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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Opioid Misuse Prevention
Florida Department of Health in Indian River County
- (772) 794-7400
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Mailing Address
1900 27th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
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TTY users can contact us through Florida Relay by dialing 711 or one of the other Relay Toll Free numbers.
Opioid Use Disorder and Overdoses are Preventable
Substance use disorders, like opioid use disorder (OUD), impact communities across America. It is a stark reality that cannot be ignored, a profound crisis that reaches across boundaries.
Opioid use disorder, sometimes called “opioid dependence” or “opioid addiction” is a medical condition that can affect anyone – regardless of race, gender, income level or social status. The surge in OUD has reached epidemic proportions. It claims lives indiscriminately, leaving devastation in its wake.
Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. In 2022, we lost 7,769 people in Florida to fatal overdoses.
The effects of OUD on an individual go beyond the physical harm and often include shattered dreams, unfulfilled potential, and irreparable loss for the person with OUD and those who care about them. It has become a pervasive problem that demands urgent attention, empathy, and compassion.
Overdose, be it from opioids, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, has transcended the boundaries of age, gender, and socioeconomic status, affecting people from all walks of life.
What Can You Do?
- TALK ABOUT DRUG USE
- SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED
- YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
We need open and honest conversations about substance and opioid use disorder. We need to combat the fear of stigma by engaging in dialogue. Through dialogue, we open the doors to understanding the underlying causes, unraveling the complexities, and addressing the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
It is imperative that we approach drug use with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to action and education. By fostering an environment of open communication, we create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, seek help, and find the support they need.
Talking about drug use is not an endorsement or encouragement; it is an acknowledgment of reality. It is a recognition that by engaging in conversations, we can break down the barriers that perpetuate misunderstanding and create a pathway to effective solutions.
Individuals that are affected by drug use need our compassion, understanding, and resources to aid their journey towards recovery and healing.
We need to recognize the value and dignity of every individual regardless of their battles with substance use disorder and cultivate a safe environment in which contemplation of positive change is possible.
You can provide support by listening to their stories, fears, and hopes, connecting them with professional assistance, counseling, and rehabilitation services. Recovery is a challenging process. Offering encouragement at every step and being there to celebrate milestones has transformative power.
By supporting individuals in need, you not only improve their lives but also promote healthier communities. When you chose to extend a helping hand, you contribute to a society that values compassion, solidarity, and the belief in second chances.
Acts of compassion, advocacy, and support can make an enormous difference in the life of another.
Compassion and caring make a difference. In this world, it is not uncommon to see individuals with substance use disorder or unhoused people on the street. We have the choice to turn away and go about our day or turn towards them and offer help.
Volunteering at a substance awareness center, having conversations that raise awareness or supporting an individual through their recovery all contribute to the larger battle against overdose.
One person can inspire others. By sharing personal stories, experiences, and lessons learned, we create an environment that fosters empathy and understanding. We can become beacons of hope for others, showing that recovery is not only possible but worth fighting for.
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