Alcohol & Drug Rehabs in Miami, Florida

Miami, Florida is one of the major entry points for illegal drugs into the United States. Unfortunately, this also makes Miami one of the nation’s addiction hotspots.

Like the rest of the nation, Miami is facing issues with opioid addiction, fatal opioid-related overdoses, increased strain on their healthcare system, and overall higher drug abuse rates. In fact, from January 2021 to June 2021, Miami saw 166 fentanyl-related deaths.¹⁶ Thankfully, there are a total of 65 accredited alcohol and drug rehabs in Miami offering both inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

The 2020 Community Health Needs Assessment surveyed Miami residents about their health, including the consumption of alcohol and other substances, to identify areas that need the most help. The survey revealed that close to 32% of Miami residents were impacted by substance abuse or substance use disorders. Below are more findings from the survey:¹

• 9% used illicit drugs in the month before the survey.
• 8% used prescription opioids in the year before the survey.
• 6% of accidental drug overdose deaths.
• 8% participated in binge drinking.
• 1% have sought Miami drug rehabs or Miami alcohol rehabs.
• 9% have been negatively affected by alcohol or drug abuse.

Nearly half of respondents claim alcohol misuse is the most significant concern. The number of binge drinkers is higher in Florida, which has 15.8% binge drinkers, and in the United States overall, with 23.6% binge drinkers.¹

Overdose Deaths in Miami

More than 7,000 deaths in Florida involved the misuse of prescription or illicit drugs. Below are the 2020 findings on the specific deaths in Miami.²

Fentanyl

In 2020, there were 301 overdose deaths involving fentanyl and 33 overdose deaths involving fentanyl plus other substances. Further investigation found age variations in deaths explicitly caused by fentanyl, including:²

• One death under the age of 18
• 38 deaths between 18 and 25
• 71 deaths between 26 and 34
• 104 deaths between 35 and 50
• 87 deaths over 50

Heroin

Heroin by itself resulted in 42 drug overdose deaths in 2020. However, when combined with other substances, it led to 2 deaths. For some, heroin was the leading cause of death, and for others, another substance caused the death. Age differences among overdose deaths specifically caused by heroin include:²

• Three deaths between 18 and 25
• 11 deaths between 26 and 34
• 18 deaths between 35 and 50
• Nine deaths over 50

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine resulted in 66 deaths in Miami in 2020. Of those, it was the specific cause of death for 36 individuals. In the remaining 30, it was present, along with other substances. The breakdown of age groups of those in which methamphetamine caused the fatality include:²

• One death between 18 and 25
• 11 deaths between 26 and 34
• 16 deaths between 35 and 50
• Eight deaths over 50

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and clonazepam were involved in 297 deaths in Miami, with 113 caused by the drug itself and 184 deaths in which benzodiazepines were mixed with other substances. The findings for both drugs reveal every age range is affected by benzodiazepines. The following numbers reflect direct deaths from the drug:²

• One death under the age of 18
• 22 deaths between 18 and 25
• 35 deaths between 26 and 34
• 30 deaths between 35 and 50
• 25 deaths over 50

Cocaine misuse was the leader in causing fatalities to people in Miami. In 2020, 449 deaths involved cocaine, with 285 being a direct result of cocaine and 164 deaths due to the mixture of cocaine and other drugs. Of those who died with the main cause as cocaine:²

• 23 deaths were between ages 18 and 25.
• 45 deaths were between ages 26 and 34.
• 97 deaths were between ages 35 and 50.
• 120 deaths were over age 50.

Alcohol

In Dade County, 18% of adults binge drink or report drinking excessively. Of this percentage, 24.6% are men, and 11.9% are women. Other relevant statistics regarding alcohol binging and heavy drinking include the following:³

• 22% are Caucasians.
• 15% are African Americans.
• 9% are Hispanic.
• 7% are between 18 and 44.
• 6% are between 45 and 65.
• 3% are over 65.

Substance Abuse Among Miami Youth

The 2020 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey is a wake-up call for changes that need to be made among teens and adolescents. The survey was given to middle and high school students in Miami Dade county. Students were questioned on their misuse of alcohol and other substances thirty days before the survey. Below are some of the alarming results:⁴

• 17% misused alcohol.
• 6% reported binge drinking.
• 1% vaped nicotine, and 8% vaped marijuana.
• 3% smoked marijuana.
• 2% used inhalants.
• 20% ride with a driver who has smoked marijuana.
• 10% drive while high on marijuana.

Smaller than 1% engaged in cocaine, amphetamines, prescription drugs, club drugs, etc. Out of the middle and high school students reporting alcohol misuse:⁴

• 14% admitted to drinking until they experienced a blackout
• 15% admitted to riding with someone who was drinking
• 3% admitted to driving while drinking

Florida policy makers have enacted the following laws related to substance misuse and overdoses:^1,2,3,4

Florida’s Marchman Act: In 1993, the Marchman Act (Florida’s Substance Abuse Impairment Act) combined legislation, service provider licensure, and client rights regarding substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders into a single piece of legislation. The act:

• • Ensures persons with SUD or AUD maintain their dignity and confidentiality when seeking treatment.
  • Establishes protocols for inpatient and outpatient therapies, including detox.
  • Details methods for Florida residents to be admitted involuntarily to rehab, including through drug courts.
  • Clarifies parental rights for admitting youth into Florida rehabs.

Juvenile Possession Laws: Florida laws distinguish types and amounts of drugs to deem possession of each substance as a simple misdemeanor or felony/intent to sell.

• • • • Cocaine: Possession of any amount is a third-degree felony. Possession of 28 grams or more is a first-degree felony.
      • Prescription drugs: Possession without a valid prescription is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
      • Heroin: Possession of less than 10 grams is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Possession of more than 10 grams can result in up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and revocation of driver’s license for 2 years.
      • MDMA/Ecstasy: Possession of less than 10 grams is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Possession of 10 grams or more is considered trafficking, which carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 3 years, and a max of 30.
      • Meth: Possession of less than 14 grams is a third-degree felony. Possession of more than 14 grams is considered trafficking and has a minimum mandatory prison sentence.

Florida Good Samaritan Law: This law protects Florida residents who seek or receive emergency medical assistance during a suspected overdose. It is meant to save lives by removing fear of arrest or prosecution for:

• • • • Possession or use of a controlled substance
      • Possession or use of drug paraphernalia
      • Providing alcohol to minors

DUI Law: Florida law prohibits driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or chemical substances, which is indicated by a BAC of .08 or above. Penalties for a first DUI offense include a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and, if BAC is .15 or higher or there was a minor in the vehicle, a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000.

In Miami, you can experience diverse cultural influences. The weather is perfect for trips to the beach to meditate or wade in the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of outdoor activities to help you relax and reconnect with nature. There are numerous Miami drug rehabs and Miami alcohol rehabs in Dade county.

Neighborhoods in Miami to Consider for Treatment

In South Florida, Coconut Grove is a neighborhood with multiple drug rehabs in Miami. It’s close to downtown but more laid back than the city. Boating activities, local restaurants, farmer’s markets, and manicured parks are great ways to transition into a sober lifestyle.

North Miami drug rehabs are about 10 miles north along the Biscayne Bay. There is no shortage of things to do and learn in the area, known for its parks and museums. With plenty of beaches, you can take relaxing walks one day and hit the art scene the next.

If picking strawberries and hanging out in the groves of tropical fruit trees is your idea of relaxation, the Redlands is a rural piece of Miami you must visit. It surrounds the entrance to the Everglades National Park.

Dining on cuisine by celebrity chefs or sitting on a bench looking out for celebrities can be done in South Beach. There’s more to it than glamour and glitz, however. You can view wildlife, tour the Art Deco district, take a food tasting tour, or learn salsa dancing. Having so many healthy distractions can be good during early recovery.

• • 1. University of Miami Health System and Jackson Health System. (2021). 2020 Community Health Needs Assessment Miami-Dade County, Florida.
    2. Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2022). Medical Examiners Commission 2020 Annual Report.
    3. Florida Department of Health. (2022). Adults Who Engage in Heavy or Binge Drinking.
    4. Florida Department of Families and Children. (2020). 2020 Florida Use Substance Abuse Survey.
    5. Florida Department of Families and Children. (2019). Get Help: Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
    6. Miami Dade County. (2022). Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.
    7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Discretionary Funding Fiscal Year 2018.
    8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Types of Treatment Programs.
    9. Grim, B. J., & Grim, M. E. (2019). Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1713-1750.
    10. McHugh, R. K., & Weiss, R. D. (2019). Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 40(1), arcr.v40.1.01.
    11. McHugh R. K. (2015). Treatment of Co-occurring Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use Disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23(2), 99-111.
    12. Preuss, U. W., Schaefer, M., Born, C., & Grunze, H. (2021). Bipolar Disorder and Comorbid Use of Illicit Substances. Medicina, 57(11), 1256.
    13. Trull, T. J., Freeman, L. K., Vebares, T. J., Choate, A. M., Helle, A. C., & Wycoff, A. M. (2018). Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders: An Updated Review. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 5, 15.
    14. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
    15. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami Dade County. (2022). Mental Health Substance Abuse.
    16. Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2021). Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners.