Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics in Sarasota, FL
To better understand the prevalence of drug and alcohol use in Sarasota, here are some of the statistics for Sarasota County over the past few years:1,2,3
In 2021, there were more than 1,800 EMS responses to drug overdose
in 2020, there were more than 1,300 drug arrests
In 2019, 25% of residents engaged in excessive drinking
Between 2016 and 2020, 30% of driving deaths were related to alcohol use
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.
Detox
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.
Aftercare
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 Sarasota, 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 Sarasota, FL
Sarasota offers many attractions, including beautiful beaches, mysterious mangroves, public parks, and plenty of shopping and dining options. If you are considering attending a rehab in Sarasota or visiting a loved one in a Sarasota alcohol rehab, here are some travel tips for you:
- The nearest airport to Sarasota is Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) Airport which is 3.8 miles away. Other nearby airports include St. Petersburg (PIE) (40.9 miles) and Tampa (TPA) (44.5 miles).
- The Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) provides fixed bus routes, paratransit services, and OnDemand zones.
- Uber, Lyft, and taxi services are available by request throughout the area as another option for transportation.
- There are many hotels in the area and in nearby cities for quality accommodations during your stay.
Whether you choose to travel to Sarasota for treatment or not, you will find many quality drug and alcohol rehabs in cities across the United States. If you need help finding treatment options that are right for you and your addiction, please call 800-681-1058 (Who Answers?) to speak to a specialist who can help you find a rehab center that meets your needs.
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
- Florida Health Charts. (2021). Substance Use Dashboard.
- County Health Rankings Florida. (2021). Sarasota County.
- Florida Health Sarasota County. (2019). Community Health Assessment 2019.