Expert Insights
If you or a loved one needs rehab treatment, but cost is a problem, the CCDTF may be able to help. The Chemical Dependency Consolidated Treatment Fund offers financial assistance to St. Paul residents who are eligible. But most CCDFT treatment admissions are referred by social services or criminal justice agencies – which is a problem. The low number of self and family referrals indicates that not enough people know about this option. Minnesota has fewer people in treatment than other states, so we need to get the word out about any programs, such as the CCDTF, that can remove barriers to treatment.
~ Kerry nenn
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Saint Paul?
The cost of rehabilitation varies depending on what type of program you choose, the quality of their amenities, and the area you look at. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are 172 programs in and around the city, with 132 taking private insurance, 108 Medicaid rehabs, and 64 programs that have tribal/IHS/ITU funding for low-income residents who need care.2
How Does Saint Paul Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
With a population of more than 319,000, St. Paul is the 2nd-largest city in Minnesota and the 64th-largest city in the United States.1 However, substance use disorder and drug overdoses continue to be a problem in the North Star State. Opioid-involved overdose deaths among Minnesotans increased by 44% from 2020 to 2021, and the number of deaths has more than doubled since 2019.2 If you or a loved one struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, there are more than 170 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in St. Paul that can help put you on the path to recovery.3
Here are some statistics regarding drug and alcohol use in Ramsey County in Minnesota, the home of St. Paul.1
Between 2018 and 2020, there was a 108.66% increase in the rate of overdoses.
Alcohol poisonings and related deaths increased by 35%.
Total deaths in the region rose 15% in this time frame.
Ramsey County has the second-highest overdose death rate in Minnesota.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Minnesota
In response to the growing number of drug and alcohol-related issues in Minnesota, the state has passed bills to help protect people with the disease of addiction from judicial persecution and career consequences, as well as the rest of society from the damages caused by substance abuse.
Good Samaritan Overdose Law, aka Steve’s Law: This law provides a certain level of immunity to prosecution for anyone who reaches out to emergency services to assist in an overdose, including people on parole or probation. The law does not inhibit law enforcement from collecting evidence that could be used in separate legal cases, including performing drug tests on people involved.
Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act: One of the few states to implement such a program, Minnesota offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave to qualified employees undergoing a family or medical emergency, such as needing substance abuse treatment. One stipulation of this program is that employees are guaranteed to have their old job back when they can return. If their old position is no longer available, then the company must offer a similar position at the same pay.
Reporting Prenatal Exposure to Substances: In Minnesota, a woman can be prosecuted as well as involuntarily committed to rehab if she’s suspected of using THC, alcohol, or other illicit substances while pregnant. This reporting is mandated for any healthcare professional unless the person is actively involved in her prenatal care, and can be made by anyone who witnesses her drink alcohol in excess or uses drugs.7
Resources
- St. Paul, Minnesota Population 2020 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs). (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com.
- Indicator Dashboards Opioid Dashboard. (n.d.). Www.health.state.mn.us.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). CDC Wonder Tool.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2022). Treatment Locator Map.
- Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. (2022). Substance Use Disorders.
- (December 3, 2021). New HHS Study Shows 63-Fold Increase in Medicare Telehealth Utilization During the Pandemic
- Minnesota Legislature. (2014). Good Samaritan Overdose Medical Assistance.
- Minnesota House of Representatives. (2020). Minnesota Approves the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Minnesota Legislature. (2021). Reporting of Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances.
