Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics in Fort Myers, FL
The following statistics demonstrate recent substance abuse trends in Lee County, FL:2,3,4
There were over 1,400 overdose-related emergency medical services responses in 2021.
Lee County saw more than 300 overdose-related fatalities in 2021.
Lee County experienced 550 emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdose in the first half of 2022.
There were more than 230 emergency department visits for suspected stimulant overdose in the first half of 2022.
2% of middle school and high school students reported using alcohol in the past month.
6% of middle school and high school students reported binge drinking in the past month.
5% of middle and high school students reported using marijuana in the past month.
Less than 1% of middle and high school students reported using cocaine in the past month.
- Since 2020, the sheriff’s office has seen a 478% increase in the amount of cocaine they have seized.
- Since 2020, the sheriff’s office has seen a 265% increase in the amount of fentanyl they have seized.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Fort Myers, Florida
Private Insurance
All insurance providers are required to cover mental health substance abuse treatment services in some capacity. Contact your provider to confirm specific coverage, including any applicable deductibles and copays.
Florida Medicaid
Florida’s Medicaid program provides health insurance to low-income residents. It covers treatment services such as outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment. However, not all treatment facilities accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Florida Medicare
Florida Medicare is a government program that provides coverage for Florida residents who are 65 or older, have eligible disabilities, or have end-stage renal disease or ALS. Medicare can cover the cost of addiction treatment services. However, some rehabs don’t accept Medicare insurance, so it is important to confirm coverage before enrolling in a program.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehab programs charge fees based on income, so you only pay what you can reasonably afford. To qualify for sliding scale rehab in Massachusetts, you may have to provide proof of income.
TRICARE in Florida
Florida TRICARE (South Region) is a program funded by the government that provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs offer income-based fees, meaning they charge only what a Florida resident can reasonably afford to pay. To qualify for a sliding scale rehab in Florida, residents typically are required to show proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service funds rehab treatment for Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives. These Florida residents may obtain free addiction treatment, even if other insurance coverage is available.
Resources
- Chavez, C. (2022, March 1). Drug treatment center says fentanyl addiction growing, as Lee Co. expands narcotics unit. FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/drug-treatment-center-says-fentanyl-addiction-growing-as-lee-county-sheriffs-office-expands-narcotics-unit
- Lee County Quarterly Overdose Report. (2022). Florida Health. https://lee.floridahealth.gov/_files/_documents/QuarterlyLeeCountyQ4-2021OverdoseReport.pdf
- 2020 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Past-30-Day Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Lee County Report. (2020). Florida Department of Children and Families. https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/2022-12/lee.pdf
- Carrillo, K. (2022, March 4). Lee County pays to expand sheriff’s narcotics unit. WGCU. https://news.wgcu.org/2022-03-04/lee-county-pays-to-expand-sheriffs-narcotics-unit
