Drug Use in Minnesota Schools

The use of drugs among Minnesota high school students is on the rise and it's a major concern for parents, educators, and community members alike. With statistics showing increasing rates of drug use in teens across the state, it’s essential we have an open dialogue about what’s driving this trend and how to best address it. In this blog post, we'll discuss the prevalence of teen drug use in Minnesota, common types of drugs used by teens, potential causes for increases in drug use among teens, and strategies to help reduce teen drug use.

Overview of Drug Use in Minnesota High Schools

The use of drugs among Minnesota high school students is a major concern for parents, educators, and community members alike. Recent statistics show that drug use in teens across the state is on the rise, so it’s essential we have an open dialogue about what’s driving this trend and how to best address it. In this blog post, we'll explore the prevalence of teen drug use in Minnesota along with potential causes and strategies to reduce substance abuse rates amongst youth. We will also discuss resources available for parents and educators to help address teenage substance abuse issues as well as community support programs that are aimed at reducing teen substance abuse rates.

Statistics on the Prevalence of Drug Use Among Students

Statistics on the prevalence of drug use among students in Minnesota are concerning. Recent data from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey reveals that marijuana is the most commonly used substance amongst teens, with one in five high school seniors reporting they had used it within the past 30 days. Other drugs such as alcohol and opioids were also reported to be widely used by teens across the state, indicating a need for increased prevention efforts to reduce teen drug use in Minnesota.

The survey revealed that when compared to other states, Minnesota has higher rates of teenage opioid misuse than average. In fact, nearly 10% of seniors surveyed admitted to using prescription opioids without a doctor’s order at least once during their lifetime - this figure is more than double the national average (4%). Additionally, 14% of those surveyed said they had consumed alcohol within 30 days prior to taking part in the survey – again higher than both state and national averages (10%). These figures reveal an alarming trend towards increased drug use among teenagers across Minnesota which necessitates a collaborative approach between parents, educators and community members if we are going to effectively address this issue.

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that has become increasingly popular among teenagers in Minnesota. According to the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, 8.3% of seniors reported using fentanyl without a doctor’s order at least once during their lifetime - significantly higher than both state and national averages (4%). While this figure may seem relatively small, it reveals an alarming trend towards increased drug use amongst teens across the state which necessitates immediate preventative action if we are to successfully address this issue. In this blog post, we'll discuss the prevalence of teen fentanyl use in Minnesota along with potential causes and strategies to reduce substance abuse rates amongst youth as well as resources available for parents and educators to help address teenage substance abuse issues.

Common Types of Drugs Used by Teens 

Drug use among teenagers in Minnesota is on the rise, prompting parents, educators and community members to take action. While marijuana remains the most commonly used substance amongst teens, other drugs such as alcohol and opioids are also increasingly popular. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common types of drugs used by teens in Minnesota in order to better understand why drug use is increasing and how it can be addressed.

Marijuana is by far the most commonly used drug among teenagers across Minnesota according to recent data from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey which revealed that one in five high school seniors reported using marijuana within 30 days prior to taking part in the survey. Additionally, 8.3% of seniors surveyed admitted to using fentanyl without a doctor’s order at least once during their lifetime - significantly higher than both state and national averages (4%). This figure reveals an alarming trend towards increased opioid misuse amongst teens across the state which necessitates immediate preventative action if we are to successfully address this issue.

Alcohol continues to be widely consumed by teenagers throughout Minnesota despite its illegal status for those under 21 years old. According to The 2019 Minnesota Student Survey 14% of those surveyed said they had consumed alcohol within 30 days prior to taking part in the survey – again higher than both state and national averages (10%). This statistic reveals that underage drinking remains a common occurrence amongst teens across the state, indicating that more needs to be done to reduce teenage alcohol use.

Opioids are also becoming increasingly popular amongst teens in Minnesota. The 2019 Minnesota Student Survey found that rates of teenage opioid misuse are higher than average, with nearly 10% of seniors surveyed admitting to using prescription opioids without a doctor’s order at least once during their lifetime - more than double the national average (4%). These figures reveal an alarming trend towards increased drug use amongst teenagers across Minnesota which necessitates a collaborative approach between parents, educators and community members if we are going to effectively address this issue.

Strategies for Reducing Teen Drug Use 

Given that drug use among teens is on the rise in Minnesota, it is essential that parents, educators and community members work together to find effective solutions for reducing teenage substance abuse. Here are some strategies for addressing teen drug use:

1. Educate teens about the dangers of drug use and provide resources to help them make informed decisions. This should include information on how drugs affect physical and mental health, as well as the risks associated with purchasing, possessing or using illegal substances.

2. Develop and implement positive reinforcement strategies to encourage safe choices. This could include rewards for drug-free behaviors, such as attending school or staying involved in extracurricular activities.

3. Establish a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal substances in schools and communities to discourage substance use amongst teens. This should include clear consequences for breaking the rules and proper enforcement to ensure compliance.

4. Provide access to support services in order to help teens who are struggling with substance abuse issues. This could include counseling, mentoring programs and referral services for further assistance.

By implementing these strategies, parents, educators and community members can work together to create an environment that encourages healthy choices.

It is clear that the use of drugs amongst teens in Minnesota is on the rise and this necessitates a multi-faceted approach to address this issue. Parents, educators and community members must come together to educate teenagers about the risks associated with drug use, establish positive reinforcement strategies for encouraging safe behaviors, create zero-tolerance policies towards illegal substances, and provide access to support services if needed. By taking these measures we can work together as a community to reduce teenage substance abuse in Minnesota.

Reach out

Vital Mental Healthis dedicated to helping teens in Minnesota battle the increasing issue of drug use and addiction. Our team of experienced professionals provides specialized in-school services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. We utilize evidence-based strategies coupled with individualized support from our knowledgeable staff. Our goal is to help teens achieve a drug-free lifestyle and realize their full potential. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact us today to learn more about our services.

Together, we can reduce teenage drug use in Minnesota and create healthier futures for the next generation.​