Needless to say, we don’t’ have to tell you to watch Scarface (1983) for you to understand that Florida has a bit of a history with cocaine. Back in the 1980s, during the height of the Miami drug wars, Colombia was distributing boatloads of this South American drug, but those numbers have quickly escalated over the course of a few decades. Now, according to health officials, these cartels started producing more quantities of this stimulant in 2017 than they did during the 80s (and that’s saying a lot). So, let’s dare to say “hello” to Florida’s infamous little friend “cocaine” and see why the Sunshine State still has a problem with the sale of this nasty drug.
A Fair Warning to the Public
As America has turned its collective eye on the Opioid Crisis, another drug problem is slowing brewing in the South once again. Justin Miller, intelligence chief for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Miami division, has warned the public that this overwhelming pile of cocaine is rapidly approaching our borders, but the lineup of deaths stemming from this drug has already started to increase.
In fact, officials have explained that 90% of cocaine in the U.S. is exported from Colombia, which had jumpstarted its production over the past couple of years. In 2016 alone, the Florida Customs and Border Patrol seized a staggering 4,200 pounds of the drug, in contrast to 1,730 pounds in 2015.
Fatalities in Florida
Needless to say, the spike in cocaine-related deaths in the Sunshine State is nothing short of tragic. The rate of fatalities is greater than it was in 2007, as the state Medical Examiner Commission explained. Likewise, from 2012 to 2015, these deaths increased from 1,318 to 1,834. Even more disturbing, this rate of death is second only to the destruction caused by fentanyl.
Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Over the course of a century, cocaine has risen from the ranks of an over-the-counter stimulant to one of the most feared and destructive substances on the planet. Ultimately, this substance can destroy a person’s brain and body and trigger a severe form of addiction. However, as with any sickness, you can easily find a way to cope with your symptoms. Although addiction has no known cure, you can still stay strong and get clean, if you know where to find the right resources.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
