Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Minnesota
In This Article
Minnesota has been grappling with a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, alcohol use and related issues, and youth substance use in Minnesota, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
- The American Indian population represents 1.5% of Minnesota’s total population but accounts for 8% of all drug overdose deaths.1
- From 2000 to 2017, opioid-involved deaths increased by 681% in Minnesota, with a 7% increase from 2016 to 2017.1
- More than 1,100 Minnesotans died due to excessive drinking in 2021, a record high.2
Substance Use and Disorders
Substance use disorders disproportionately affect certain populations in Minnesota. Here are some key statistics:
- The drug overdose mortality rate for American Indians increased from 64.6 to 76.2 per 100,000 residents, and for African Americans, it increased from 24.0 to 27.6 per 100,000 residents.1
- In 2017, there were 783 deaths from suicide, 636 from alcohol, and 422 from opioids in Minnesota.1
These numbers demonstrate the disparate impact of substance use disorders on different communities in the state.
Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths
The opioid epidemic has hit Minnesota particularly hard, with a significant increase in opioid-involved deaths in recent years. Consider these troubling statistics:
- In 2017, there were 195 prescription opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota.1
- Deaths from synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) increased nearly 86% since 2016, with 184 deaths in 2017.1
The alarming rise in opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
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Alcohol Use and Related Issues
Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Minnesota, contributing to numerous deaths and health problems. Here are some relevant statistics:
- The alcohol-induced death rate in the Duluth metro area was nearly double the statewide average, at 38 deaths per 100,000.2
Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention, treatment, and policy changes is crucial for improving public health in Minnesota.
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Youth Substance Use
Substance use among young people in Minnesota is a growing concern. Here are some relevant statistics:
- In 2019, 16.5% of 9th and 11th grade students reported current alcohol use.3
- In 2016, 3.5% of students in grades 8, 9, and 11 had substance use disorders.4
Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial to help young people avoid developing substance use disorders.
Additional Statistics
Here are some additional statistics related to substance use and addiction in Minnesota:
- In 2022, nonfatal emergency department visits for opioid-involved overdoses were highest among 25-34-year-olds.5
- 60.5% of adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol during the past month.6
The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Minnesota. From the disproportionate impact of overdose deaths on American Indian and African American communities to the alarming increase in opioid-related fatalities and excessive drinking deaths, it is clear that the state faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, Minnesota can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.
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Related Articles
- “Suicide, Alcohol, and Opioid Deaths in Minnesota.” Minnesota Department of Health, accessed 2023.
- “Minnesotans are drinking themselves to death at an unprecedented rate.” Minnesota Reformer, 2022.
- “Alcohol Use Among Youth in Minnesota, 2019.” Minnesota Department of Health, 2019.
- “2016 Minnesota Student Survey Statewide Tables.” Minnesota Department of Human Services, 2017.
- “Opioid Overdose Dashboard.” Minnesota Department of Health, accessed 2023.
- “State-level estimates of alcohol consumption, binge drinking and drinking patterns by sex, age and race/ethnicity in the US, 2015-2020.” Scientific Reports, 2022.
