019 were fentanyl, benzodiazepines, cocaine, morphine, and methamphetamine.

Fentanyl was the most commonly found drug in all counties in the Tampa Bay area, with benzodiazepines and cocaine following closely behind. The report also noted an increase in the use of methamphetamine in recent years. It is important to note this data only reflects drug use in individuals who have died and may not represent drug use among the general population.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Metropolitan Brief Report for Tampa, FL, the most commonly used illicit drug in the past month among individuals aged 18 or older was marijuana. In Tampa, 10.1% of individuals aged 18 or older reported using marijuana in the past month, slightly lower than the national average of 10.7%.

The second most commonly used illicit drug in Tampa was cocaine, with 1.7% of individuals aged 18 or older reporting use in the past month. However, it is essential to note that this data reflects self-reported drug use among individuals who participated in the survey and may not represent drug use among the general population.

Why Do These Drugs Get Used Most Often?

There are a variety of reasons why certain drugs may be more commonly used than others.

Here are some possible factors that may contribute to why certain drugs get used more often:

• Availability – More readily available drugs in a particular area may be more commonly used. For example, if a specific drug is sold more widely in a particular community or is easier to obtain, it may be more commonly used.
• Cost – The cost of a drug may also impact how commonly it is used. If a drug is more expensive, it may be less accessible to individuals with lower incomes or those who cannot afford it, resulting in lower use rates.
• Peer Pressure – Social factors like peer pressure may also contribute to using certain drugs. If drug use is seen as socially acceptable or encouraged within a particular group or community, individuals may be more likely to try or continue using those drugs.
• Addiction – Addiction can also contribute to the prevalence of drug use. If an individual becomes addicted to a particular drug, they may continue to use it even if they know it harms their health.
• Mental Health Issues – Sometimes, individuals may turn to drugs to cope with underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

How Are Drugs Getting Into the State?

Drugs can enter the state through various means, including:

• Border Crossings – Florida is a coastal state with several major ports. It is a common entry point for drugs smuggled into the United States from other countries, mainly South and Central America.
• Interstate Highways – Florida has several major highways that connect it to other states, making it a common transit point for drugs being transported across the country.
• Airports – Florida has several major airports, including Miami International Airport and Orlando International Airport, known as entry points for drugs smuggled into the United States.
• Postal Service – Drugs can also be shipped through the mail or other delivery services and can be challenging to detect, making it a common method for drug trafficking.
• Domestic – Production: Some drugs, such as marijuana, can be grown domestically in Florida, either in small-scale operations or more extensive illegal drug manufacturing facilities.

Demographics of Drug Users in Tampa, FL

The demographics of drug users in Tampa, FL, vary depending on the drug. However, here are some general demographic trends based on available data:

• Age – According to the 2019 NSDUH report, young adults aged 18-25 had the highest rate of illicit drug use at 24.5%. However, drug use is also reported across all age groups.
• Gender – Men are generally more likely to use drugs than women, although the gap between male and female drug use has decreased in recent years.
• Race/Ethnicity – Rates of drug use varied across racial and ethnic groups. The highest rate of past illicit drug use was among individuals identifying as two or more races, at 12.4%, followed by individuals identifying as White at 9.3%, and individuals identifying as Black or African American at 9.0%. The rate of past illicit drug use among individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino was 7.4%.
• Socioeconomic Status – Individuals with lower incomes and education levels are more likely to use drugs than those with higher incomes and education levels.
• Homelessness – Homeless individuals are more likely to use drugs than the general population. In Tampa, several initiatives aim to provide resources and support to homeless individuals struggling with drug addiction.

Which City in Tampa, FL Is Known for the Highest Drug Use?

It is difficult to single out a particular city in Tampa, FL, with the highest drug use. Drug use is a complex issue that affects individuals and communities across the Tampa Bay Area, and rates of drug use can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific drug in question, the demographics of the population, and the availability of drugs in different areas.

That being said, certain areas in Tampa have been identified as having higher rates of drug-related problems, such as the Ybor City neighborhood, which has a history of drug-related crime and has been the focus of several law enforcement initiatives to reduce drug trafficking and use.

However, it’s important to approach the issue of drug use with nuance and avoid stigmatizing any particular community or area. Addressing drug use requires a comprehensive approach that involves prevention, education, treatment, and law enforcement efforts.

How Does Tampa, FL Compare to Other States?

Florida has a serious addiction problem, with approximately 8% of the population, or around 1.5 million Floridians, using illicit drugs. Overdoses have been increasing, with Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reporting 1,491 overdoses in 2020, a 71% increase from 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the crisis, as isolation and stressors push people to rely on substances. Florida ranks second in the US for overdose deaths, with 7,579 deaths in 2020, a 37% increase from 2019. Opioids, particularly fentanyl, are a major contributor to the problem. Florida was once the center of America’s prescription drug abuse epidemic, and opioids remain a leading concern. Despite numerous efforts to combat the epidemic, drug overdose deaths continue to rise, especially during the pandemic. Alcoholism is also a major issue in Florida, with almost half the population suffering from alcohol dependency. The state is ranked as the 29th ‘drunkest state’ in America.

How Is Tampa, FL Dealing With Substance Abuse?

Tampa, FL, is taking several steps to address substance abuse and addiction in the community.

Some of the measures being taken include:

• Prevention and Education – The city is focused on raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and addiction through educational programs and outreach initiatives. This includes providing information about the risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse and promoting healthy habits.
• Treatment and Recovery – Tampa has several treatment and recovery programs to help individuals struggling with addiction. This includes inpatient and outpatient services, counseling and therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Harm Reduction – The city is also working to reduce the harm caused by substance abuse by providing access to clean needles, naloxone, and other harm-reduction resources.
• Law Enforcement – Law enforcement agencies in Tampa are cracking down on drug trafficking and other drug-related crimes to reduce the supply of drugs in the city.
• Collaboration – There is a strong emphasis on cooperation between government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare providers to ensure that the needs of those struggling with addiction are being met comprehensively and effectively.

Drug Use, Admissions, & Overdose Statistics in Tampa, FL

Drug use, admissions, and overdose statistics in Tampa, FL, cause concern. According to the Florida Department of Health’s 2020 Annual Report, there were 7,460 drug overdose deaths statewide, and 485 occurred in Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located. The majority of these deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2018, Hillsborough County had a drug overdose rate of 21.4 per 100,000, higher than the state average of 18.4 per 100,000. The majority of these overdoses involved opioids.

These statistics suggest that Tampa, FL, is facing a significant problem with substance abuse, particularly opioid abuse and overdose. As a result, there are ongoing efforts by local and state organizations to address the issue, including increasing access to addiction treatment, providing harm reduction resources, and implementing stricter regulations on prescription opioid use.

Cost of Substance Abuse & Addiction to Tampa’s Economy

The cost of substance abuse and addiction to Tampa’s economy is significant. The economic cost of drug abuse and addiction in the United States was 740 billion in 2019. This includes costs related to healthcare, productivity loss, criminal justice, and other factors.

In Tampa specifically, the economic cost of substance abuse and addiction can be seen in several ways. For example, the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, and other medical treatments related to substance abuse and addiction can be significant. Additionally, lost productivity due to substance abuse and addiction can impact local businesses and the economy.

Furthermore, substance abuse and addiction can lead to increased criminal activity and incarceration, which comes with economic costs. For example, the cost of incarcerating an individual in Florida was estimated to be $24,265 annually in 2018.

Overall, the cost of substance abuse and addiction to Tampa’s economy is difficult to estimate precisely. Still, it can significantly impact healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses.

Contact Us to Learn More

At Curasouth,  we remain dedicated to providing our clients with a comprehensive program of medically assisted detox that focuses on much more than physical stabilization. In addition to emphasizing physical recovery, we tackle mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While prioritizing a safe and pain-free drug withdrawal, we offer individual,  group, and family therapy sessions, case management services, relapse prevention training, and aftercare planning.

Contact us today if you or your loved one is ready to begin an entirely new way of life and commit to long-term recovery. As soon as you call, we start developing a plan of action that begins with an initial pre-assessment. This assessment helps us determine the most appropriate level of care for each unique case. We identify potential coverage options if our medically monitored detox program is a good fit. We work closely with most major regional and national insurance providers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation insurance benefit check.