The journey to recovery from substance abuse is challenging and filled with ups and downs. Building a strong support network during recovery is essential for achieving and maintaining sobriety. It is vital to surround yourself with people who can provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability. The Minnesota drug addiction hotline is an excellent starting point to gather information and get the support you need to take that important first step.

The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free 24/7 hotline that you can access free of cost by dialing 1-844-289-0879. Representatives are available around the clock to give you up-to-date information about addiction treatment options in Minnesota. All calls to the Minnesota drug helpline are completely confidential. With just a simple phone call, you can gain access to vital information and local resources in a safe, non-judgmental, private space.

Call 1-844-289-0789 today to get answers to your questions and discuss your concerns about substance abuse and addiction. We can help you find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, and other communities in Minnesota.

MINNESOTA SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Student Survey was completed by over 135,000 students in 2022 and showed the following: [1]

TOBACCO USE

  • Percentage of 9th graders who reported smoking in 2001: 20%
  • Percentage of 9th graders who reported smoking in 2022: 2%
  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days in 2019: 26%
  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days in 2022: 14%
  • Percentage of 8th graders who reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days in 2019: 11%
  • Percentage of 8th graders who reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days in 2022: 6%

ALCOHOL USE

  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported drinking alcohol in 2019: 23%
  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported drinking alcohol in 2022: 17%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported using marijuana in 2019: 16%
  • Percentage of 11th graders who reported using marijuana in 2022: 12%

The survey therefore shows encouraging trends in smoking, alcohol, and marijuana use among students in Minnesota.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN MINNESOTA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in Minnesota: [2]

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 6.2% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 8.5% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average decreased from 7.9% in 2002-2004 to 6.8% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month alcohol use was reported by 9.7% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 18.2% in 2002-2004. The US national average also showed a downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 7.3% of Minnesota teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 6.9% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable at 8.2% during this time.
  • Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 10.4% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 5.2% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 4.6% (US average 2.3%).

Marijuana and alcohol use among adolescents in Minnesota have shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, the percentage of students using illicit drugs increased slightly between 2015 and 2019. Also, cigarette use by 4.6% of adolescents in Minnesota was considerably higher than the national average of 2.3%.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in Minnesota is as follows:

  • Past-year tobacco use among young adults 18-25 years was reported by 42.8% of people in 2017-2019 compared to 61.1% in 2002-2004. The US average fell from 54.3% to 37.2% between 2002 and 2019.
  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 40.7% of young adults in Minnesota in 2017-2019 compared to 27.5% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average increased from 28.7% in 2002-2004 to 35.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder was reported in 4.6% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Minnesota in 2017-2019, compared to 5.6% in 2002-2004. The US national average changed from 6.0% in 2002-2004 to 5.6% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year opioid use disorder was reported in 0.4% of young adults in Minnesota in 2017-2019 compared to 0.8% in 2015-2017. The US national average changed from 1.3% in 2015-2017 to 1.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder was reported in 6.4% of Minnesota residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019, same as 2015-2017. The US national average was around 7.2% to 7.5% during this time period.
  • Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 44.5% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 47.1% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Minnesota is considerably higher compared to the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 12.0% of Minnesota residents in 2017-2019, compared to 20.7% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Minnesota therefore has a higher percentage of young adults battling alcohol use disorder compared to the US average for all states.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 15.0% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Minnesota in 2017-2019 compared to 15.6% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.

MINNESOTA RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in Minnesota residents aged 12 years and older:

  • Past-year tobacco use: 26.2% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 16.0% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.5% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.22% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 3.5% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.2% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 2.3% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 5.0% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 6.3% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 20,779
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 5,900
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 42.2% drug problem only, 16.5% alcohol problem only, 41.3% both drug and alcohol problems
A group therapy session with 3 people sitting in on folding chairs in a circle facing each other and a silhouette of another person seen in the foreground.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PEERS, MENTORS, AND PROFESSIONALS IN ADDICTION RECOVERY?

Any person who is attempting recovery from substance abuse can benefit immensely from a support network of peers, mentors, and professionals. Each of these individuals plays a unique role in the recovery process.

Peers

Connecting with people who have gone through or are currently experiencing similar struggles with substance abuse can be very empowering for a person in recovery. Peer support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), offer a safe and non-judgmental space to share experiences, fears, and triumphs with others who can relate. These groups provide a sense of belonging, help to reduce feelings of isolation, and foster empathy among members. Being surrounded by peers who understand the challenges and connecting with people who can offer practical advice can be a great source of strength and inspiration during difficult times.

Mentors

Mentors are often individuals who have successfully maintained their own sobriety. They can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement to a person in recovery. Mentors offer hope and serve as role models for those in the early stages of recovery. They understand the struggles faced by anyone attempting to overcome addiction and can share their personal experiences to demonstrate that recovery is possible. Having someone to turn to for advice, coping strategies, and encouragement can make a world of difference in maintaining motivation and focus.

Professionals

Working with qualified professionals, such as counselors, therapists, and addiction specialists, is crucial for adhering to a recovery plan. These experts have the knowledge and experience necessary to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to substance abuse in the first place. Through individual or group therapy sessions, they can help a person in recovery navigate emotional challenges, build coping skills, and develop strategies to prevent relapse. Regular meetings with addiction treatment professionals provide a structured environment for evaluation of a person’s progress as well as accountability.

The significance of a comprehensive support network of peers, mentors, and professionals cannot be stressed enough. This network can help to reinforce positive behaviors and offer a safety net during times of vulnerability. A strong network provides encouragement during milestones, such as celebrating periods of sobriety, and offers a non-judgmental space to discuss setbacks.

Accountability is a key factor as well. When a person knows that their peers, mentors, and professionals are invested in their wellbeing, they are more likely to stay committed to their recovery journey and remain honest about their struggles.

Remember, recovery is a lifelong process, and a diverse support network can ensure ongoing assistance and reinforcement over time. If you are struggling with substance abuse, a support network can help you develop resilience, coping skills, and a sense of responsibility towards yourself and others. It can also give you access to various perspectives and resources, enabling you to explore different approaches to recovery that suit your unique needs.

Call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 today to find programs in your community that can help you build a strong support network during recovery from substance abuse. This will help you achieve long-term success with empathy and understanding from peers, guidance and inspiration from mentors, and expertise and structure to the recovery process from professionals. The combined efforts of your support network will create a safety net and encourage accountability to maintain a substance-free life. As a result, you will be better equipped to face the challenges of recovery and better prepared to embrace a healthier and happier future.

References:

  1. Minnesota Department of Health. Student Survey 2022. Available online. Accessed on July 25 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Minnesota. Available online. Accessed on July 25, 2023.

Last updated: July 25, 2023