Leading Minnesota Fentanyl & Opioid Addiction Rehab
Fentanyl and opioid addiction are serious medical conditions that require professional care. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder, you are not alone. Opioid use disorder is treatable, and help is available right now in Minnesota.
Rochester Behavioral Health provides evidence-based fentanyl and opioid addiction treatment — from medically supervised detox through outpatient support — using the safest and most effective approaches available.
What is opioid use disorder?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. Opioids include prescription pain medications (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine) and illicit drugs (heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil). Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50–100 times more potent than morphine and is now found in many street drugs, making every use potentially fatal.
Minnesota’s opioid crisis
Opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota have increased sharply in recent years, driven largely by illicit fentanyl. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, opioids account for the majority of drug overdose deaths in the state.
Signs of opioid use disorder
- Taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Inability to cut down or control opioid use
- Strong cravings for opioids
- Continuing to use despite relationship, work, or health problems
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping — muscle aches, sweating, nausea, anxiety, insomnia
- Tolerance — needing more to achieve the same effect
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
Overdose warning signs
Signs of opioid overdose include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, being unconscious or unresponsive, pinpoint pupils, and gurgling sounds.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Give naloxone (Narcan) if available.
- Minnesota’s Good Samaritan law protects people who call 911 during an overdose.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for mental health crisis support.
Treatment for fentanyl & opioid addiction
Effective, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder matches the level of care to each person’s needs. Many people also benefit from integrated care for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) saves lives
FDA-approved medications significantly reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and lower the risk of overdose death. MAT is one of the most effective tools in opioid recovery.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone
Reduces cravings and withdrawal at licensed opioid treatment programs.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Blocks opioid effects; used after detox is complete.
Levels of care, from most to least intensive
Medical detox
Safe, medically supervised withdrawal management. Opioid withdrawal can be severe, so medical supervision is critical. Learn about detox.
Residential treatment
24-hour supervised care for complex cases, typically 30–90 days.
Partial hospitalization (PHP)
Intensive day treatment, about 5–6 hours per day.
Intensive outpatient (IOP)
Structured programming 3 or more days per week.
Standard outpatient
Ongoing therapy and medication management as recovery stabilizes.
Safety & harm reduction
Carry naloxone (Narcan)
Available without a prescription at Minnesota pharmacies, naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. Carrying it and knowing how to use it saves lives.
Use fentanyl test strips
Test strips can detect fentanyl in drugs before use and are available in Minnesota.
Never use alone
If you use, do not use alone. The Never Use Alone hotline stays on the phone with you: 1-800-484-3731.
For families
Watching someone struggle with opioid addiction is frightening. You are not powerless — there are concrete things family members can do.
- Learn the signs of overdose and keep naloxone on hand.
- Set boundaries while maintaining compassion.
- Encourage professional treatment without ultimatums.
- Seek support for yourself through Al-Anon or SMART Recovery Family & Friends.
- Contact Rochester Behavioral Health for a confidential consultation.
Myths vs. facts
“Medication-assisted treatment just substitutes one addiction for another.”
MAT uses FDA-approved medications under medical supervision to stabilize brain chemistry and reduce cravings. It dramatically reduces overdose deaths and improves treatment outcomes.
“You have to want to get sober for treatment to work.”
Many people enter treatment under pressure and still achieve lasting recovery. Motivation can build during treatment.
“Opioid addiction is a moral failure.”
Opioid use disorder is a brain disease influenced by genetics, trauma, chronic pain, and environment — not a character flaw.
“Detox is enough — I don’t need MAT or therapy.”
Detox alone has very high relapse rates. Continuing with MAT and behavioral therapy significantly improves outcomes.
Does insurance cover opioid treatment?
Mental health parity laws require insurance to cover opioid use disorder treatment at the same level as medical care. Minnesota Medicaid (MA/MCAP), commercial insurance, and the Behavioral Health Fund cover opioid treatment, including MAT.
Key takeaways
- Fentanyl and opioid addiction are treatable medical conditions.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) saves lives and reduces relapse.
- Safe, medically supervised detox is the critical first step.
- In an emergency, call 911. For overdose, use naloxone and call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988.
- Insurance typically covers opioid treatment in Minnesota.
Take the first step today
Opioid addiction is treatable. Rochester Behavioral Health offers compassionate, evidence-based fentanyl and opioid treatment that meets you where you are.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is now found in many street drugs including counterfeit pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine — often without the user’s knowledge. Because even a tiny amount can cause overdose, fentanyl has dramatically increased opioid overdose deaths across Minnesota and the United States.
What medications are used in opioid addiction treatment?
The main FDA-approved medications are buprenorphine (often combined with naloxone as Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). Each works differently — buprenorphine and methadone reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids after detox. A treatment provider can help determine which medication is best for each individual.
Does insurance cover fentanyl and opioid addiction treatment in Minnesota?
Yes. Mental health parity laws require insurance to cover substance use disorder treatment including opioid use disorder. Minnesota Medicaid, most commercial insurance plans, and the Behavioral Health Fund cover treatment including medication-assisted treatment.
How long does opioid addiction treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the individual. Medical detox typically lasts 5–10 days. Residential treatment may last 30–90 days. Many people benefit from medication-assisted treatment and ongoing therapy for months to years. Recovery is a long-term process, not a single event.
What should I do if someone is overdosing on opioids?
Call 911 immediately. If naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it right away — it can reverse the overdose. Stay with the person until emergency services arrive. Minnesota’s Good Samaritan law provides legal protection to people who call 911 during a drug overdose.
Is medication-assisted treatment available near Rochester, MN?
Yes. Rochester Behavioral Health provides evidence-based opioid treatment including medication-assisted treatment options. Contact us to learn about programs and availability.