Month: August 2022

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives from a drug overdose. In 2021 in Minnesota, there were:

– 924 all opioid-involved deaths

– 834 synthetic opioid-involved deaths (fentanyl and fentanyl analogs)

– 454 psychostimulant-involved (e.g. methamphetamine) deaths

– 154 other opioids and methadone deaths (commonly prescribed opioids)

Governor Tim Walz also released a proclamation recognizing the impact of overdose deaths on people across Minnesota.

Visit health.state.mn.us for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit www.samhsa.gov for help or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Myth: Detoxing is enough to recover from substance abuse.

Fact: While detoxing is an essential step to recovery, once a person is sober, it’s critical that they continue to be sober afterward.

Source: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/9-myths-substance-addiction//

Recovery IS possible. Learn about Jeni’s journey to recovery from prescription opioids in the video below (30 sec)

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/stories/jeni.html

Full-length video:

MYTH: It’s not possible to become addicted to marijuana or vaping.

FACT: Both the chemical compounds in e-cigarettes and marijuana can be addictive and cause life disruptions.

Source: Renee Deveney, https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/9-myths-substance-addiction/

Here are three reasons why the risk for drug addiction is different for each person. According to the NIH, the main factors that influence abuse risk are biology, development, and environment. Source: https://nida.nih.gov/…/understanding-drug-use-addiction

MYTH: All prescription drugs are safe drugs.

FACT: Prescription drugs can be as addictive as illicit drugs. Drug abuse is especially dangerous for young adults, who suffer from almost five deaths per day from a prescription drug overdose. ADHD medications, narcotics, and anti-anxiety medications are among the most commonly abused.