Most of us know that substance abuse affects not only the person with the primary affliction, but also family members, friends, employers, creditors — virtually anyone the afflicted person contacts. The fact is that alcohol and drug abuse is a major community problem, and the Center is active in helping individuals, families, and communities.

For the individual substance abuser, problems can mount up quickly. Alcoholics and drug addicts often confront — to name a few — ruined marriages and friendships, lost driver's licenses, severe legal problems, foreclosures and repossessions, lost employment. The addict's life can easily become unmanageable and, without outside intervention, may spin completely out of control.

Fortunately, the Center is here to help. Using a combination of traditional and innovative approaches to treatment, the Center has aided thousands in northern Minnesota. In 1998 alone, Center programs combined for 4,407 admissions. That adds up to a lot of improved lives in 40 years of service.