Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics in Woodbury
Below are relevant substance abuse and overdose statistics in Woodbury and Washington County:1
The total number of opioid prescriptions written in Washington County has been decreasing since 2016
Alcohol was the most common primary substance for treatment admissions in 2020, followed by meth
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl were involved in 72% of overdose deaths that year
In 2021, there were 130 emergency department visits for opioid overdoses
The greatest number of emergency room visits for opioid overdoses was among 25–34-year-olds
About 67% of the ER visits for opioid overdoses were males
There were 38 overdose deaths in Washington County in 2020
About 53% of overdose fatalities involved opioids like heroin and prescription opioids
Levels of Substance Abuse Treatment
Addiction needs vary by person and situation. The following levels of treatment are available to meet these various needs.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Before beginning a formal inpatient or outpatient program, detox is often necessary. This is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. Detox occurs in a supervised setting, such as a hospital or inpatient rehab center.
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Residential or inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervised care while you live at the rehab facility. A combination of treatment interventions is offered, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, experiential therapies, and medication.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow you to live at home while attending treatment at a hospital. You may receive many of the same treatment services offered through inpatient care, but you can return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are a step down from PHPs. With this program, you attend a few hours of counseling over several days each week while spending the rest of your time at work, school, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
As the least intensive treatment option, standard outpatient care involves just one to two hours of treatment per week. This level is appropriate for highly motivated people with a strong support system.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention, also referred to as aftercare, begins when you complete a rehab program. It involves ongoing support to encourage continuing sobriety. Supports typically include 12-step groups, therapy, sober living homes, or other accountability.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Woodbury, Minnesota
Private Insurance
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all insurance providers to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment services in some capacity. Minnesota residents must confirm with their provider the precise coverage offered under their specific plan.
Minnesota Medicaid
Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program. This government program provides healthcare plans for Minnesota residents with low income. MA serves children and families, pregnant women, adults without children, seniors, and people who are blind or have a disability.5
Minnesota Medicare
Minnesota Medicare is a national health insurance program that provides health insurance for Minnesotans age 65 or older, have a disability status, or have end-stage renal disease or ALS. Medicare plans cover addiction treatment services; however, the rehab center must accept Medicare as a form of payment.
TRICARE in Minnesota
Minnesota TRICARE (West region) is a government program providing health insurance coverage to the U.S. Armed Forces military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. This coverage includes addiction treatment services.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs charge Minnesota residents only what they can afford, based on their income. Facilities typically require participants to provide proof of income to qualify for this discount.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Indian Health Service (IHS) provides free addiction treatment to Alaskan Natives and Indigenous people in the U.S.
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Woodbury, MN
Traveling for drug and alcohol rehab can be stressful, so it’s helpful to know what to expect in Woodbury before getting there. Likewise, if you have a family member attending addiction treatment in this city, you’ll want to know how to visit them. Here’s visitor information:
- The closest major airport to Woodbury is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is just 17 miles away
- You can get to Woodbury from Minneapolis via Bus Line 353 and 323
- There are over 110 hotels and motels in Woodbury, ranging from affordable accommodations to upscale
- Woodbury is a suburb and as such, is not super walkable so you may need to rent a car or use Uber or Lyft while you’re there
- For hikers and leisure walkers, you can take advantage of the many trails in Woodbury, including the Tamarack Nature Preserve, Carver Lake Park, and Prairie Ridge Park
- Visit Battle Creek Regional Park for hiking or mountain biking or for cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter
- A great family trip may involve visiting Afton Apple Orchard, where you can pick apples, pumpkins, strawberries, and raspberries, as well as go on a hayride
- Attend a symphony concert, ballet, or show at the Woodbury Community Theater
- Take your kids to Sky Zone, the trampoline park, or Madison’s Place Playground, one of the best playgrounds in the state
- Don’t forget to head out to the Woodbury Farmers Market on Sundays in the summer to get the freshest produce and delicious baked goods.
Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Laws
Minnesota lawmakers and public health agencies have enacted the following laws related to substance misuse and overdoses:1,2,3,4
Good Samaritan Overdose Medical Assistance Law: This law stipulates that a person who seeks medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged or prosecuted for the possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia. The law also protects the person who is experiencing the overdose from prosecution. This law is designed to remove fear of legal repercussions, to encourage Minnesota residents to call 911 during an overdose situation.
Minnesota’s Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act: In Minnesota, employers are not permitted to drug test their employees with impunity. The laws allow only specific instances in which drug and alcohol testing could be legal in the workplace. Policy makers are reviewing these laws now that marijuana use was legalized in Minnesota in 2022.
DWI Laws: Minnesota’s driving while intoxicated laws make it illegal to drive, operate, or be in control of any motor vehicle anywhere in the state while under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, or any intoxicating substance; having a BAC of .08 or more; having any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (other than marijuana), in the body. For Minnesotans under the age of 21, consumption of any amount of alcohol and driving of a motor vehicle results in a loss of driver’s license and additional penalties.
Marijuana Laws: As of July 1, 2022, Minnesota residents who are at least 21 years old can legally purchase and consume edible and drinkable products containing hemp-derived THC. The law allows businesses to sell, and individuals to consume products containing no more than five milligrams of THC per serving and no more than 50 milligrams of THC per package.
Resources
- Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Washington County Substance Use and Overdose Profile.