In Minnesota, the impact of addiction and related issues like suicide, alcohol, and opioid use is deeply concerning. The numbers tell a story of communities across the state facing serious challenges.
In 2017 alone, 783 people in Minnesota died by suicide, 636 from alcohol, and 422 from opioid overdoses. To put that in perspective, some small towns in Minnesota don't even have 800 residents. Imagine losing an entire town's population each year due to these preventable deaths. That's the harsh reality we're dealing with.
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Suicide has been a growing issue in Minnesota. From 1999 to 2017, the number of suicides increased by 79%, making it the eighth leading cause of death in the state. Men, particularly those in Greater Minnesota, are at a higher risk, and American Indians in Minnesota have suicide rates nearly double the national average. But it's important to remember that suicide isn't just a single event—it's often the result of many factors like mental illness, substance abuse, and social isolation. The good news is that suicide is preventable, with access to behavioral healthcare and supportive communities playing a key role in reducing these numbers.
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Alcohol is another major problem in Minnesota. It’s the most commonly used substance and is responsible for more deaths, injuries, and illnesses than any other drug. From 2000 to 2017, deaths directly caused by alcohol nearly doubled. This issue is particularly severe among American Indians, who die from alcohol-related causes at rates four times higher than white Minnesotans.
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Opioid use has also been on the rise, with deaths increasing by a staggering 681% from 2000 to 2017. Prescription opioids, like oxycodone and hydrocodone, continue to be the leading cause of opioid-related deaths in Minnesota, which is different from many other states where synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the main culprits. The situation is especially dire for Minnesota’s American Indian and African American communities, who face some of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the country.