Expert Insights
In Minnesota, opioid overdose rates increased by 51% between 2020 and 2022. The data shows that this rate is more than nine times higher in Native Americans and more than three times higher in Black residents than white residents.
Since 2015, 20% of overdose-related deaths occurred in people recently released from jail.
In 2022, fentanyl was involved in the majority of overdose deaths and meth and cocaine were involved in more than half. In 2024, roughly 290,000 adults in the state needed substance use disorder treatment.
Addiction recovery is possible and these numbers demonstrate the need for quality services in Minnesota. I strongly urge any resident seeking addiction treatment to connect with a reputable local rehab facility to take that first step.
~ Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Minnesota?
Minnesota is ranked 20th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,630 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,614
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Minnesota costs an average of $49,972
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Minnesota costs an average of $8,303
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,378
Many factors determine how much you will pay at a Minnesota drug and alcohol rehab. Some facilities offer free care, while others provide more luxurious amenities. Prices can range from nothing to thousands of dollars depending on which type of place you choose.
Some other factors that will affect your treatment costs are:
The type of program you enter (i.e., inpatient or outpatient)
The amenities offered, such as private rooms and gourmet food
The duration of your stay at the treatment facility or detox center
What type of insurance you have and what costs they cover in rehab
Choosing a rehab facility in-network with health insurance provider
Staff-to-patient ratios
The location of the treatment center
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Minnesota
As of 2024, there were over 440 drug rehab facilities across the state of Minnesota. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
378 accept self-payment or cash
126 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
285 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
366 accept state funded insurance coverage
363 accept private health insurance
83 offer free or low-cost treatment
0 offer free treatment for all clients
182 accept tribal funding
Private Pay + Insurance
You have several options to pay for treatment in Minnesota. Many drug rehab facilities accept health insurance, and some will even allow you to self pay. Each insurance is different in what specific type of rehab that it will cover. It is important to talk with your insurance provider to understand in network and out of network benefits and coverage.
Some of the major private insurance carriers in Minnesota include:
- Blue Plus
- Health Partners Inc.
- Altru Prime by Medica
- UCare
Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid covers a variety of different addiction treatment options in the state of Minnesota. It can be used for addiction treatment services like detox and outpatient rehab. With Medicaid and Medicare, you might be responsible for a co-pay. This type of insurance will also help cover the cost of SBIRT, which is an early intervention approach that targets individuals who have not yet reached the severity of a diagnostic level substance use disorder. This will help you get treatment before substance use becomes more of a problem.
Military Insurance
If you are a veteran or have military insurance such as TRICARE, substance use treatment can be covered. TRICARE covers a variety of services such as inpatient care, medication assisted treatment, outpatient services, partial hospitalization programs and residential care. In Minneapolis and St. Cloud, they have specific programs available at the The United States Department of Veteran Affairs for substance use disorders. This program is set up for veterans and their families. They also have MVDA Grants available that can help with funding for treatment. Roughly 90 of these are available each year.
Tribal Funding/Programs
The purpose of the Tribal Opioid Response Grant is to help address the rise in opioid use within Tribal communities. This has helped with the lack of access to treatment and has increased access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based treatment. In Minnesota, they have the Native American Community Clinic that offers a sliding scale for fees when it comes to getting treatment for substance use issues.
Other Low-cost Options
Each rehab is different, and other low-cost options can vary between each one. Some programs offer financial aid such as scholarships to help pay for treatment. Others offer a sliding payment scale based on income. It is important to talk with your provider to see what options they offer when it comes to paying for or accessing treatment.
Free Rehabs in Minnesota
Minnesota has rehab facilities that use state or federally awarded grant money to help uninsured or individuals with a low socio-economic status pay for substance use treatment. They also have additional services that help you get connected to the right recovery program.
One of these services is the Minnesota Recovery Community Organization, which helps provide education, training and resources to local communities to reintegrate clients impacted by substance use disorder.
This center offers peer support, public policy advocacy, public education programs and workshops in incarceration facilities. Additionally, Minnesota offers the MCASP Coalition which offers educational material, resources, naloxone training and advocacy. The group also focuses on youth awareness and prevention methods.
Finding Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Minnesota
The cost of alcohol or drug rehab in Minnesota should not keep you from seeking or receiving care, since many treatment centers will offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, scholarships, or discounts if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket upfront cost.
When searching, you will find that some of the facilities are state-funded. This means they receive money from the Minnesota government to help cover costs for those who qualify for free treatment.
The government website, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has a directory of free Minnesota drug rehabs.
To qualify for free help, you will have to meet certain requirements, such as:
- Being a Minnesota resident
- Providing proof that your annual household income is below a certain threshold
- Lacking access to health insurance that covers care
Finding a state-funded drug or alcohol rehab in Minnesota may take some research, and these facilities often have limited space available. For more information, get help today at
800-681-1058
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Free Addiction Treatment Resources in Minnesota
- New Beginnings, Men’s Location – Waverly, MN: This is a rehab center for adult men that focuses on mental health and substance use disorders. They offer inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs and an alumni program. They follow a 12 Step approach but also give you the chance to engage in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, individual therapy, group therapy and peer support. They also have an aftercare program that can extend through the duration of your life if needed.
- Nuway Counseling Center – Minneapolis, MN: This location offers outpatient alcohol and drug rehab programming. Services provided include an intensive outpatient program, transportation, peer support and case management. They have LGBTQIA+ affirming care as well trauma informed medication assisted treatment. They take a 12 Step approach to treatment services. They offer a comprehensive aftercare plan for all clients.
- Central Minnesota Mental Health Center – St. Cloud, MN: This program offers detox, inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, dual diagnosis treatment, peer support services, crisis services, family services and case management. They offer a 12 Step approach in addition to evidence based therapies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and assertive community treatment. They can also help with housing if you are in need of this additional resource.
- The Retreat – Wayzata, MN: This program is set up to treat dual diagnosis. They offer gender specific treatment in addition to recovery coaching, a family recovery program, virtual addiction treatment, sober living and aftercare support. They are able to house 91 individuals at once. They have additional amenities such as mindfulness activities, nature trails, adventure therapy, fitness, scenic views and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.
- Anthony Louis Center – Blaine, MN: This is a rehab facility for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years old. They offer inpatient residential treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programming, intervention services, family counseling, walk in drug screening, drug education and comprehensive aftercare. You’ll also receive a mental health assessment if needed. The outpatient program takes place after school to provide reasonable accommodations and access to students.
Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics
Below are some recent stats related to drug and alcohol use in Minnesota:
In 2017, 636 Minnesota residents died from alcohol use and 422 died from opioids.
Between 2000 and 2017, the number of alcohol-related deaths increased by 94%.
In the same time frame, opioid-related deaths increased by 681%.
In MN, more opioid-related deaths are caused by prescription opioids than synthetic opioids.
Drug Laws in Minnesota
- Marijuana Laws in Minnesota: If you are in possession of less than 42.5 grams of marijuana in Minnesota, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. If you have more than 42.5 grams this can result in felony charges and possibly five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. If you are caught selling more than 50kg you could face a 30-year prison sentence and $500,000 fine.
- Naloxone Standing Order: This mandates that naloxone be available in schools, detention centers, police stations, sober living homes, tribal nations and other first responder centers. If you are an individual or an organization that receives naloxone for distribution, you should be trained to administer, monitor and dispose of it properly. This order was placed into existence due to the opioid crisis.
- Drug Testing Laws: In Minnesota, employers may require you to take a drug test. Employers are not required to give you a drug test, but they can if they choose to. However, this can only happen after you have received the job. They are also required to give you written notice of the actual testing policy.
- Minnesota DWI Laws: If convicted of a DWI offense your sentence will depend on the severity of your charge and any aggravating factors that are present. Everyone convicted of a DWI in Minnesota must undergo a chemical use assessment before sentencing. A judge may include any treatment recommendations in the assessment report as part of your sentence.
Resources
- Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.) Suicide, Alcohol, and Opioid Deaths in Minnesota.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Single State Agency Directory.
- Mentalhealth.gov. (n.d.). Health Insurance and Mental Health Services.
- National Library of Medicine. (2021). Alcohol withdrawal.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help. National Institutes of Health.
