It’s no secret that drug and alcohol abuse is a major problem in Bonita Springs and the wider Lee County area according to the Florida Department of Health. Compared to the rest of Florida, the mortality rates of the main causes of death in Lee County are more favorable than in three instances: unintentional injuries, chronic liver disease and suicide. Each of these has a connection to substance abuse and addiction, according to a report from the Florida Health Department.
The Opioid Crisis
Compared to 2013 when there were approximately 1,200 overdose deaths as a result of opioid overdose in Florida, that figure was a staggering 3,189 in 2018. The number of people becoming addicted to and dying from using substances like heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone in and around Bonita Springs is continuing to increase.
Contrary to popular belief, opioid abuse disorder doesn’t discriminate based on gender, color, job or employment status. As the crisis deepens, we’re seeing more and more surprising cases of opiate addiction in males in the local area.