North Dakota is considered quiet and peaceful by the people that live there. Outside the state, it is perhaps best known for the cult film Fargo. Inside it live people from an array of cultures and backgrounds. Though few people call it home, North Dakota is regarded as friendly, charming and good-natured. Its name even derives from the Sioux word that means “friend.” Like most other northern locales, North Dakota’s winters are known to be particularly harsh and unforgiving. Equally cold, however, are the drugs and addictions that North Dakota has reckoned with.

Do you have a drug problem in North Dakota? Call 877-968-6682!

The most commonly used drug in North Dakota is marijuana. It accounts for over 60% of North Dakota’s illicit drug use and about two-thirds of its treatment center admissions. Although it may not be viewed as such, marijuana is a potentially dangerous drug. It is a “gateway drug,” which means that it has the potential to escalate drug use to substances such as cocaine and heroin. Marijuana is also habit-forming in and of itself. Its sedating and euphoric effect leads to self-medication for serious psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Though marijuana remains a primary concern, North Dakota has not been immune to the prescription drug epidemic that ravages America as a whole. The past few decades have witnessed an increase in the popularity of opiate painkillers, which include oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), Dilaudid, morphine and codeine. Because these drugs can be administered by pharmacies, they tend to be viewed as both safer and legal. However, it is vital to stress that they are neither if used outside of a doctor’s orders. When abused, all opiates can be just as addictive as heroin. Moreover, they carry the same risk of overdose, especially if mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.

Don’t wait to find treatment for addiction or alcoholism. Call 877-968-6682 and get help today!