This memoir navigates the dark waters of Florida’s pill-mill epidemic and the personal cost of survival.
Growing up in the shadow of the pill mills
Growing up during Florida’s pill-mill epidemic meant navigating a landscape marked by both survival and loss. Each street corner and story reflects a time when addiction reshaped communities and lives for many, including my own. The memories are raw, yet integral to understanding our resilience.
This memoir explores the gritty realities of a Florida childhood altered by the rise of pill mills, capturing moments of hardship, hope, and the enduring quest for healing amid chaos. Through photos and personal reflections, I aim to preserve the truth of those years for future generations.
Timeline of the Pill Mill Years
We lived it, we survived it, and we’re here to tell the truth about it.
1995–2020: Florida’s Pill Mill Generation
These were the years that shaped an epidemic — when pain clinics centered in neighborhoods and prescriptions flowed faster than truth. What began as relief became addiction, and too often, punishment. Bad actors took advantage of desperation, exploiting addicts and feeding a system that profited from pain.
Not every court followed that path — some fought back with treatment options and compassion — but they were few and far between. The aftermath still echoes today, as fentanyl fills the void left by overcorrection and misunderstanding. We keep treating the symptom, not the cause — forgetting that addiction can touch anyone.
This blog remembers, questions, and tells the stories of the generation caught in the middle.
There are many stories. This is mine. You may choose to share yours too.
95–20: Florida’s Pill Mill Generation 