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Montana Drug Statistics and Resources

Montana has consistently placed lower than the national average in terms of opioid-related deaths. In 2021, 114 residents in The Treasure State died from opioid overdose, which was a small fraction of the 106,600 opioid-related deaths in the entire nation. However, Montanans pay one of the highest costs for drug rehab, which makes it even more necessary for free addiction/recovery/substance abuse resources in Montana.

Drug Statistics in Montana

155,00 Need Treatment
Nearly 155,000 Montana residents aged 12 and older admitted to having a substance use disorder in 2021 and 2022 but did not receive treatment.
Increase in Overdoses
In Montana, fatal drug overdoses have escalated from 14.4 per 100,000 residents in 2011 to 19.5 per 100,000 residents in 2021 (a 35% increase).
Adults Binge Drink
About 19.7% of Montanan adults aged 18+ binge drink at least once per month.
850 Alcohol Deaths
More than 850 Montanans die from excessive alcoholism each year.
$62,530 Cost of Rehab
The average cost in Montana for residential drug rehab per individual is $62,530 which places the state in the top 5 in terms of rehab expenses.

Addiction Nonprofits in Montana

Montana’s Peer Network

This organization provides peer and family support for clients recovering from alcohol and substance use disorder. The center offers counseling, holistic treatments, workshops, and community outreach programs. Basic membership is free, with more advanced tiers available for a fee.

Montana Alliance of Prevention

This youth program offers resources and educational materials to combat substance abuse among teenagers. The organization focuses on marijuana use and co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders.

Recovery Residence Alliance of Montana

RRAM is the Montana chapter of The National Alliance for Recovery Residence. The organization provides real-time data, education resources, and local support programs for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorder.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition

This organization centers on pregnant and postpartum women recovering from chemical dependency. The group provides parenting and peer support, education and literature, and coping mechanisms for mothers with co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders.

Harm Reduction Programs

Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution Program (OENDP)

This program is part of the Together We Can MT initiative to distribute Narcan, education resources to prevent and treat opioid overdose, and hygiene supplies to clients.

Open Aid Alliance

This community-based organization in Missoula, Montana, has opened an affiliate branch in Polson. The two centers provide Narcan, drug testing, syringe exchange programs, hygiene materials, and first aid kits to clients at no cost. The center also conducts community outreach programs and provides referrals to drug rehab treatment centers.

Alliance for Youth

This organization in Cascade County provides harm reduction and services for at-risk youth and their families. The center offers nutritional guidelines and meals, clothing, hygiene, quality of life essentials, education resources, parenting classes, life skills development, and interventions as needed. Referrals are also available.

Government Grants & Resources

Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids

The state has provided health insurance for low-income clients and their families. Clients can check their eligibility for services, select healthcare providers, and coordinate their care. Specialized services are available for seniors, children, and the disabled community.

Angel Initiative

This government program expands treatment to clients to receive assistance and referrals to treatment centers through the local police department. The program provides greater access to treatment and coordination of recovery programs.

Veterans Treatment Court

This government program in Missoula County is directed towards justice-involved veterans with mental health disorders and a history of substance abuse. The treatment model consists of a one-year-long outpatient program that includes peer mentorships, counseling, and drug testing.

HEART Initiative

This government funding program provides up to $25 million per year for substance and alcohol use disorder expansion through Medicare and Medicaid. The Other programs include reentry services for justice-involved persons and community support services.

College Addiction Resources

The University of Montana Western

The University of Montana Western has mandated that the Student Engagement Coordinator shall maintain a supply of intranasal naloxone should overdoses occur on campus, including ordering and disposing of naloxone. The coordinator is responsible for certifying and training RA staff to respond, administer naloxone, and tend to individuals who overdose.

Montana State University

Montana State University provides a directory for students concerning opioid use disorder. The directory includes links to education materials, teen and student assistance centers, and state and local resources, including for tribal members.

Montana Technological University

Montana Technological University has banned substance use, alcohol consumption, and vaping on campus and campus-related events. Students can face disciplinary action; treatment can include medical amnesty and interventions with university counselors.

LGBTQ+ Resources

Montana Pride Foundation

This organization promotes political and social equality in the state and community levels. The foundation funds local projects, offers resources, and prepare care packages for LGBTQ+ members and their allies.

Montana TwoSpirit Society

This group advocates for greater inclusivity and awareness among LGBTQ+ Native American groups. The organization provides community events, education outreach programs, and peer support to promote wellbeing.

TransVisible Montana

This group, based in Missoula County, provides education, spreads awareness, and advocates for healthcare expansion for the LGBTQ+ community. Peer support, harm reduction programs, and contact information for treatment centers are available.

Veterans Programs

Montana Veterans Affairs Division

This state agency outlines benefits and services for military veterans and their families. These programs can include education resources, a crisis hotline, and healthcare enrollment opportunities.

Montana Veterans Homes

Montana has made available residential facilities for veterans and their spouses. Clients receive long- or short-term care, 24/7 supervision, skilled nursing, rehabilitative programs, and outdoors therapy. Clients also have amenities and can access social services.

VA Health Services

Montana’s VA hospital system offers specialized programs for veterans and their families regarding substance abuse and co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders. Clinical hours and services may vary, but programs focus on rehabilitation and reintegration with their communities.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council

This council is a collaborative effort between Native Americans in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming to advocate for greater resources, leadership programs, health initiatives, and legal assistance regarding issues that pertain to Native American communities.

LIFTS in Indian Country

LIFTS offers services for Native Americans, focusing on pregnant and postpartum women, children, and families with young children. The sites in the LIFT directory provide healthcare resources, cultural awareness and traditional healing practices, and social services.

Office of Indian Affairs

The state’s department for American Indians coordinates various state programs and support services, including health and wellness, education and public outreach, and greater inclusion with non-Native American communities.

Drug Laws in Montana

Dram Shop Laws

This law, 27-1-710 makes adult hosts liable for alcohol consumption and substance use among minors at events. The law is broad enough to include individuals who “furnish” alcohol to any minor.

Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution

This bill amends Sections 45-10-103 to remove fentanyl test strips from the list of drug paraphernalia. The revised bill makes it easier for clients to access drug testing material.

Naloxone Distribution Law

This law comprises Title 50 in the Montana Code Annotated, which allows for the widesale distribution of naloxone pharmaceutical prescriptions to curb the opioid overdose rate.

Good Samaritan Law

The Good Samaritan Law, 27-1-714, limits the liability for those who render aid to individuals who have overdosed. The law assumes that first responders and volunteers act in good faith when rendering aid to overdosed individuals, and generally cannot be held responsible for acts of omission.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.