NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 24, 2025
Media Contact: James Judge
Tel: 813.279.8335
Cell: 727.463.1295
Email: jpjudge@judgepr.com
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – As the nation continues to grapple with the ongoing fentanyl crisis, and rightfully so, a Tampa Bay area rehab facility is drawing attention to the now-surging cocaine problem and the associated deadly risks, which experts warn have been somewhat overshadowed by the focus on opioids.
“While opioid addiction treatment demand remains high, the cocaine problem has grown substantially and is often overlooked,” said John Templeton, founder of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center in Treasure Island. “Despite record-high drug interdictions, we’re seeing increased trafficking, availability and a spike in cocaine-related deaths.”
According to the Coast Guard, since January 20, 2025, more than 242,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized. That is more than double the amount interdicted over the same period in 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment also reports that U.S. law enforcement seized more cocaine, with approximately 63 metric tons of cocaine seized in 2024, an 18 percent increase from 53 metric tons in 2023.
“The numbers are staggering, and the danger is even worse, especially with the increase in fentanyl-laced cocaine,” said Templeton. “Cocaine is already extremely dangerous and can cause a myriad of health complications, including heart attack, but when laced with fentanyl, even one dose can be fatal.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2019 to 2023, cocaine-involved deaths nearly doubled, by rising 85 percent. According to the DEA, 1-in-4 cocaine samples analyzed in 2024 contained fentanyl or fentanyl-related compounds, highlighting the dangerous trend of intentional adulteration that amplifies overdose risks. While the focus on fentanyl has led to interventions reducing overall overdose deaths, cocaine’s resurgence in trafficking and its frequent mixture with opioids like fentanyl means the threat is far from diminished and may be underemphasized in public health discussions.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and can cause severe cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), even in young, otherwise healthy individuals, according to medical experts at Footprints Beachside Recovery Center. Chronic use also increases the likelihood of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
For those struggling with cocaine addiction, experts at Footprints Beachside Recovery Center typically recommend a 90-day treatment program, given its strong psychological hold and the need for comprehensive therapy to address mental dependencies and rebuild healthy habits.
Templeton urges anyone facing addiction to seek help immediately.
“Recovery is possible, and it’s about taking that first step. Don’t let cocaine’s dangers catch you off guard—reach out today,” Templeton said.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and are looking for treatment in the Tampa Bay area, please contact Footprints Beachside Recovery Center by visiting www.footprintsbeachside.com or calling 727.677.5410.
About Footprints Beachside Recovery Center:
Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a small, private, holistic substance abuse treatment center for adults and is located in Pinellas County, Fla. Footprints provides specialized treatment plans for patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Opioid addiction recovery programs at Footprints focus on ensuring safe withdrawals and often combine holistic treatment with medication assisted therapies to reduce cravings and provide more successful recovery outcomes for patients.
