Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Saint Paul
Some local statistics about prescription drug abuse in Saint Paul and Minnesota include:
- In 2018, there were 17 opioid-related overdose deaths in Ramsey County, which includes Saint Paul. This was a decrease from 32 deaths in 2017.
- In 2017, there were 395 opioid-related overdose deaths in Minnesota, a 22.5% increase from the previous year.
- According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 3.8% of Minnesotans aged 12 or older reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the past year.
- The most commonly misused prescription drugs in Minnesota are opioids, followed by stimulants and benzodiazepines.
- Addiction to prescription opioids is a significant problem in Minnesota, with an estimated 100,000 individuals in need of treatment.
Prescription drug abuse programs in Saint Paul and Minnesota aim to address this growing issue through a variety of tactics, including education, prevention, treatment, and recovery support. These programs utilize evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome their substance abuse disorders and regain control of their lives.
Some common components of prescription drug abuse programs include:
- Individual and group counseling: Counseling is a crucial aspect of prescription drug abuse treatment as it allows individuals to address the underlying reasons for their addiction and develop coping mechanisms for managing cravings and preventing relapse.
- Medical management: Depending on the type of prescription drug being abused, medical management may involve tapering off the substance and/or prescribing medication-assisted treatment, such as Suboxone, to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, can provide individuals with a sense of community and peer support while in recovery. These groups also help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn from the experiences of others.
- Education and prevention programming: Prescription drug abuse programs also aim to educate individuals and the community about the risks of prescription drug abuse and how to prevent it. This may include educating physicians about proper prescribing practices or conducting outreach events in schools and other community settings.
- Holistic approaches: Some prescription drug abuse programs may also incorporate holistic methods, such as mindfulness practices, yoga, or art therapy, to help individuals manage stress and improve overall well-being.
In addition to these services, prescription drug abuse programs in Saint Paul and Minnesota may also offer aftercare support to help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. This may include ongoing counseling and support group participation, as well as social support services and vocational training to help individuals reintegrate into society.
Overall, prescription drug abuse programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota play a vital role in addressing the growing issue of prescription drug abuse and helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. These programs offer a range of services to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with prescription drug dependence, and are an important resource for those seeking help.