The war on drugs continues in Florida, and it’s not just opioids.
Meth, also known as methamphetamine, or speed, has made its way to be known in Florida.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
“Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. “
If you’re a Floridian, you may have noticed the unusual spike in meth overdoses and activity recently. For instance, the man who was eaten by an alligator was found to have died from a meth overdose before the unfortunate event.
Or when First Coast News released an article on how to avoid buying a “meth house” in Florida, as many people “cook” meth in their homes.
Lastly, WSFU, a Tallahassee publication, revealed that emerged as the drug of choice for the Florida panhandle. Recently, a meth ring was busted that included both George and Florida felons.
What is going on? We will take an inside look at Florida and methamphetamines, as well as how to get help for methamphetamine addiction.
Methamphetamines and It’s Rising Impact on Florida
In the latest (2018) Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners, the increase of methamphetamines occurrences rose. The report states:
“Occurrences of methamphetamine increased by 23 percent (198 more) and deaths caused by methamphetamine increased by 33 percent (155 more). Occurrences of amphetamine increased by 29 percent (249 more) and deaths caused by amphetamine increased by 37 percent (95 more). In the body, methamphetamine is metabolized to amphetamine, thus many occurrences of amphetamine likely represent illicit methamphetamine ingestion rather than pharmaceutical amphetamine use.”
Source: Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners
According to the 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, it’s shown that Florida in the middle of the pack in terms of methamphetamines-related deaths. The surrounding states are a bit better, but it’s alarming that Florida is doing much worse than it’s counterparts.
Source: DEA
The 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment also mentioned that methamphetamine laboratory seizures reduced domestically in the United States. However, the primary source of meth continues to be Mexico near the southern border. The meth is then transported across the country, from the West Coast to Florida.
Source: 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment
The DEA report once again shows that Florida is in the middle in terms of meth labs being seized, showing there is a lot of activity with Florida and methamphetamines. The surrounding states, however, are not as bad, which should raise some questions.
Conclusion
Florida and methamphetamines will continue to be an issue, as meth-related deaths rise and supply increases.
However, if you believe you are suffering a meth addiction, is it possible to seek help. It is never late to break the cycle of addiction and begin living a sober life.
If you or someone you know is suffering from methamphetamine addiction, call On Call Treatment FL at 1-855-492-1515, available 24/7.