Seeking help for substance abuse is a crucial step towards recovery and regaining control of one’s life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are various resources available to provide support and assistance. The Montana drug addiction hotline offers confidential and immediate help, providing guidance and connecting you with local treatment options.

You can access this information by calling the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879. This is a 24/7 toll-free number and representatives are available around the clock to answer your questions. Our goal is to give you quick access to updated information about addiction treatment in Montana. All calls to the helpline are completely confidential and are answered by trained professionals. Call today to find local resources and obtain guidance on substance abuse treatment in Montana in a safe, non-judgmental space.

We can help you find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte, and other communities in Montana. These treatment centers, both inpatient and outpatient, offer structured programs with medical supervision to treat addiction safely and effectively. We can also help you find community-based programs and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that foster a sense of community and understanding among people facing similar challenges.

Remember, the first step in seeking professional assistance for addiction is acknowledging the problem and reaching out for help. The National Drug Helpline can help you get consultations with healthcare professionals and addiction specialists who can determine the most suitable treatment plan for you or your loved one. From there, your journey towards recovery can begin with your commitment to the treatment process. Seeking help is a courageous and essential step towards building a healthier and happier future.

MONTANA SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN MONTANA

The Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]

ALCOHOL USE

  • Percentage of students who had their first alcoholic drink before age 13 years: 18.2%
  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 31.4%
  • Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 16.4%
  • Percentage of students who go the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them: 38.4%
  • Percentage of students who reported they had 10 or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours in the past 30 days: 4.5%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of students who ever used marijuana: 37.0%
  • Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 7.3%
  • Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 19.7%
  • Percentage of students who ever used synthetic marijuana (spice, K2, black mamba, fake weed): 6.6%

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION MISUSE

  • Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 12.0%

EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

  • Percentage of students who ever used cocaine: 4.0%
  • Percentage of students who ever used inhalants (glue, aerosol cans, paints, sprays): 8.6%
  • Percentage of students who ever used heroin (smack, junk, China White): 1.5%
  • Percentage of students who ever used methamphetamines (speed, crystal meth, ice, crank): 1.9%
  • Percentage of students who ever used ecstasy: 4.2%
  • Percentage of students who ever injected an illegal drug: 1.4%
  • Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 22.3%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN MONTANA

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

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 11.3% of adolescents in 2017-2019, similar to 11.4% in 2002-2004. During this timeframe, the US national average was considerably lower at 7.9% in 2002-2004 and 6.8% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month alcohol use was reported by 13.5% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 24.5% 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 13.3% of Montana teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 11.2% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable and significantly lower at 8.2% during this time.
  • Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 10.7% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 6.3% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 4.6% (US average 2.3%).

Marijuana, alcohol, and illicit drug use among adolescents in Montana have all shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, the figures for substance use are considerably higher than the US national average.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

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

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 42.6% of young adults in Montana in 2017-2019 compared to 35.1% 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 5.5% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Montana in 2017-2019, compared to 6.8% 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 1.5% of young adults in Montana in 2017-2019 compared to 2.1% 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 8.2% of Montana residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 8.8% in 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 45.7% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 47.3% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Montana is considerably higher than the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 12.5% of Montana residents in 2017-2019, compared to 23.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Montana 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 17.0% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Montana in 2017-2019 compared to 19.1% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.

MONTANA RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

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

  • Past-year tobacco use: 33.3% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 20.1% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 2.0% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.29% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 4.3% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.9% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 3.5% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 7.9% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 10.1% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 4,537
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 727
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 38.7% drug problem only, 22.4% alcohol problem only, 38.8% both drug and alcohol problems
Lonely man sitting with his back to the camera in a meadow looking at a snow capped mountain range.

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF FIGHTING DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN MONTANA?

Fighting alcohol and drug abuse in Montana presents some unique challenges due to the state’s rural and expansive landscape, coupled with a combination of social, economic, and geographical factors.

Geographical Factors

While Montana is world renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the geographical size of the state and its relatively small population scattered across remote areas poses certain problems when it comes to controlling alcohol and drug use. The dispersion of the population makes it challenging to establish and maintain access to treatment facilities and support services. Lack of proximity to treatment centers is a common hurdle cited by individuals seeking help, leading to higher rates of untreated substance abuse.

Limited Resources

Like many other states in the US, Montana struggles with limited resources and funding for mental health and addiction services, further exacerbating the problem. The state’s sparse population means it is harder to generate the necessary revenue to invest in comprehensive prevention and treatment programs.

Cultural Factors

Cultural factors can also play a role in the challenges of combating substance abuse. Montanans have a strong sense of individualism, self-reliance, and privacy, making it difficult for many people to admit their struggles and seek help. Stigma surrounding addiction remains a barrier to open discussions and accessing treatment.

The significant Native American population in the state faces some unique challenges, including historical trauma, social disparities, and lack of culturally appropriate services, which contribute to higher substance abuse rates among these communities. [3]

Drug Trafficking Hubs

Montana’s proximity to major drug trafficking routes leads to a substantial influx of illegal drugs into the state, contributing to drug abuse issues. Methamphetamine, prescription opioids, and heroin have been particularly problematic in Montana, leading to addiction and related criminal activities. Drugs come to the state through the interstate system and directly from Mexican drug cartels.

While these challenges certainly need to be addressed at the state level, individuals seeking addiction treatment can call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 to find comprehensive treatment programs in Montana to start the recovery process.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on August 7, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Montana. Available online. Accessed on August 7, 2023.
  3. National Library of Medicine. American Indians/Alaska Natives and Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes. Available online. Accessed on August 7, 2023.

Last updated: August 7, 2023