According to a Minnesota Department of Health report, drug overdose deaths among Minnesota residents show an alarming trend, jumping 11% from 2014 to 2015.

Preliminary data collected from Minnesota death certificates show 572 people in 2015 died from drug overdose as compared to 516 in 2014.

ALARMING TREND: Deaths tied to opiates in greater Minnesota have increased dramatically since 2000, according to Minnesota health officials. (Photo: Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock)

Drug overdose deaths are not just a metro-area problem, health officials note. Rates in both greater Minnesota and the metro area have steadily increased since 2000, when they were both less than three deaths per 100,000 residents. Most recently, for 2014-15, the number of drug overdose deaths in the seven-county metro area was 12 per 100,000 residents. In greater Minnesota during that same time period, the drug overdose death rate was nine per 100,000.

Deaths tied to opiates in greater Minnesota have increased dramatically in the last few years. In 2000, eight people died due to opioid overdose. By 2005, that number was 33. In 2009, the drug claimed 84 lives. In 2014, that number was 103 — not far behind the seven-county metro area’s 109 opioid overdose-related deaths.

Opioids are medications prescribed to relieve pain. Medications that fall within this class include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine and related drugs. Public health officials say these drugs can be addictive and must be used only as needed.

The report, which looked at death data from 2000 through 2015, says middle-aged adults have the highest numbers and rates of Minnesota drug overdose deaths. From 2013 to 2015, statewide data show adults aged 45 to 54 experienced the highest number of overdose deaths — 411. The seven-county metro area had 255 deaths in that age group. In greater Minnesota, however, there are nearly even numbers of deaths between adults aged 35 to 44 (156) and adults aged 45 to 54 (155).

In both numbers and rate of death across Minnesota, men lead women in drug overdose deaths.

Addressing the overdose epidemic

Health officials acknowledge Minnesota's overdose and addiction epidemic, and are working to prevent opioid overuse and reduce overall substance abuse. Last year, the governor and multiple state agencies created the State Opioid Oversight Project (SOOP), comprised of representatives of the departments of Human Services, Health, Education, Public Safety, Labor and Industry, and Corrections; and the boards of Medical Practice, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Podiatry.

Health officials say SOOP is the first step in creating a coordinated state government response to the consequences of the opioid epidemic. However, government alone cannot solve opioid misuse and abuse. Patients, families, communities and health-care professionals all have a role to play in the effort.

To learn more about the state’s opioid prescribing improvement program, visit leg.state.mn.us/docs/2016/mandated/160407.pdf.

To read the state health department’s report on drug overdose deaths, go to health.state.mn.us/divs/healthimprovement/content/documents/2015OpioidDeathReport.pdf.

If you or a family member or friend would benefit from seeking chemical dependency treatment, local social service agencies can help. Go online to minnesotahelp.info for information about intervention professionals and to find other resources.

State health officials point out that some insurance policies will pay for chemical-dependency treatment. There are 398 programs in Minnesota that are licensed to provide substance abuse treatment services in the state. Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/substance-abuse/programs-and-services/ccdtf.jsp.

Search for drug and alcohol treatment programs near you using the online Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.

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Source: Minnesota Department of Health