Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Jacksonville

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Jacksonville, Florida, and throughout the state. According to the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, there were over 1,500 prescription drug-related deaths in Florida in 2017, with the majority of those deaths involving prescription opioids.

Prescription drug abuse programs aim to address the issue of substance abuse and addiction among individuals who are struggling with prescription medication misuse. These programs offer a variety of services, including medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and aftercare support to help individuals overcome their addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

Local Statistics:

1. In 2017, there were 1,079 reported opioid-related deaths in Florida, with over half of those deaths involving prescription opioids. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

2. From 2015 to 2016, the number of opioid-related deaths in Jacksonville increased by 47%. (The Florida Times-Union)

3. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2017 there were 16,535 individuals enrolled in substance abuse treatment programs in Duval County (which includes Jacksonville), with 13.1% of those individuals reporting prescription drug misuse as their primary reason for treatment.

4. In 2017, there were 227 reported prescription drug overdose deaths in Duval County. (Jacksonville Medical Examiner’s Office)

Rehab Programs in Jacksonville:

1. The Jacksonville Comprehensive Treatment Center is a facility that offers medication-assisted treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction, including prescription opioids. The program combines medication such as methadone or buprenorphine with counseling and therapy to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

2. River Region Human Services is a non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. The program includes detoxification, counseling, and aftercare services.

3. The Beaches Recovery is a treatment center in Jacksonville that offers a specialized program for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. The program includes individual and group therapy, medical detoxification, and aftercare support, as well as a focus on relapse prevention.

Disorders commonly associated with prescription drug abuse:

1. Opioid Use Disorder: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this is a pattern of opioid use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Symptoms may include a strong desire to use opioids, difficulty controlling use, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped or reduced.

2. Benzodiazepine Use Disorder: This disorder can develop from the misuse of prescription sedative medications, such as Xanax or Valium. Symptoms may include difficulty controlling use, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped or reduced.

3. Stimulant Use Disorder: This disorder can develop from the misuse of prescription stimulant medications, such as Adderall or Ritalin. Symptoms may include continued use despite negative consequences, difficulty controlling use, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped or reduced.

Facts about prescription drug abuse in Jacksonville and Florida:

1. In Florida, prescription drug addiction and overdose rates are on the rise, with the number of opioid prescriptions increasing by 181% from 2006 to 2015. (Florida Department of Health)

2. In 2014, Florida implemented a prescription drug monitoring program known as the Electronic Database for Controlled Substances, which tracks prescriptions and helps prevent “doctor shopping” and prescription fraud. (Florida Department of Health)

3. Prescription drug abuse is not limited to illicitly obtained medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 28% of people who misuse prescription opioids obtain them from a doctor's prescription.

4. Jacksonville is one of the cities targeted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Opioid Initiative, which aims to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by implementing strategies such as increasing access to medication-assisted treatment. (HHS.gov)