Sarasota/ Bradenton Addiction Statistics

Located in the Sarasota County, Sarasota is considered the most prominent city of the Sarasota/Bradenton and Venice metropolitan statistical area. With a population record of 52,488 way back in 2008, the city is also the seat of the Sarasota County. The beautifully developed downtown bay area attracts several new residents to this region each year. Sadly, despite all the development and the natural beauty that the Sarasota/ Bradenton boast of, it seems to figure high on the list of crime laden cities.

Surprisingly, most of these crimes are committed by teenagers and right from burglary, rapes to even murders, these kids seem to be ready to do it all. In most cases, these crimes are driven by an urgent need for satiating an addiction desire. The drug addition in the Sarasota/ Bradenton area ranges from prescription drugs to illegal ones too. So while there are several users of crack, many are high on drugs like methadone. It is believed that the county sees 34,000 people who are given to substance abuse. Sadly, 30 to 65% of these addicts are homeless. The statistics speak for themselves. Addiction is a serious problem in the Sarasota/ Bradenton region, and is causing both crime and homelessness in the metropolitan statistical area.

In the Sarasota/ Bradenton region, the leading cause of accidental death is said to be poisoning, and of these cases, 96% are from drug abuse. While many of us believe that only the teens are at a risk here, this is not true. Seniors who need to take painkillers like benzodiazepines for extended periods of time are very likely to become addicted to the drug. Sadly, in their case, the damage to the vital organs is rather rapid, and if the problem is not caught soon, it could very well turn fatal.

OxyContin, Oxycodone and Hydrodone, Benzodiazepine sedatives and tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax are the most commonly abused drug in the Sarasota/ Bradenton area. White collared professional and college goers are abusing these drugs much more than the homeless are. Sarasota County has beaten the so called hub of drugs namely Hillsborough and Dade County when it comes to drug addition.

There are several reasons as to why people of this region are falling prey to addictions; however, what is more important is how to control the problem. While vigilance on the part of the authorities is a huge step, drug rehabs will also need to kick into action. Simply ensuring that the drugs are not made available will not be enough. Treating those who are already in the clutches of the problem is also necessary.

This is a huge reason why a lot of state funded drug rehabs have begun operations in the Sarasota/ Bradenton region. There is hope that in the coming years that the alarming statistics of the area will be controlled, and that the Sarasota/ Bradenton region will lose its crime and drug laden image to emerge as a city worth investing and living in. More information on Transformation’s Florida rehab program can be obtained by calling 866-211-5538. Helpful admission coordinators are available to discuss all your substance abuse treatment needs.