While it is possible to quit drinking on one's own and many have succeeded, it can be tough and even risky if someone has been drinking heavily for a long time. In that case, an alcohol detox program in Florida is highly recommended. Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms (AWS) could be very intense and unsafe if a person's alcoholism is very severe. One can have hallucinations, a fever, nausea, tremors, seizures, etc. while going through withdrawal. If someone experiences very intense symptoms, they should attend one of the medical detox programs available in Florida or nearby states. Getting professional help during the process can make it much safer and tolerable, helping with relapse prevention during that time. Medications such as Vivitrol (brand name for Naltrexone) can be used. Although these can help someone not drink, a person should still attend a detox and rehabilitation treatment to address the issue truly. Professionals can perform an assessment to help someone figure out the best course of treatment and the Florida facility to best suit their needs. After someone is done with detoxification, they should attend a full rehabilitation program to ensure the alcohol issues are handled.
The primary tool used in alcohol rehab is counseling and therapy of various kinds to address the issues related to one's alcoholism. Some Florida rehab programs also provide other essential services that can include, among others, vocational services, legal services, and family services. Getting the proper care and acquiring the necessary skills are important to living a drug-free and productive life after graduating from the rehabilitation program. For example, if a person never completed high school, and it made finding a job difficult, educational services where one could get their GED would be very beneficial. It is important to find an alcohol treatment center in Florida or nearby states that will offer a program that addresses the patient's specific needs.
Florida Inpatient Alcohol Treatments vs. Outpatient Programs
The two main types of rehabilitation are outpatient and inpatient treatments, and it can be a challenge to figure out which kind of treatment would be more suited to the person. Both rehab settings are available in Florida, and each has its own sets of advantages that can help a person deal with their alcohol use disorder. One advantage of going to residential alcohol rehab is that the person will be away from stress and triggers while undergoing treatment. This can be especially helpful if one's home environment isn't alcohol-free. Residential rehabilitation will usually cost more than an outpatient treatment since room and board is included in the price. The outpatient programs will give the person the opportunity to live their normal life while getting counseling. This can be both an advantage and disadvantage depending on the situation since some people might be exposed to many triggers and stressors during their treatment, which can make staying sober harder. To figure out which type of treatment would be best suited for you or your loved one, you can speak to a professional (including one of our counselors) who can help guide you.
Florida Alcohol Laws
This section speaks of the laws regarding alcohol in Florida. These laws can change and evolve, and you should always seek legal advice from a legal professional. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Florida has specific when it comes to alcohol sales. Out of the 67 counties in the state, three are dry (Lafayette, Liberty, and Washington Counties), meaning that the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Florida Drunk Driving Laws
In Florida, you are prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more if you are over 21 years old. If someone is under 21, the BAC limit is 0.02%. Here is an overview of the consequences of DUI offenses in Florida. There can be mitigating or aggravating factors that can influence the punishments linked to each violation. If you have DUI questions, you should speak to a legal professional.
| DUI Offenses | Jail Time | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st offense | Up to 6 months | $500 to $1,000 | 180 days to 1 year |
| 2nd offense | Up to 9 months | $1,000 to $2,000 | If the second offense is within 5 years: license revoked for 5 years minimum |
| 3rd offense | 5 years | Up to $5,000 | 10 years minimum |
| 4th offense or more | 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Revoked permanently |
Florida Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Statistics
Florida's alcohol consumption was 2.65 gallons of alcohol per capita in 2020. This number is slightly higher than the US average of 2.52 gallons per capita. Underage drinking is a problem in the state. A three-year average (2008 to 2010) showed that over 26% of the underage population in Florida drank alcohol, with around 10% of them purchasing the alcohol themselves. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 58.1% of the population consumes alcohol.
Heavy drinking is also a problem with around 9.1% of the population engaging in this type of drinking, which is higher than the national average of 8.2%. Some counties have a bigger problem with heavy drinking; for example, it is estimated that over 16% of the Franklin County population are heavy drinkers. Of the state's drinking population, 30.8% of them binge drink (Frank