Drug Rehabs in Tallahassee, FL

Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida is the state capitol and has an approximate population of 190,895. The north Floridian city additionally houses thousands of students attending Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University. A combination of poverty, student presence, and gang activity has led the city to become a surprising hub of substance abuse. The 4^th leading cause of health problems for the Tallahassee population is addiction (alcohol or drug).

Fortunately, there are several treatment facilities nearby, but traveling a short distance to neighboring regions might be more beneficial in finding the assistance best suited to your needs.

Unemployment And Substance Abuse

Florida has suffered from some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation during the last several years of the economic recession, which still affects Tallahassee’s population today. Those that are unemployed have a significantly higher tendency to abuse drugs or alcohol to soothe their uncertainties of life and financial burdens. Job loss leads to psychological and social distress that illegal drugs and/or alcohol can seem to calm temporarily. Unemployment also allows for more non-working time that can be used for recreational substance abuse. Although unemployment in the counties surrounding Tallahassee is down 3.6%, the majority of the populations of those counties are still below the poverty line.

19% of Tallahassee’s homeless population are veterans, who also are more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to ease mental health issues developed during their service. Simultaneous mental health issues and substance use disorders are called co-occurring disorders, which veterans commonly suffer from. Florida, and Tallahassee in particular, has made it a top priority to help homeless veterans and have founded multiple foundations such as Big Bend Homeless Coalition to help ailing veterans; however, it is still a prominent issue.

Addiction Risk Factors For College Students In Tallahassee

College is often the time when young people begin to engage in substance abuse, and Tallahassee is home to two of the largest universities in Florida: Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

It is reported that in 2016, Florida State University Police Department (FSUPD) made 191 alcohol-related arrests alone. Many students turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the pressures of college life or fit in with their peers. Across the country students are reporting higher levels of mental distress (loneliness, anxiety, depression) in conjunction with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and daily collegiate stressors. Often, students engage in binge drinking (4 or more drinks for women, 5 or more for men within 2 hours), universally normalized as part of the“college experience.”

Fraternities and sororities often encourage copious amounts of drinking as both a rite of passage or part of ritualistic hazing. Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.

Alcohol poisoning symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• Shallow breathing
• Clammy, blue-tinged skin
• Seizures

The presence and consumption of alcohol may encourage students to abuse other drugs. One of the most commonly abused drugs on Florida college campuses is Adderall, a prescription amphetamine that is falsely believed to boost academic performance and combat the effects of alcohol.

Drug and alcohol use also has a direct link to risky sexual behavior, which may lead to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, and other serious consequences. According to the Leon County Community Health Assessment, the total gonorrhea, chlamydia, and infectious syphilis rate in Leon County (which includes Tallahassee) has dramatically increased since 2005. Forcible sex offenses are also higher in Tallahassee than the Florida average, and one of the main ways in which offenders subdue their victims is with alcohol or Benzodiazepines, especially Rohypnol. In 2012 and 2013, there were 55 rape convictions across Florida college campuses with 16 of those convictions being from FSU alone. Not only are these students subject to STDs, but such a traumatic experience can cause the victim to engage in further substance abuse to cope with the incident.

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Gang Violence And Substance Abuse In Tallahassee

As poverty and crime has increased throughout the city of Tallahassee, so has gang presence and activity. Substance abuse is inextricably linked with gang activity; gang members are more likely than their peers to engage in crime, violence, and substance abuse. According to the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, it is a very common occurrence for Tallahassee students aged 15-17 to witness delinquent activities such as drug sales among gang members at school. Gang youth and young people observing gang activity tend to develop a nonchalant attitude towards illicit drug and alcohol use as it becomes normalized behavior.

I feel like it’s gotten worse… kids today bringing guns and knives to school. They used to fight it out with their fists and be done with it. But now there’s retaliation also. That causes a problem within the community.

Addiction Treatment In Tallahassee

If you are an individual addicted to or abusing alcohol or drugs in the Tallahassee area, you are not alone. There are resources and facilities that can help within your area and dozens more throughout the state. Contact a treatment provider today to get the help you need and deserve. You don’t have to suffer alone.