Medication-Assisted Treatment in Minnesota

In 2022 alone, 1,384 Minnesotans lost their lives to drug overdoses. That’s nearly four people every day, according to the CDC. Behind each number is a person, a family, a community deeply affected by the opioid crisis. This ongoing struggle underscores the urgent need for addiction treatment that’s easy to access, respectful, and tailored to the realities that Minnesota residents face.

But getting care in Minnesota isn’t as simple as making a call. Access can depend heavily on where you live. In fact, 54 of Minnesota’s 60 rural counties are designated as primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) according to the National Rural Health Association. That means many people are living in places where even basic medical services are hard to find, let alone addiction specialists. Add long driving distances, limited transportation, and provider waitlists, and the barriers to care grow fast.

That’s where virtual addiction treatment makes it easier to get help. It brings experienced providers to you, wherever you are, without the need for long drives or waitlists. With online care, treatment becomes something you can actually fit into your life, not something that disrupts it.

One major development is HF 2856, a bill that directs the state to create a comprehensive plan for addressing substance use and addiction. This isn’t just a policy document. It’s a roadmap designed to close the gaps that keep people from getting help. That includes better access to care in rural communities, more culturally responsive treatment options, and stronger connections between recovery, housing, and mental health support.

For people who want to avoid opioids altogether, HF 1379 offers a unique layer of protection. It allows patients to file a voluntary non-opioid directive, a formal way to let providers know they’d prefer not to be prescribed opioids. It’s a small step with a big impact, giving individuals more control over their care and helping prevent unnecessary exposure to addictive medications.

Minnesota is also investing in prevention and education. SF 1138 provides funding to programs like Change the Outcome, a nonprofit that brings opioid education into schools, communities, and professional settings. Their work helps reduce stigma, raise awareness, and reach people before addiction starts.

These efforts are changing how addiction is addressed in Minnesota, treating it as a public health issue that deserves proactive care.

How our virtual MAT program supports you

Addiction is not a character flaw. It’s a complex health condition that affects how the brain handles stress, reward, and behavior. Recovery takes more than motivation. It takes support, structure, and the right treatment.

We offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to Minnesota residents from the comfort of home, often with same-day access. Our licensed providers work with you to create a treatment plan that’s not only clinically sound but also works for your real life.

We may prescribe FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® to help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and stabilize brain chemistry, so you can focus on healing, not just surviving. Every visit is confidential, compassionate, and tailored to your unique situation.

1. Keep a craving log

Note when cravings show up, what you were feeling, and how you responded. Over time, patterns will emerge. This gives you and your provider clearer insight into what support or adjustments might help most.

2. Involve someone you trust

Whether it’s asking someone to text after appointments or share meals during tough stretches, small support systems matter. If full accountability feels like too much, start light. You don’t have to do this alone.

3. Schedule MAT check-ins around times you know are hard

Friday nights. Paydays. Family events. If there are moments when urges hit hardest, schedule a QuickMD check-in earlier that day. Preemptive support beats reactive guilt. We’re here on weekends too.

4. Use the quiet of winter to reset your routines

Minnesota winters can feel isolating, but they can also create room to build new rhythms. Use the seasonal slowdown to double down on daily MAT routines, journal progress, or explore new hobbies indoors. Instead of dreading the cold, reframe it as recovery season.