Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics in Sarasota, FL
To better understand the prevalence of drug and alcohol use in Sarasota, here are some of the statistics for Sarasota County over the past few years:
In 2019, 12.9% of older adults reported binge drinking, which is higher than the state average of 8.7%
In 2019, 19% of middle and high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days
From 2014 to 2017, there was a 40% increase in drug poisoning deaths
In 2018, there were 9 confirmed deaths due to drug and/or alcohol-related vehicle crashes
In 2021, there were more than 1,800 EMS responses to drug overdose
in 2020, there were more than 1,300 drug arrests
In 2019, 25% of residents engaged in excessive drinking
Between 2016 and 2020, 30% of driving deaths were related to alcohol use
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Sarasota, 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
- Florida Health Charts. (2021). Substance Use Dashboard.
- County Health Rankings Florida. (2021). Sarasota County.
- Florida Health Sarasota County. (2019). Community Health Assessment 2019.