Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Overview

Substance abuse and mental health disorders touch every one of us, either individually or through a family member or friend.

An estimated 50 percent of children abused and/or neglected in the child welfare system have a mental health problem (Child Welfare Legal Aide). Of those children, 27 percent of them show significant impairment. An estimated 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health problem. Of those youth, 17 percent to 20 percent showed significant impairment.

Underage drinking costs Florida $3.7 billion or an estimated $2,383 for each youth.

Nearly two-thirds of Florida’s inmates report significant alcohol and drug problems.

A quarter (14,874) of Florida’s 57,687 persons who identified themselves as homeless in 2009 reported a disabling condition. Of those reporting a disabling condition, 35.4% reported a drug or alcohol addiction, and 27.9% reported mental illness. A significant percentage of men (25 percent to 50 percent) of men who commit acts of domestic violence also have substance abuse problems. Many people convicted of battery or assault are raised by parents who abused drugs or alcohol. Abuse and violence are associated with increased risk for developing a range of psychiatric conditions, or exacerbating existing ones. At the same time, living with a serious mental illness may increase a woman’s vulnerability to abuse.

Despite being the fourth most populated state, Florida’s per capita funding for mental health and substance abuse services is ranked 49th and 37th, respectively, in the nation. Florida’s foreclosure rate is the second highest in the nation; our unemployment rate is over 11 percent and, food stamp applications have tripled within the last year. Florida’s economic downturn affects us all and hits hardest for those with disabilities, including individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health disorders.

Research proves that treatment works and is cost-effective.
The Department’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Programs collect, track and analyze data on National Outcome Measures to determine the effectiveness of programs and services. These data offer essential feedback for improvements in the service delivery system.

The Department’s SAMH Programs administer and manage the state’s public substance abuse and mental health systems, and are charged with providing services for children and adults with serious mental illnesses and with substance abuse disorders. These services support a critical component of the Department’s mission, advancing individual and family recovery and resiliency.

The Department’s SAMH program headquarters are located in Tallahassee. Substance abuse and mental health services are delivered locally through contracts with community substance abuse and/or mental health providers. SAMH services are administered throughout 20 circuits statewide, which are grouped into six regions. There are also seven state mental health treatment facilities for individuals with mental health needs that require longer-term treatment.