CALL FOR IMMEDIATE HELP: (844) 620-1546

The Five Worst Drugs in America

It’s no secret that we have a drug problem in the United States; tens of thousands are dying, but ranking the worst drugs in America is more complicated than it may seem. We must consider several factors to truly understand what it means for a substance of abuse to be the “worst.” Opioids are varied and dangerous drugs that have recently garnered the most significant headlines. Fentanyl, for example, probably the worst offender, is 50 times more potent than heroin and can kill someone in unbelievably small quantities. But what about nicotine, which keeps people hooked to smoking and causes upwards of 500,000 deaths yearly? What about food, particularly sugar, behind the obesity epidemic and a staggering rise in chronic disease, cardiovascular problems, and even higher risk of death due to infectious diseases like COVID-19? To honestly answer this question, we must look at the dangers of drugs holistically, understand the psychological issues that may underlie the use and abuse of these substances, and look at the prevalence and even legality of these drugs. In other words, developing this list is more art than science, and no answer can fully satisfy the question of “What is the worst drug in America?”

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers telling information on drug-involved overdose deaths:

  • Overall drug-involved overdose deaths have increased almost every year from 1999 to 2021. However, the trendline steepened dramatically when fentanyl was introduced into the illicit drug market around 2013. To that end, 2021 represented the first time drug overdose deaths crossed the 100,000 mark.
  • Over 80,000 of these deaths in 2021 are a result of opioids.
  • Prescription opioid deaths have been relatively stable over the past decade after a significant increase from 1999 to 2011.
  • Heroin-related deaths have decreased dramatically from their peak in 2015, while heroin plus synthetic opioids other than methadone have shown a significantly slower drop than heroin-only deaths.

The data above shows that there must be a relatively newer opioid culprit driving these deaths.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a relative newcomer to the illicit drug scene as a potent opioid. It is a synthetically produced opioid approved by the FDA with a clinical interest in mind. Fentanyl has been used to treat severe pain resulting from surgical procedures or complex and chronic pain conditions. As we know from previous opioid abuse concerns – specifically the history with Oxycodone – even in the healthcare setting, there is room for abuse, typically from a small number of bad actors that wish to benefit financially from people’s pain and, ultimately, addiction. However, in the case of fentanyl, the healthcare system is not the primary distribution platform for the drug. Fentanyl is relatively easy and cheap to produce, and over the past decade or two, it has been manufactured and distributed illegally to bolster the addictiveness of other illicit drugs.

When looking at any charts involving drug overdose deaths, the numbers are significantly higher when a synthetic opioid other than methadone is included. The fact is that fentanyl is the additive causing the meteoric rise in overdose deaths. While accounting for only a fraction of the deaths associated with smoking, fentanyl must be considered the most dangerous drug currently available and abused in the United States.

Unfortunately, fentanyl is no longer difficult to find. It does not require an unethical doctor or a street-corner drug dealer to get access to it. Fentanyl is marketed online from sources in Mexico and, more commonly, in Asia, particularly China. Rand Corporation researchers found several firms in China willing to ship a kilogram of fentanyl to the US for as low as $2000. The equivalent potency of heroin would cost 50 times more.1

That and other research into fentanyl have shown a) how difficult it is to control, b) how easy it is to find, and c) how cheap it is to purchase. Knowing this, it makes sense that fentanyl would be used to cut other drugs of abuse to reduce cost and increase potency and addictiveness.

Because of its potency, fentanyl must be attacked in two ways. The first is prevention. Prevention is critically important because it’s difficult for a community to recover from an influx of fentanyl. Unfortunately, fentanyl is so powerful that it is tough for communities to control. That being said, appropriate treatment options with evidence-based care are also critical to reducing the likelihood that a patient returns to their drug of choice after completing a course of treatment.

Nicotine

Approximately 480,000 people die in the US annually due to smoking, representing about one in every five deaths in our country. It is the leading cause of preventable death and increases the risk of death from all causes. People who smoke have a 2-4 times increased risk of coronary heart disease and increased risk of stroke by the same amount. The risk of lung cancer is 25 times higher than in non-smokers.

Does the fact that nicotine is legal make it any less concerning? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, while efforts have been made to curtail the use of this drug in cigarettes, and smoking rates have decreased over the past few decades (from about 40% of the adult population in the 1960s to about 20% now), it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The addictive properties of nicotine tell us why quitting is so hard. Across the general population, the chance of becoming dependent on nicotine after using tobacco at least once is about 32%. This compares to heroin at 23%, cocaine at 17%, and alcohol at 15%. In other words, nicotine is highly addictive.2

Smoking is particularly problematic in those with substance use disorders and mental illness, and tobacco use is far higher in these populations than in the general public. These same people are less likely to quit.3 Not only is nicotine addictive, but smoking has psychoactive effects. Early on, smoking can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, once dependence sets in; there is evidence to show the opposite. Nicotine has been shown to enhance the effect of other drugs and can even lead users toward marijuana or cocaine use. Nicotine has also been shown to possibly cause increased binge drinking of alcohol and reduce the effects of critical psychiatric medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Smoking creates a bidirectional cause-and-effect relationship that can worsen mental illness and substance use disorders while making treatments less efficacious.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is a highly addictive drug that targets the central nervous system. It is chemically like the stimulant amphetamine used to treat ADHD, and Meth increases dopamine in the brain and stimulates the reward system. However, because meth creates a quick high, the steep drop is speedy, resulting in users often binging and crashing throughout the day. You may have heard of phenomena like meth mouth and noticed that users typically do not practice good self-care. This is because they often binge on methamphetamine day and night every few hours for days on end to maintain the high, with their usage becoming their sole focus at the cost of self-care.

Second, only to the rise in fentanyl overdose deaths, methamphetamine has shown a dramatic increase in abuse and, ultimately, overdose over the past one to two decades. It is estimated that over 16,000 deaths were caused by methamphetamine in 2019, and that number has risen since. Often, methamphetamine is laced with fentanyl, increasing the number of deaths associated with the drug.

The long-term effects of methamphetamine addiction are severe and can include anxiety, depression, severe dental issues, extreme weight loss, paranoia, and hallucinations. These effects can also lead to changes in behavior that ultimately worsen physical and mental health. Some of the changes to the brain caused by meth cannot be reversed and can even lead to Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart attack, and organ failure.

There are no reliable, FDA-approved treatments for methamphetamine use disorder, and traditional therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, while effective, has a lower success rate compared to treating addiction to other drugs. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, has shown promise in treating those with a methamphetamine use disorder; there is hope that emerging technologies can offer even greater benefits.

The facility and therapist directing treatment must be well-versed in addiction and mental illness treatment protocols to assist patients in achieving long-term recovery and sobriety. Due to the nature of methamphetamine, more so than most other drugs, patients require a holistic approach to their care and cannot simply be treated for either addiction or mental illness alone.

Sugar

Although it is not something we immediately relate to addiction, there is little question about whether sugar is an addictive substance that leads to dependence and, ultimately, a substance use disorder. Food addiction has not been shown significant attention despite the considerable rise in excess weight, obesity, and related diseases; however, while some may dismiss this as a traditional “substance use” disorder, ultimately, sugar stimulates the brain pathways and reward system in the same way as other addictive drugs. Sugar releases dopamine, and as such, it may have addictive consequences. How we discuss overeating and sugar consumption is very similar to addictive substances, with cravings, withdrawal, and binging all playing a part. Many people exhibit traits of dependence on sugar, both physically and mentally, that people with substance use disorders do, albeit often less dramatically. Some of the commonalities between drugs of abuse and sugar include:4

  • Binging – drugs are often self-administered in limited periods, known as binges. This can also be true for food and sugar, where the absence of food later creates a compensatory action to receive the euphoric effect. Animal studies have shown that binging sugar often significantly increases daily intake versus eating it regularly throughout the day.
  • Just as with many traditional drugs of abuse, withdrawal can also occur when sugar is removed. Indeed, very interestingly, the opioid antagonist naloxone can cause physical signs of withdrawal in animal subjects, including anxiety, tremors, teeth chattering, and head shakes. These effects were similar to food and sugar deprivation.
  • Craving is also a sign of dependence and addiction in users. After a time of abstinence, sugar cravings also increase, and ultimately, users often consume more when once again exposed to it. Increased length of abstinence heightens the motivation to return to the substance of abuse, whether a drug or sugar.

Interestingly, studies have shown cross-sensitization between sugar and other drugs. Sugar intake and drug abuse can make the subject more sensitive to the other substance. Amphetamines and cocaine, for example, showed definitive cross-sensitization with sugar.

Sugar abstinence also seems to lead to increased use of other drugs and substances of abuse. Often referred to as the gateway effect, animal subjects subjected to intermittent sugar deprivation increased their alcohol intake. Other studies have shown that animals with a “sweet tooth” will self-administer cocaine more readily. This all ties into sugar’s effect on the brain and reward system.

4Avena NM, Rada P, Hoebel BG. Evidence for sugar addiction: behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2008;32(1):20-39. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.04.019. Epub 2007 May 18. PMID: 17617461; PMCID: PMC2235907.

The Rest – Not to Be Overlooked

The above list does not negate the significantly negative impact of other substances often abused. Cocaine, heroin, prescription opioids, and benzodiazepines represent a significant part of the drug problem in the United States. Tens of thousands still lose their lives due to their use and abuse. We cannot overlook this while recognizing that many illicit substances are mixed with Fentanyl, becoming a conduit for the most addictive drug to be introduced to someone abusing other substances. Without these carrier drugs, fentanyl would not be as prevalent today.

As is the belief of The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center and Through the Archway, addiction cannot be treated unidimensionally. Yes, there is a need to treat the underlying addiction, but we cannot forget the mental illness component that is a significant part of many patients with active addiction. Whether caused by mental illness or the cause of cognitive concerns, the whole person must be treated in a comprehensive and compassionate program. With the proven spiritual benefits of Through the Archway’s program, we have collectively given thousands of patients the tools to stay clean for long-term recovery.

Resources:

  • ¹https://www.rand.org/blog/rand-review/2020/01/fentanyl-the-most-dangerous-illegal-drug-in-america.html
  • ²Smith PH, Mazure CM, McKee SA. Smoking and mental illness in the U.S. population. Tob Control. 2014 Nov;23(e2):e147-53. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051466. Epub 2014 Apr 12. PMID: 24727731; PMCID: PMC4201650.
  • ³Morar T, Robertson L. Smoking cessation among people with mental illness: A South African perspective. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022 Aug 30;64(1):e1-e9. doi: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5489. PMID: 36073100; PMCID: PMC9453116.

Recent Posts

I Relapsed, Now What?

I Relapsed. What Happens Now? The reality is that relapse can be a normal part of the recovery journey, especially for those who are new

Read More »
Marion Weston, executive director

MARION WESTON

Executive Director

Marion Weston, Certified Interventionist, has been sober since November of 1989. Since then, she has sponsored many women through the 12-steps as well as being heavily involved in service. Also, Marion has led step workshops and has given talks in Nebraska, South Florida, Washington, New Jersey, Sweden and many other venues.

She has been involved since her first days in recovery with her Church and has enjoyed years of success in the chemical addiction field. Originally from Bellingham, Washington, Marion now resides in South Florida. Her favorite phrase is “turning scars into stars”.

Peter and Marion have a combined sobriety time of nearly 60 years, and a combined 40 years being in service to others in the field of treating substance use disorder.

Marion has been involved in recovery for over 25 years. She has walked many women down the path of recovery on both a personal and public level. Having been a part of 1-on-1 mentor-ship in recovery guiding women towards freedom, to leading various workshops to educate groups of men and women on the practical approach to a sober lifestyle. Marion strives to better herself and be of service to those around her.

Women recovering from alcohol addiction sometimes find it extremely difficult to survive without medications, the Through The Archway program helps them learn different dimensions of life and get over with addictions eventually.

Andrea Morganstein MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, Registered dietitian

ANDREA MORGANSTEIN

REGISTERED DIETICIAN

Andrea Morganstein MS, RD, LDN, CDCES is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist who received her Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Some of her certifications include weight management, functional nutrition, fitness, and diabetes.  She currents owns a private practice in Davie, Florida and works one-on-one with individuals helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle using conventional nutrition as well as functional/integrative nutrition concepts. 

She started her career in Sports Nutrition and weight management but over the years has expanded her knowledge and expertise to include diabetes, mental health and substance abuse. As a contractor for multiple local addiction and mental health facilities, Andrea shares her passion and knowledge about nutrition in conjunction with behavioral changes with her clients suffering from mental health disorders including disordered eating and substance abuse. She works with them individually as well as in a group setting.

Alex Lizardo, Group facilitator

ALEX LIZARDO

GROUP FACILITATOR

Alex Lizardo is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, philanthropist, and an unshakable optimist. She is an obsessive learner who spends time reading, writing and creating strategic projects to help individuals make their dreams a reality. She is was born and raised in Venezuela, having moved to the United States in 2010 and established presence as a certified life coach with a specialization in spiritual psychology. A mechanical engineer and marketer by trade, she is currently a yoga and meditation instructor, reiki master, theta healer, and pranic healer. Her work focuses on trauma in inner child wounding and emotional codependency. She is a bonafide mental health advocate, and her passion for helping others is evident in all of her interactions with the Sylvia Brafman family.

Vinny Richards, Group facilitator

VINNY RICHARDS

GROUP FACILITATOR

Vinny Richards is a unique therapist who went from working as an in-house therapist in various treatment centers to being a successful group facilitator bringing motivational enhancement lectures and relapse prevention programs to the mental health therapeutic community. His direct, authentic approach resonates greatly with the patients at SBMHC. Originally hailing from New York City, Vinny has also engaged in individual therapy with hundreds of clients over the last several decades.

Talia DeLuca (ACE, PPSC), Group facilitator

TALIA DELUCA

GROUP FACILITATOR

Ms. Talia DeLuca is certified fitness coach (ACE, PPSC) who is passionate about helping others to understand the important interplay between fitness, exercise, and mental health. She attended Boston College where she received a B.S. in Political Science and minored in Managing for Social Impact. During her time spent at BC Talia earned her personal training certification and became an instructor at the university recreation center. Talia further discovered her passion for fitness and mental health during an internship with Happify in her Junior year of college, where she helped to create an exercise program for app users to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. She is now a trainer at Anatomy in Midtown, Miami.

Talia grew up in a small town in Rhode Island and has spent the majority of her life in New England before moving to Miami in June of 2021. Throughout her youth and in school she struggled with anxiety, depression, disordered eating and other mental health challenges. Exercise has become a necessary aspect of her life that has helped her to better manage and overcome these challenges. In addition to training and fitness, Talia loves to spend time with her dog, eat, and travel.

Linda Milano, board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

LINDA MILANO, PMHNP-BC

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE

Mrs. Linda Milano is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about incorporating a whole health approach in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. She attended Florida International University where she first received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, and later a Master’s of Science Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. She has over 25 years of experience treating patients with substance abuse and mental illness. She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Mrs. Milano also runs a private practice with over 200 patients. She grew up in a small town in Virginia. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Jim Magner, Director of business development

JIM MAGNER

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jim Magner has worked in the field of substance abuse and mental health for the last 15 years. He has always had a passion for helping others. Jim has held many leadership positions over the course of his career and draws on his own recovery experience to assist families and their loved ones.  Born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, Jim now lives in Coral Springs with his wife Courtney and 2 kids. When he’s not working or playing with his family, Jim’s hobbies include golfing, fishing, working out and watching Wheel of Fortune, which he was a contestant on back in 2017.

Linda Newman, Primary Therapist

LINDA NEWMAN

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Linda Newman was born and raised in NJ. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College followed by her Master’s degree from Georgian Court University. She started my career in 1993 and have been working in the counseling field since then in different arena’s. I started as an A/D adolescent counselor for 5 years until my second child was born. At which time, I took some time off to raise my family. Upon returning to work, I did some counseling in the school setting for some time. I also spent some time on the alliance in my town and assisted in creating programs for the school district regarding alcohol and drug education. She relocated to Florida in 2011 and have been here ever since When I moved to Florida, I went back to SA/MH which I’ve been doing consistently since then. I have 2 amazing children.

Michael Lenok, MA, Primary Therapist

MICHAEL LENOK

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Mr. Michael Lenok, MA, is a primary therapist at SBMHC.  Michael has been working in the field of substance use and mental health disorders since 2017. Michael is proficient with individual therapy and case management. He takes a very personalized and individualistic approach to treatment, and works in collaboration with each and every client to help them realize their true potential. Michael excels at group facilitation. His group curriculum and material is personally created and original. Michael’s unique approach to treatment for co-occurring disorders is something that is unique to SBMHC.

Michael has a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Syracuse University. Michael is a native New Yorker but is settling in Florida after spending the past 3 years in Washington and Massachusetts. He is a diehard New York Knicks fan, and makes far too many basketball references. He spends most of his free time chilling with his dog, Mamba.

Tricia Taylor, Clinical Nurse

TRICIA TAYLOR

CLINICAL NURSE

Tricia Taylor a detailed oriented Licensed Practical Nurse with extensive experience in business operations, patient services and work well with team members and doctors.

Possesses exceptional team building, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly adapt to the ever-changing business environment. Creative problem solver that works closely with doctors and staff to provide real time solutions.

Cynthia Ingram, Director of admissions and case management

CYNTHIA INGRAM

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & CASE MANAGEMENT

Ms. Cynthia Ingram has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment for over 25 years. Cynthia, through her own personal experience, strength, and hope, has worked closely with many treatment centers, community providers, courts and other organizations who walk with the same vision and purpose, to help those who struggle with mental illness. Through this journey her purpose is clear: to give back what was so freely given to her.

Valeska Medel, Director of operations

VALESKA MEDEL

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Ms. Valeska Medel has been a professional in the healthcare industry for the past 17 years, with a primary focus on the operational and administrative functions. She comes with 15 years of experience as the Executive Assistant to the Administrator for a skilled nursing facility and an additional year as a Business Development associate for a Behavioral Health Hospital. Valeska attend Florida Atlantic University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration.

She has certifications from Broward College in Business Operations, Business Specialist, Accounting Technology Operations, and Human Resources Management.

Valeska grew up a small town in Chile and moved to the United States at the age of 28 where she learned and became fluent in English. Outside of work, Valeska enjoys Latin dancing, travel, and cooking.

Jaime Blaustein is Co-Founder and CEO of Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center

JAIME BLAUSTEIN

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Credentials & Accolades

  • Credit Suisse – Investment Banking
  • Lord Abbett – Institutional Sales
  • Morgan Stanley & Wells Fargo – Wealth Management
  • Duke University – MBA
  • University of Michigan – BA

Mr. Jaime Blaustein is Co-Founder and CEO of SBMHC. Prior to this role, he was an investment banker at Credit Suisse in its Global Industrials coverage group in New York City. Here he was responsible for advising clients in the basic materials sector on strategic matters, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, restructurings and various debt and equity financings. Prior to this role, he worked in institutional sales at Lord Abbett, a mutual fund manager overseeing ~$150 billion in assets under management. He previously worked in wealth management at Morgan Stanley and later Wells Fargo, advising a wide array of clients on investment strategies.

Jaime received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his M.B.A. from Duke University. He is an unapologetic NY Giants, Duke Blue Devils and Michigan Wolverine fan. His interests include fitness, steakhouses, international travel, meditation retreats, and quality time with friends. Jaime is a newly minted resident of Miami. He is actively involved in sponsoring dozens of men in recovery and is beyond excited to marry his business expertise with his passion for helping others make a comeback from the depths of mental illness and addiction.

Peter Marinelli, executive director

PETER MARINELLI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Through the Archway

Credentials & Accolades

  • International Circuit – Speaker
  • Certified Interventionist
  • National Council on Alcoholism – Speaker
  • Through The Archway – Founder
  • FHE Health Sober Living Program with Peter Marinelli

Peter Marinelli, Certified Interventionist and published author, has been sober since 1988 and has dedicated his life to helping others recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. The spiritual emersion program at Through The Archway has been created by Peter Marinelli. As an international circuit speaker, Peter has given hundreds of talks across the U.S. and Europe on subjects related to recovery.

He has spoken at numerous treatment centers, universities and medical organizations to both sufferers and clinicians alike. Peter has also been invited to speak for the National Council on Alcoholism and has been a guest on talk radio and has done workshops on spiritual transformation for various religious organizations.

He has spent the majority of his sobriety in the Treatment Center industry. Peter Marinelli’s mission is to help addicts and alcoholics recover from their fatal illness. He is the Founder and CEO of Through the Archway, a 30-day program designed to help suffering addicts reclaim their lives.

Dr. Linda Dolin, Medical Director of Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center

DR. LINDA DOLIN, MD

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Credentials & Accolades

  • Destination Hope –  Medical Director
  • House of Hope –  Medical Director
  • Florida Medical Center – Internal Medicine Physician
  • Florida University Hospital – Internal Medicine Physician
  • Milestones in Recovery – Internal Medicine Physician
  • MedPsych Consultants – Founding Partner

Dr. Linda Dolin is the Medical Director of SBMHC. She received her medical degree from Chicago Medical School and went on to complete her residency at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Dolin brings nearly 32 years of experience as a practicing internal medical physician to her role as medical director at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center. Her medical practice consists entirely of inpatient and outpatient clients with psychiatric diagnoses.

Dr. Richard Seely, Director of psychiatry

Richard Seely

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHIATRY

Credentials & Accolades

  • Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine – Board Certified
  • Florida Medical Center – Psychiartrist
  • Florida Society of Addiction Medicine – Officer & Director
  • Profes sionals Resource Network – Evaluator & Provider
  • Princeton University – AB
  • Jefferson Medical College – MD

Dr. Richard Seely educated at Princeton University, Jefferson Medical College, and University of Miami residency in psychiatry, Dr. Rick Seely is Board-certified in psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry, and also in addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He serves as an evaluator and provider for Florida’s Impaired Professionals Programs and for professional sports teams, and as a consultant to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.

Dr. Seely is an addiction medicine psychiatrist who has served as medical director of addiction treatment centers in South Florida since 1990 and has had the privilege of assessing and treating over 100,000 individuals suffering from the disease of addiction. He has taught addiction psychiatry at medical schools for over 35 years and supervises psychiatric resident physicians in addiction medicine.

In long-term recovery from addiction himself, Dr. Seely empathizes with patients and provides clear, consistent, and compassionate guidance in their recovery efforts. He imparts his experience and knowledge in a manner consistent with humility and dedication to spreading the message of hope and recovery.

Ben Brafman, MS, LMHC, CAP, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center

Ben Brafman

CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Credentials & Accolades

  • Destination Hope –  President & CEO
  • The Academy for Addiction Professionals – President & CEO
  • Rx Angels – President & CEO
  • Sullivan Pharmacy – President & CEO
  • Barry University – Mental Health Counseling and Family Therapy

Mr. Ben Brafman, MS, LMHC, CAP is Co-Founder and Clinical Director of SBMHC. He has founded a multitude of programs focusing on addiction, men’s issues, eating disorders and personality disorders. Ben was Founder, President and CEO of Destination Hope, a treatment center specializing in substance abuse and mental health disorders, established in 2007. Ben is also the founder, President and CEO of The Academy for Addiction Professionals. The Academy is a school geared toward preparing professionals for the field of addiction by assisting students in getting their CBHT, CAS, CAC, and CAP. Additionally, Ben is also Founder, President and CEO of Rx Angels, a non-profit organization. Its main purpose is to help families that cannot afford medication and treatment for their mentally ill loved ones.

Ben has been in the field of behavioral health for 25 years. He has developed several programs in the South Florida area and has been instrumental in teaching other professionals how to effectively manage their clinical programs. Ben is recognized as a leading authority in behavioral health and a pioneer in clinical services. He is also actively involved in several community services programs. He has helped families all over the country from Atlanta, Georgia to Santa Barbara, California. He is a published author in the area of dual diagnosis and behavioral health. Additionally, Ben is a leading expert in family issues related to addiction and its impact on the system of family, having positively influenced thousands of families in his career.

Ben has a dual Masters from Barry University in Counseling and Family Therapy. Mr. Brafman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He is also a Certified Addiction Professional and trains supervisors in the state of Florida to supervise others effectively. He resides in Parkland, Florida with his wife, Suzanne, and his 3 children Abigail, Jacob and Elijah. He has completed several marathons and is currently working on publishing books in the area of addiction, mental illness and behavioral health.