Minnesota Drug Rehabs

Minnesota Addiction Treatment

In Minnesota, the majority of addiction treatment admissions are related to marijuana use. However, heroin and opioid addictions have grown into a serious problem statewide, increasing to record-high numbers each year.

The most common illicit drugs Minnesotans are treated for addictions to include:

• Marijuana
• Opioids
• Stimulants
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamines

Substance abuse is most common among Minnesota teens, as well as adults ages 18 to 25. In addition to dangerous opioid and methamphetamine use, adolescents typically abuse inhalants, MDMA/ecstasy, synthetic drugs and prescription drugs.

Over the past few years, the transportation and distribution of illicit substances has become a growing threat for Minnesota residents. Since the state shares a border with Canada to its north and Lake Superior to its east, drug traffickers have many opportunities to smuggle substances in and out. In addition, Minnesota has 13 ports of entry across the state; however, only three are patrolled 24 hours a day. These less-populated regions have grown as well-known areas for meth labs.

In larger cities, like Minneapolis/St. Paul, drugs are often imported from Mexico and southwestern states. The Twin Cities also has the third largest trucking center in the United States. Private vehicles and commercial trucks come through this area from Chicago and Los Angeles, carrying large quantities of cocaine for distribution. Recently, cocaine has become one of the leading contributors to drug-related crimes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region. In fact, the Minneapolis Police Department estimates that 90 percent of violent crime in the city is related to cocaine abuse and distribution.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, help is available. Contact us today to learn about different treatment options that will fit your needs.

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Laws Of Minnesota Drug Use

Minnesota has harsh drug laws in place for both sale and possession. There are five degrees of penalties that vary based on the type of drug and the amount involved. The first degree involves the most serious and punishable drug-related activities, whereas the fifth degree is the least severe punishment.

Marijuana Laws In Minnesota

Minnesota’s medical cannabis program became legal in 2015. The following year, in 2016, program registration opened to qualifying individuals. As of July 2016, eight patient centers began operations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Rochester, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Eagan and Hibbing. Additional centers are planned for other cities in the coming year.

To qualify for medical marijuana, Minnesotans must have a qualifying condition such as:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Cancer/cachexia
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Intractable pain
• Seizures
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Terminal illness
• Tourette’s Syndrome

Each patient is limited to a 30-day supply at any given time. While home cultivation is not allowed, many state licensed dispensaries are starting to open their doors across the state.

Although medical marijuana is legal, the recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Minnesota. Those found in possession or the drug will be penalized accordingly.

Individuals facing their first charge may be eligible for a conditional discharge. This allows a person to serve probation time rather than going to trial. Oftentimes, a drug education course is required as well. After successfully completing probation, all charges will be dropped.

Addiction Treatment Laws In Minnesota

Minnesota lawmakers have put various harm reduction laws in place in an effort to protect their state’s residents. These laws attempt to not only detect and combat drug trafficking efforts, but also raise awareness about the consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

Minnesota Syringe Access Initiative

The Minnesota Syringe Access Initiative was enacted in July 1998. It was passed in an effort to reduce the number of drug users sharing contaminated needles. When a needle is used by multiple people, it increases the risk of coming in contact with HIV, hepatitis C or other blood-borne diseases.

Pharmacies that participate in the Syringe Access Initiative may sell up to 10 syringes at a time without a prescription. The law not only provides access to clean needles, it promotes treatment and recovery to those in need. Oftentimes, local organizations will join together and offer welfare services such as affordable housing, workforce solutions and rehab information.

Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention

Minnesota is one of 32 states that has enacted a Good Samaritan law. The law, passed in 2014, provides immunity to those who report a potential overdose to emergency personnel. By protecting individuals from civil liability for certain drug-related activities, it encourages people to call for help when an emergency situation arises.

Additionally, Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention law permits the distribution of naloxone to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the damage caused by an opioid overdose and restore an individual’s respiratory functions.

Drug Courts

In 1996, Minnesota’s first drug court started in Hennepin County. During the mid-2000s, the number of statewide drug courts increased dramatically. By mid-2007, Minnesota had 27 operational drug courts that covered roughly one third of the state’s counties.

The goal of drug courts is to help offenders overcome their past through recovery instead of incarceration. Programs often include:

• Addiction treatment
• Frequent drug testing
• Court appearances
• Relapse prevention
• Substance abuse education
• Community service

As of 2012, the unemployment rate for drug court graduates fell to less than 15 percent – dropping from 50 percent at the start of the program. In addition, an estimated 20 percent of graduates reached a higher level of education during their time in drug court.

Treatment Centers in Minnesota

Over the last several years, Minnesota officials have taken action to combat the rising opioid abuse rates among residents. In 2015, state leaders initiated different programs to help reduce the harmful effects of opioids by:

• Enhancing care for pregnant women addicted to dangerous drugs.
• Promoting the Prescription Monitoring Program to better track drug abuse and insurance fraud.
• Training physicians on symptoms of addiction during yearly exams.
• Finding alternative methods to treating chronic pain.
• Expanding the number of cost-effective programs to help community members in need.

When looking for the right treatment center for you, don’t just limit yourself to those in-state. Sometimes the best option is a facility far from home. In fact, out-of-state treatment has advantages such as focusing on your recovery without interruptions, distancing yourself from negative influences and offering specialized programs.

Contact a treatment provider to discuss available treatment options today.