substance abuse

Is Covid to Blame for the Increase in Substance Abuse?

When people live through stressful events, it can impact their mental and physical health. Stressful events can be a myriad of incidents ranging from a car accident to a global pandemic. Prolonged exposure to stressful conditions can lead to severe, long-lasting conditions like depression or nightmares. Living through the worldwide pandemic has been stressful for so many people, and this experience has led to an increase in alcohol and drug abuse.

High stress has been shown to lead people to seek substance abuse to manage their feelings and emotions. The CDC studied associated issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and they found that 13% of Americans admitted they either started using substances to manage the stress of the pandemic or they began using more than before the pandemic began. From the beginning of the pandemic to now, the stress and substance abuse issues have worsened. The same CDC study reported that there was a dramatic increase in overdose deaths from the beginning of the pandemic until now. Over 20,000 more Americans died from overdoses over the last year, which represents the highest single-year percentage increase in 20 years.

Drug addiction can turn someone’s life upside down, and the only thing worse would be a drug conviction. Drug crimes can tarnish someone’s reputation and change the trajectory of their life. Drug crimes are treated as a serious offense in Florida, and anything from simple possession to prescription fraud can land you in some trouble. You don’t want to face drug charges without a solid legal defense, and if you or someone you care about has been charged with a drug crime in Clearwater, you still deserve a strong legal defense.

Powerful Advocacy for a Wide Range of Drug Crimes

Regardless of the drug charge being faced, criminal charges require a top-rate representation by lawyers who understand the legal system and how to create a strategy to negotiate the best deal available. We help clients fight drug charges, whether it’s your first offense or third.

At Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A., we defend clients for the following kinds of drug cases:

  • Drug possession
  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Prescription fraud

Our drug crime lawyers can help customize a strategy for your situation that looks specifically at your situation and any mitigating circumstances. When our team creates a tailored strategy for a drug crime defense, it’s developed with your unique situation in mind.

Explore Your Options During an Initial Consultation

At Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A., we understand that life is hard and mistakes can be made. We also understand that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. Our clients deserve representation that begins with respect and understanding. Being charged with a drug crime is serious, and showing up for court without adequate representation is unwise.

Call us today at (727) 245-9009 to schedule a consultation or use our online contact form to request more information.