Rates of cocaine use have been steadily growing in Florida, particularly in Lee County and the surrounding areas. In South Florida, there were 193 cases of cocaine overdose in 2014 — by 2017, this number had skyrocketed to 505. This is just one example of how problems related to cocaine abuse seem to be growing exponentially. This is reflected in wider society, too, with the number of cocaine overdoses in the United States jumping from 4,000 in 2012 all the way to 14,000 in 2017.
Another worrying trend in Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas is the lacing of cocaine with the highly potent and dangerous drug fentanyl. Dealers are cutting this deadly opiate with cocaine to intensify the euphoria and make this deadly substance even more addictive. Authorities think this is partly to blame for the drastic rise in overdose deaths and makes using cocaine even more dangerous than it already is.
Luckily, the authorities are fighting the cocaine problem in Fort Myers, FL by taking steps to make Lee County safer for residents. In 2019, HSI Fort Myers oversaw the seizure of 16 kilograms of cocaine from drug traffickers who’ve been the scourge of southwest Florida. Now, a task force covering Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties, including the Fort Myers Police Department and Cape Coral Police Department, have combined to tackle the problem.
Cocaine is the most widely used illicit drug in Fort Myers and the entire state of Florida. Its use is associated with partying and criminal gangs and primarily occurs among young adults, although it’s used by people of all ages. While it’s often taken for its stimulant effects, which produce a sense of euphoria and prolong a person’s ability to drink alcohol and stay up late into the night, there’s an even darker side to cocaine in Fort Myers, FL.
Cocaine is a white powder made from coca leaves, which people have used for thousands of years for its stimulant properties. However, in its processed state, the pure form is rarely found. Drug traffickers cut cocaine with other drugs and filler such as Epsom salts, benzocaine, quinine and other potentially dangerous ingredients to bulk out the supply.
When taken, it produces an intense rush of dopamine that leads to a euphoric high, social confidence and well-being and increased desire to talk. This potent increase in dopamine quickly diminishes, compelling users to take more regularly and build the high.
The aftereffects of using cocaine can be devastating as the body fights to produce a normal amount of dopamine after the drug has used up the body’s natural supply. When people are addicted, their body comes to depend on the drug as the main source of pleasure and reward.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs of cocaine addiction:
If you’re in Fort Myers, FL, and struggling with cocaine addiction, help is at hand. We’re not here to judge you or get you in trouble; our sole aim is to help you get better. Addiction treatment services are life-changing for many people because you learn skills that hold value across your entire life. From understanding the importance of a routine to learning how to self-soothe and feel worthy of love, a stay in our addiction treatment center is equipped to provide life-changing treatment.
Below you’ll find what to expect in the substance abuse treatment program at Calusa Recovery.
Every rehab center takes a slightly different treatment approach, with varying levels of access to treatment. It’s crucial that you choose the right type of treatment for your needs and select a treatment facility that offers a broad range of therapy styles and holistic and experiential treatment options.
Here at Calusa Recovery, we offer general outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment plans, with sober living homes open to anyone who completes a program. We understand that people respond differently to each style of mental health treatment, so we’re careful to offer a wide range of modalities so you can find what’s best for you.
Intensive outpatient programs are perfect for someone with a moderate to severe cocaine use disorder. You’ll spend around 10 hours per week in the treatment facility, taking part in individual therapy, support groups, psychoeducation, family therapy and more.
We understand that plenty of people aren’t in a position to take time out from work, child care or their daily life and go seeking addiction treatment. That’s why we offer evening IOP services, which take place three nights per week from 6 pm to 9 pm. You can continue about your life as normal and come to us in the evenings to heal, grow and learn.
If you’ve got a mild substance use disorder or you’re ready for a step down from IOP addiction treatment, a GOP could be ideal. You usually come for a few hours each week and touch base with your treatment providers to ensure you’re on track. You’ll take part in all the same treatment methods but spend less time under our care.
Individual counseling is essential during addiction treatment because it helps you understand yourself and your motivations. It also serves as an opportunity for you to develop a bond with your counselor, who’ll teach you new coping mechanisms and help you understand what motivates you to use drugs.
Group therapy is one of the most effective tools a rehab center uses. This is because support groups provide a unique opportunity to learn about the mechanism of addiction from other people’s perspectives. Sometimes it’s easier to understand our own behavior through the lens of looking at someone else. What’s more, learning to confidently share your feelings and experiences is essential for developing a healthy mindset and overcoming addiction.
Addiction is a family disease, and cocaine is an expensive drug that has the potential to cause huge rifts between loved ones. Family therapy provides a safe space for you to express your feelings towards each other and learn how to communicate effectively from an expert.
Experiential therapy is the fun stuff that helps you take your mind off using drugs and remember the joys of being in nature and spending time with friends. From kayaking to walks on the glorious beaches, we make sure most days involve going on some kind of adventure together.
