Last year, a record number of Minnesotans died from alcohol-related causes. That means deaths from alcohol overdose and poisoning, liver disease and other organ damage caused by alcohol. The numbers don’t even include deaths from drunk driving. 

In total, 1,162 Minnesotans died alcohol-related deaths in 2021. That is more than the number of homicides and suicides combined.

Many states have seen an increase in deaths connected to alcohol use, and alcohol-related deaths have actually been on the rise all across the country from the past two decades.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two longtime alcohol and addiction treatment specialists about addressing excessive alcohol use and how to reduce drinking. 

If you or someone you know are struggling with excessive drinking, here are some resources:

• Turning Point, (612) 520-4004




• Hazelden Betty Ford, (866) 628-0549




• SAMHSA National Helpline, (800) 662-4357




• Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Guests:

• Dr. Joseph Lee is the president and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. 




• Peter Hayden is the founder of Turning Point, a north Minneapolis clinic that provides culturally specific substance use disorder treatment. He has a Ph.D. in co-occurring disorders.

To listen to the full discussion you can use the audio player above. You can find more conversations from MPR News with Angela Davis by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.