Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics in Fort Myers, FL
The following statistics demonstrate recent substance abuse trends in Lee County, FL:2,3,4
2% of middle school and high school students reported using alcohol in the past month.
6% of middle school and high school students reported binge drinking in the past month.
5% of middle and high school students reported using marijuana in the past month.
Less than 1% of middle and high school students reported using cocaine in the past month.
- Since 2020, the sheriff’s office has seen a 478% increase in the amount of cocaine they have seized.
- Since 2020, the sheriff’s office has seen a 265% increase in the amount of fentanyl they have seized.
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 Fort Myers, 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.
Fort Myers, FL Local Information: Transportation and Attractions
If you’ll be traveling to Fort Myers, FL for rehab treatment or to visit someone who is in treatment, here are a few tips to guide your travel plans.
- Fort Myers, FL offers an abundance of hotels and rental homes, from low-end to luxury budgets.
- LeeTran, the Fort Myers bus system, offers routes in the city and the surrounding area.
- The Fort Myers Beach Trolley runs from Beach Park to Lovers Key State Park.
- There is a free daily beach tram that runs from Bowditch Point to Matanzas Pass Preserve.
- Southwest Florida International Airport is located in Fort Myers and serves over a dozen airlines.
- *In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers and the surrounding area, with severe impact. Due to devastation from the hurricane, some businesses or public services may not be available until 2023 or later.
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
- Chavez, C. (2022, March 1). Drug treatment center says fentanyl addiction growing, as Lee Co. expands narcotics unit. FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/drug-treatment-center-says-fentanyl-addiction-growing-as-lee-county-sheriffs-office-expands-narcotics-unit
- Lee County Quarterly Overdose Report. (2022). Florida Health. https://lee.floridahealth.gov/_files/_documents/QuarterlyLeeCountyQ4-2021OverdoseReport.pdf
- 2020 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Past-30-Day Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Lee County Report. (2020). Florida Department of Children and Families. https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/2022-12/lee.pdf
- Carrillo, K. (2022, March 4). Lee County pays to expand sheriff’s narcotics unit. WGCU. https://news.wgcu.org/2022-03-04/lee-county-pays-to-expand-sheriffs-narcotics-unit