Note from the Director
December 2025
As we close the door on 2025 and reflect on the year, it was truly one of challenges and successes, highs, and lows. The advent of a new federal administration brought with it significant change and uncertainty, as federal job cuts, attempts to cancel federal funding, and historic cuts to health care investment strained the partnership between federal, state, and local governments.
At the state level, we remained focused on our mission of helping all Minnesotans live lives that are happy, joyous, and free from drugs and alcohol. Despite federal policy setbacks, we made significant progress in strengthening Minnesota’s substance use disorder response and creating more opportunities for recovery, including:
- A 26% reduction in overdoses deaths and similar plummet in non-fatal overdoses in 2024 (though early 2025 data shows an uptick)
- Minnesota becoming the first state government to be nationally certified as Recovery Friendly
- An increase in residential treatment rates that will help providers keep their doors open and providing quality services
- Completion of the state’s first Naloxone Saturation Strategy and distribution of over 300,000 doses of naloxone through the naloxone portal since 2023
- Improved data quality, making it easier for law enforcement to use ODMAP, a public health tool that tracks overdoses in real time
- Submission of the state’s 1115 Reentry Waiver application to improve behavioral health services and reentry for incarcerated Minnesotans
As we look ahead to 2026 the Office of Addiction and Recovery will continue to work with state agencies, local and Tribal governments, communities, providers, and all who seek to ensure that Minnesotans experiencing substance use disorder are able to access the services and supports they need, no matter where they are on their recovery journey.
We wish everyone happiness, peace, and joy this holiday season, and thank everyone working in this space for everything they do to help their fellow Minnesotans. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
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