The Blog

Since the turn of the century, the opioid overdose death rate in Florida has tripled, and in 2016, there were 4,672 deaths attributed to drug overdoses according to data from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. In 2017, Governor Scott and the state surgeon general announced a statewide public health emergency related to the opioid epidemic. Now, … Read More

To help patients suffering from substance use disorders find facilities that deliver quality treatment and care, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association recognizes facilities that meet strict standards for excellent patient care as a Blue Distinction® Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery (BDC Substance Use Treatment and Recovery). The Recovery Village in Umatilla, Florida and Orlando Recovery Center in … Read More

Electric scooters have been a point of some controversy and contention around the country. People who like electric scooters and scooter-sharing services feel that they provide an economical and eco-friendly way to get around town ⁠— especially in big cities where traffic and parking are big issues. However, others feel that scooters pose a safety risk and are a nuisance. … Read More

Last spring in Seminole, Florida, a man with Down syndrome died because his caretaker experienced a Kratom overdose and fell asleep. John LaPointe, the victim, was unable to care for himself and reportedly had the cognitive abilities of an infant. John was in a van with his caretaker, Joshua Russell, and could not escape when the vehicle heated up to … Read More

In an effort to battle Florida’s opioid epidemic, state policymakers have passed a new law that pushes doctors to provide patients with options for alternative pain management. In cases where opioids may be used, doctors must inform patients of other forms of treatment. These alternatives include treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage therapy. Though HB 451 passed without much … Read More

In early September, Hurricane Dorian churned through the Atlantic along the East Coast of the United States, bringing some unexpected results along with it. In Cocoa Beach, Florida, beachgoers at Paradise Beach Park in Melbourne found a total of 15 kilos of cocaine that had washed up on the shore. Officials warned that the $300,000 worth of cocaine on the … Read More

Recently, a new party drug has entered the US market. It’s called etizolam and is the latest party drug that can disastrously result in death. Florida is one of eight states to list etizolam as a controlled substance in an effort to control its use and prevent harm, particularly among young people. You are not alone if you are wondering: … Read More

The internet is an increasingly integral part of our lives in the digital age, particularly with our growing connection to our ubiquitous smartphones and mobile devices. 2017 data from the Center for the Digital Future at University of Southern California Annenberg found that since 2000, the amount of time the average American spends online has gone up from 9.4 hours … Read More

CBD is a trendy cannabis product that shows up in everything from beauty products to gummy bears. CBD oil is said to treat a range of ailments including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation and pain, among others. A new study shows that CBD oil may help with heroin cravings. The study showed that “CBD administration significantly reduced both cravings and anxiety,” especially … Read More

In recent years, there have been worldwide efforts to address the lack of addiction harm reduction and treatment programs for women. There are certain aspects of addiction and recovery that are unique to women, but is there really a need for gender-specific programs? Since studies show women have an increased risk of certain mental health disorders, it is evident that … Read More