Drug and Alcohol Addiction and Abuse Statistics in Coconut Creek
Drug and alcohol misuse among residents is impacting the overall Coconut Creek community. Statistics reveal the following alarming truths. In 2021, in Broward County, there were:1
3,670 emergency medical service (EMS) response calls for opioid-related overdose
3,206 unintentional non-fatal overdose emergency room visits
1,967 non-fatal overdose hospital admissions
3,621 naloxone administrations
Broward County data revealed fentanyl plays a significant role in most overdose deaths:2
2,712 deaths were caused by fentanyl toxicity
280 people tested positive for fentanyl at the time of death, but it was not the cause of death
42% of drug-related deaths were due to fentanyl mixed with altered, synthetic fentanyl
28% of substance abuse deaths were due to fentanyl mixed with alcohol
Other substances mixed with fentanyl that led to deaths included methamphetamines, amphetamines, marijuana, alprazolam, morphine, gabapentin, and heroin.
Levels of Substance Abuse Care
Different levels of addiction care are available for different needs. Some Florida residents start at detox and work through the entire continuum of care, while others need only the least intensive options.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Performed under medical supervision, detox is the process of comfortably and safely removing substances from your system. Once detox is complete, you can transition to addiction treatment services.
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient treatment, also called residential rehab, provides 24/7 care while you live at a rehab facility. Typical treatment services include individual and group therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs offer many of the same treatment services as inpatient care, but you return home during non-treatment times. This type of treatment often serves as a bridge between inpatient and outpatient care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are a step down from PHPs. With this type of program, you attend counseling several days each week while spending the rest of your time at home, at work, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient care is the least intensive option. It involves a couple of hours of treatment each week. It is appropriate for Florida residents who are highly motivated and have a strong support system.
Relapse Prevention
Aftercare, or relapse prevention, starts after a rehab program is complete. It provides ongoing support such as sober living homes and 12-step support groups.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Coconut Creek, Florida
Private Insurance
All insurance providers are required to cover mental health substance abuse treatment services in some capacity. Contact your provider to confirm specific coverage, including any applicable deductibles and copays.
Florida Medicaid
Florida’s Medicaid program provides health insurance to low-income residents. It covers treatment services such as outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment. However, not all treatment facilities accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Florida Medicare
Florida Medicare is a government program that provides coverage for Florida residents who are 65 or older, have eligible disabilities, or have end-stage renal disease or ALS. Medicare can cover the cost of addiction treatment services. However, some rehabs don’t accept Medicare insurance, so it is important to confirm coverage before enrolling in a program.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehab programs charge fees based on income, so you only pay what you can reasonably afford. To qualify for sliding scale rehab in Massachusetts, you may have to provide proof of income.
TRICARE in Florida
Florida TRICARE (South Region) is a program funded by the government that provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs offer income-based fees, meaning they charge only what a Florida resident can reasonably afford to pay. To qualify for a sliding scale rehab in Florida, residents typically are required to show proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service funds rehab treatment for Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives. These Florida residents may obtain free addiction treatment, even if other insurance coverage is available.
Traveling to and Within Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek is easy to get to by air and on the ground. The closest airport is the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, about twelve miles away. You can access the Miami or West Palm Beach International Airports in just over thirty minutes. 3
Getting Around
Once you land, you can get to a drug and alcohol rehab in Coconut Creek using any of the following:
- Airport and community rental cars3
- Free city transportation
- Butterfly Express Trolley
- Coconut Creek Community Bus
- Broward County Transit
- Blacklane luxury car rentals
- Taxi cabs
- Lyft and Uber
- Train stations
Places to Stay
Broward County businesses provide residents and visitors with tailored services, including places to stay. If you aren’t staying in a Coconut Creek drug rehab, you can opt for the following:4
- Pet-friendly hotels and motels
- Beach hotels and motels
- Spa resorts
- Luxury hotels
- LGBTQ+ hotels
- Boutique properties
- Vacation rentals
- Campgrounds
- RV parks
If you decide to make Coconut Creek your permanent home, the city has multiple housing resources like rental assistance.5
Things to Do
You may worry about how to fill your spare time to avoid relapsing. Coconut Creek offers hundreds of healthy options, including:5
- Hometown markets
- Places of worship
- Drive-in movies
- Car shows
- 5K runs
- 18 city parks
- 9 greenways
- Technology centers
- Peer support groups
All your pre and post-recovery needs can be met in Coconut Creek. Start your journey today.
Florida Alcohol and Drug Laws
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.
Resources
- Fl Health Charts. 2022. Substance Use Dashboard Broward County, Florida.
- University of Florida Health Florida Drug-Related Outcomes Surveillance & Tracking System. 2021. Top 10 Co-occurring Substances Among Fentanyl-Caused Deaths in 2021.
- Broward County, Florida. 2022. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Visit Ft. Lauderdale. 2022. Places to Stay.
- Coconut Creek, Florida. 2022. Coconut Creek Home.