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In Orlando and Orange County, Florida, the opioid crisis has reached alarming levels, with a significant increase in opioid-related overdoses and fatalities in recent years. The area has seen a dramatic rise in overdose deaths, largely driven by the widespread misuse of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
Orlando faces specific challenges related to the opioid crisis due to its central location, making it a key point for drug trafficking, its proximity to major highways, airports, and ports, and its large transient tourist population. These factors have made Orlando a significant location for drug use and trafficking throughout the United States.
Emergency departments are frequently overwhelmed by opioid-related emergencies, reflecting the severity of the crisis. Local efforts to combat the epidemic include expanding access to naloxone, enhancing community outreach programs, and increasing the availability of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and other addiction recovery services.
Despite these efforts, the region continues to grapple with the pervasive impact of opioid addiction on individuals and families.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Orlando
- There were over 2,300 emergency medical services (EMS) responses to suspected opioid overdoses in 2023 in Orange County.
- Naloxone was administered nearly 2,900 times in 2023.
- In 2022, there were nearly 1,200 non-fatal opioid overdose cases treated in emergency departments.
- In Orange County, nearly 7,5000 opioid overdose cases were treated in emergency departments between 2011 and 2015.
- Since 2005, opioid-related ED visits have increased by 141%.
- This increase in opioid-related ED visits in Orange County is nearly 3 times the national average increase for the same period.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Orlando
- In the first three months of 2017, Orange County reported 23 overdose deaths, compared to 26 in all of 2016.
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office responds to up to 3 drug overdose calls daily.
- 70% of overdose deaths between 2011 and 2015 involved opioids.
- There were 364 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022 in Orange County.
- The opioid overdose death rate for 2022 was 23.8 per 100,000 residents.
Demographic Data & Insights
While opioid addiction does not discriminate, certain patterns have emerged in Orlando and the surrounding areas:
- Young adults show the highest rate of nonmedical use of prescription opioids.
- Men account for a disproportionate number of opioid-related deaths.
Common Opioids & Prescribing Trends
While heroin contributes significantly to overdoses in Orlando, prescription drugs are considered the greatest threat in Central Florida by officials. This aligns with statewide efforts to combat prescription drug abuse.
Florida has implemented key legislation to address this issue:
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (Section 893)
- Pill Mill Law on Opioid Prescribing and Utilization (Section 458)
State Funds & Resource Allocation
The Florida Overdose Data to Action (FL-OD2A) program, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a cornerstone of the state’s surveillance efforts and includes:
- Improving real-time data collection on overdoses
- Enhancing surveillance infrastructure
- Informing prevention policies and actions
- Implementing a cohesive system response to decrease opioid misuse and opioid use disorder
The Orlando Police Department has established a dedicated Overdose Investigative Unit to respond to and investigate overdoses, with the goal of reducing deaths. This unit offers:
- Rapid response to overdose incidents
- Investigation of drug dealers and suppliers
- Support for victims’ families
- Case management and follow-up
Resource & Support Groups in Orlando
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Orlando
- SMART Recovery in Orlando
- Orlando Recovery Center
- Offers comprehensive addiction treatment services, including MAT, detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, and counseling.
- Address: 800 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite 150, Orlando, FL 32803
- Advent Health Orlando - Behavioral Health
- Provides MAT, inpatient and outpatient care, and behavioral health services
- Address: 601 E. Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
- MedMark Treatment Centers
- Specializes in MAT, including methadone and buprenorphine treatment, along with therapy.
- Address: 2121 W. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
- Phoenix House Florida - Orlando
- Providers outpatient addiction treatment services, including MAT, individual and group therapy, and support programs.
- Address: 2650 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).