Drug abuse statistics in Minnesota
Minnesota has a population of 5,707,390 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 812,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 14.23% of the population. 771,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 1,069,000 in the past year. The report also found that 139,000 Minnesota residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 71,000 had abused meth, and 193,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 45,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Minnesota totaled 187,000 people.
Alcohol abuse in Minnesota
Alcohol misuse was also reported in Minnesota with 2,770,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 1,335,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 2,089,000 people.
Overdose deaths in Minnesota
In 2021, Minnesota saw a total of 1270 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in Minnesota at 22.3 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 1162 or 20.3 per 100,000 people.
Addiction treatment statistics in Minnesota
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Minnesota and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 965,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 638,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 108,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 424 people in Minnesota needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 611,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 845,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
Local government assistance in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services supports counties and facilities across the state in providing treatment for substance use disorder, gambling, and addiction to tobacco and other drugs. They are also committed to developing programs, training, and maintaining the effective services offered by these treatment and rehab centers.
DHS works with communities to prevent alcohol and substance use before it begins and offers assessment interviews and tests to determine an individual's unique needs. They also provide treatment services like inpatient and outpatient programs, halfway houses, and detox centers for addicted individuals.
The Minnesota Department of Health Services is constantly working on providing peer-based recovery support services like phone support, coaching, and support groups. As part of recovery DHS also helps recovering addicts access housing, vocational training, jobs, and transportation.
For native communities, DHS allows for a more traditional healing approach to mental health, and substance use among American Indians delivered and designed by American Indians. The state ensures that 10 tribal nations in Minnesota receive grants to support traditional healing treatments in their communities.
If you or a loved one is dealing with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions, you can contact them at 651-431-2460.