In Florida, 19 people die every day from drug overdoses; new drug emerges

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – As Florida continues its battle against an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, a new drug has emerged.

According to a recent analysis by the Boca Recovery Center, 19.3 Florida residents die from drug overdoses every day.

This puts the Sunshine State in second place, only California is better with 32.3 drug overdose deaths per day.

See below which drug has now come onto the market:

IN FLORIDA, 19 PEOPLE DIE EVERY DAY FROM AN OVERDOSE

“It's reached epidemic proportions,” said Dr. Alison Tarlow, a certified addiction specialist at the Boca Recovery Center. “But many people don't realize how drastic the problem really is.”

There was a glimmer of hope for 2023.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's preliminary report on drug overdose deaths for 2023, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths has decreased by 10%.

While fentanyl remains the number one cause of death in Florida, another drug is causing concern.

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According to the FDLE, the number of deaths caused by cathinones (colloquially known as bath salts or flakka) has increased by more than 100 percent in the last year.

“Flakka or bath salts are on the rise,” Tarlow said. “Sometimes it's a question of availability. It's supply and demand.”

Tarlow argues that while there have been some improvements, more treatment options and harm reduction strategies are needed.

“Typically, not enough has been done,” Tarlow said. “We're starting to see more. But in general, we know more needs to be done. Not just in Florida, but across the United States.”