Gainesville Drug Addiction Statistics

Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is the seat of Alachua County. The city sees a fair share of students, and also several sporting events that are held by the university and colleges here. In fact the city receives huge funds due to several athletic meets that have been hosted here from time to time. With the low cost of living that the place offers, Gainesville does attract a lot of people and the population has increased significantly from 124,491 as was estimated in the year 2008.

While the problem of cocaine and heroine was prevalent in Gainesville, just like other parts of Florida, lately one is also seeing an increase in the use of methamphetamine. The larger threat recently in the area seems to be coming fro prescription drugs like Oxycodone. In fact, the law enforcement states that most pharmacy robberies of the area find their basis in procuring these prescription drugs.

While the prescription drugs derived from opiods find abusers in every age group, these drugs seem to target the younger generation extensively. Sports persons from colleges are often given these drugs in order to control pain that may have occurred due to an injury. Unchecked use of the drugs soon turns into an addiction and the person looses sight of everything else in the need for the drug.

Oxycotone is an opiod that is available in 80 mg, 60 mg and even 30 mg. Over time, the addict keeps on increasing the intake of the pill and some may even try to inject the medication for a higher kick. The feeling of euphoria that the drug creates, apart from being a false one, is also very harming to the vital organs of the addict. This is why illicit and prescription drugs have combined to become the highest cause of unnatural deaths in Gainesville.

While in 2006 the number of deaths caused by oxycotone was 6, it rose to 21 by 2008. With four local pharmacies being robbed, authorities indicate that this number may rise further. Needless to say, the situation seems to be rather glum.

While the police are making as many efforts as possible in order to curb the problem, this seems to be just one side of the solution. Having to battle false reports of stolen prescriptions, addicts taking the drugs in cars, stealing from friends and family and several other issues, have become a huge problem for the law enforcement. This is where the rehabs have stepped in with a more permanent solution to the drug addiction issue.

Simply locking up the addicts will not bear much fruit, since here a treatment is what is required. Gainesville rehabs have stepped up with several programs in order to offer the addicts another chance to life. Be it religious rehabs or the scientific ones, the region offers it all. Addicts get to strengthen their physical and mental capacities in order to fight drugs much better. Relapse programs and out patient support groups have also helped immensely in keeping the addict clean despite leaving the rehab. Indeed the solution that the rehabs offer is much better and more effective that what the prisons have to offer.

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for a drug and alcohol addiction and are in need of an effective Florida rehab please call 866-211-5538