Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Jupiter, Florida
The town of Jupiter, Florida is one of the northernmost communities in the Miami metropolitan area and home to about 63,813 people. Marijuana presence in Jupiter has been on the decline in recent years, but in contrast, Opioid and Benzodiazepine abuse has been on a steady rise. Imported Heroin and Fentanyl are also major problems for the coastal city, as the harbor of Jupiter is considered an easy access point for drug trafficking.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available nearby. One of the most populated counties in the state of Florida, rehab facilities can be found throughout; connecting you with the help and support you need.
The Opioid Epidemic In Jupiter
Despite the state-wide crackdown on prescription drugs and “pill mills” since 2012, deaths-related to non-medical abuse of prescription Opioids, particularly that of Oxycodone, have increased in Jupiter within the past 5 years. In 2016 alone, there were 549 fatal accidental prescription Opioid overdoses in Palm Beach County.
Top Opioid-Related Death Contributors in Jupiter, FL:
Palm Beach County had more Heroin deaths during 2016 and 2017 than any other county in the state. The official toll for fatal Heroin-related overdoses totals at 571 people. Additionally, Jupiter is at the center of a major Fentanyl crisis, as deaths by Fentanyl and/or Fentanyl analogs have increased by 97% from 2015 to 2016.
Cocaine and Methamphetamine deaths have also been steadily increasing in Palm Beach County since 2013, and local officials are attributing this to an increase of polysubstance abuse (usage of multiple substances together) in conjunction with Heroin and other Opioids. Additionally, many suppliers in the area have been lacing Heroin with Cocaine and other drugs such as Fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose. When laced with other drugs, users can’t properly estimate a safe dose, which can lead to the accidental administration of deadly doses. All Heroin deaths in the Miami metropolitan area during 2016 involved at least one or more other drugs detected in the decedents.
“The drug user on the street has absolutely no idea of what they are purchasing anymore: Heroin, Fentanyl or Carfentanil.”
Alcohol Abuse In Jupiter
Out of all the counties in the Miami metropolitan area, Palm Beach County ranks second for binge drinking. Binge drinking refers to the dangerous act of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time (5 or more drinks for men; 4 or more for women within 2 hours). Alcohol was detected as being present in nearly half of all drug-related deaths in the state of Florida during 2016 and was the primary drug cited by more than a third of all patients admitted to treatment in Palm Beach County. Of those patients, 8% were young adults aged 18-25, 26% were adults aged 26-34 years%, and 66% were those aged 35 years or older.
Dangerous alcohol use has continued to be a prominent issue, and Jupiter has seen an increase in the number of traffic fatalities where alcohol was suspected in recent years. During 2016 alone, there were 1,948 adult arrests made in Palm Beach county for Driving Under the Influence.
At-Risk Youth
Although Marijuana has been on the decline in recent years, it is still one of the most commonly abused drugs amongst the youth of Jupiter. 79% of adolescents 18 years of age or younger admitted for addiction treatment in Palm Beach County entered for Marijuana abuse. In correlation to the decline of Marijuana use for the general population, Jupiter has seen a weakening of Marijuana prevention factors over the past few years, and some local officials fear that this may influence stronger future trends of abuse for high school age students. After alcohol, students reported Marijuana use as the most commonly used drug, with 21.3% identifying as lifetime users and 11.2% reporting marijuana use in the past 30-days. Additionally, synthetic Cannabinoids that mimic the effects of Marijuana, such as “K-2” or “spice,” are becoming more popular as they are often marketed as safe alternatives to Marijuana.
Another issue for the youth of Jupiter is the modern popularity of vaporizers; “vaping” refers to the inhalation of vapors made by electronic devices. Vaporizers were originally intended for the smoking of liquid flavored nicotine, but many now use them for illicit drugs. Certain musicians and celebrities have made vaping seem “cool,” normalizing and encouraging younger drug use. “Vaping” devices are increasingly reported for the use of Marijuana and other novel psychoactive substances. In 2016, nearly 3.5 times as many Palm Beach County high school students and 5 times as many middle school students identified as current users of vape pens or e-cigarettes compared to 2015.
Break free from addiction.
You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.
It’s Time For A Change
Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and the body, making it almost impossible for the user to quit on his or her own. Don’t hesitate to seek help. If alcohol or substance abuse is taking over your life, or the life of a loved one, Jupiter has numerous great resources to help you with your battle against addiction. To learn more, contact a treatment provider today.
Published:
Author
Jena Hilliard
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Jena Hilliard earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida in English Literature. She has always had a passion for literature and the written word. Upon graduation, Jena found her purpose in educating the public on addiction and helping those that struggle with substance dependency find the best treatment options available.
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