Bold Solutions for Minot
Minot is the 4th most populous city in North Dakota, and is the seat of Ward County. Historically, it has been known as the “hub city” of North Dakota, and had rapid growth during the pioneer era. However, growth remained relatively stagnant since 1950. Regardless, it still enjoys a flourishing arts community, with many opportunities for parks and recreation. This stagnation may have invited another problem as well. A CDC report released last year revealed the number of U.S. heroin users has grown by nearly 300,000 over a decade. Among Dakotans however, alcohol abuse is the foremost problem. Fortunately, there are solutions available to people who are struggling in the Minot area. Minot drug treatment centers are available to help addicts in the region get their lives back on track.
Substance Abuse Struggles in Minot
Of all drugs, Alcohol is abused most in the Dakotas and in America. The consequences of alcohol and drug use cost North Dakotans an estimated 25.9 billion dollars in 2000 in reduced and lost productivity, crime, premature death, law enforcement, health care, property damage, car accidents, and social welfare programs.
Preventing and curbing alcohol misuse will go far in reducing the economic and social costs of substance use. Realizing this, Drug Prevention Resources, Inc. (DPRI) commissioned a community survey to examine the social norms that may influence underage and high risk drinking.
Surprisingly, North Dakota secondary students reported 68% lifetime alcohol use and 33% current use. 23% of secondary students reported having five or more drinks on one occasion. About 68% of secondary students said it was very or somewhat easy to get alcohol if they wanted some.
According to the report by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), prescription drug abuse has quickly become a top public health concern. Recently, prescription drug related deaths now outnumber those from heroin and cocaine combined. Now, drug overdose deaths exceed motor vehicle-related deaths in 29 states and Washington, D.C. In addition, meth has made a comeback to North Dakota as well. 2011 Data shows a 25% increase in meth-related arrests from 2009. Fortunately, North Dakota has the lowest drug overdose mortality rate in the United States.
Minot Drug Treatment Solutions
Fortunately, there is good news for addicts in Minot who are looking for help to break their addictions. Moreover, the report also found that North Dakota received a 10 out of 10 on possible indicators of promising strategies to help curb prescription drug abuse. Nationally, 28 states and Washington, D.C. scored six or less, with North Dakota scoring the highest, with a 10.
Recently, there have been some national breakthroughs as well. Last year, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act and the CARA (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act), which allocated more than $1 Billion in an effort to aid treatment efforts all around the country. Such funding means that treatment is available for those who want it.
