Search Btn
canvas health logo, Minnesota mental health clinics, ccbhc Minnesota

Canvas Health is hiring in all areas! Check out our career opportunities here.

When Drinking Becomes a Problem: Alcohol Addiction Help in Minnesota

Many people wonder whether their drinking has crossed the line from occasional alcohol use to something more serious. You may be concerned about your own drinking habits or worried about a spouse, partner, child, friend, or family member.

If alcohol is affecting relationships, work, school, health, finances, or daily life, it may be time to seek professional support.

At Canvas Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment in Minnesota for adolescents and adults in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Whether you’re ready to make a change, looking for help with a drinking problem, or simply exploring your options, our care teams are here to help.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), sometimes called alcoholism, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction, is a medical condition that makes it difficult to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences.

Signs of Alcoholism

Signs that alcohol may be becoming a problem include:

  • Drinking more alcohol or for longer than intended
  • Difficulty cutting back or stopping
  • Increased tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
  • Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
  • Missing work, school, or family responsibilities
  • Continued drinking despite relationship problems
  • Giving up activities because of alcohol use
  • Engaging in risky behaviors while drinking
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
  • Continuing to drink even when alcohol is affecting physical or mental health

Not everyone who struggles with alcohol fits a stereotypical image of an “alcoholic.” Many people maintain jobs, attend school, or care for families while struggling with alcohol dependence.

Some people may even appear to be functioning well while experiencing significant problems related to alcohol. If you’re looking for functional alcoholic help, an assessment can help determine whether alcohol use has become a concern and what type of support may be appropriate.

Why Seek Help for a Drinking Problem Early?

Alcohol misuse can affect nearly every area of life, including physical health, mental health, relationships, work, and school.

Physical Health:
Misuse of alcohol can contribute to liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep problems, accidents, injuries, and other health concerns.

Mental Health:
Many people who struggle with alcohol also experience depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, or other mental health concerns. Alcohol and mental health concerns can affect one another, making comprehensive treatment important.

Relationships:
Alcohol use can contribute to family conflict, parenting challenges, social isolation, and loss of trust.

Work and School:
Alcohol problems can affect performance, attendance, responsibilities, finances, and relationships with coworkers or classmates.

The earlier someone seeks support, the more opportunities there may be to prevent long-term consequences and build a healthier recovery.

If you’re wondering how to stop drinking, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A professional assessment can help you understand your options and determine what level of treatment may be right for you.

How Canvas Health Can Help

Canvas Health provides comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment in Minnesota that meets State of Minnesota standards. Our services are licensed as a Minnesota 245G Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.

Our licensed alcohol and drug counselors work collaboratively with individuals and families to create personalized recovery plans addressing substance use and any co-occurring mental health concerns.

Alcohol Treatment Services Include:

  • Substance Use Comprehensive Assessments, formerly Rule 25 Assessments
  • Alcohol addiction treatment
  • Alcohol dependence treatment
  • Outpatient alcohol treatment
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs
  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family support and Concerned Persons Programming
  • Co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment
  • Adolescent substance use treatment

Start With an Alcohol Assessment

For many people, the first step is a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment.

If you’re searching for an alcohol assessment in Minnesota, Canvas Health can provide assessments for individuals from all Minnesota counties.

During the assessment, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor will:

  • Learn about your alcohol use history
  • Evaluate any mental health concerns
  • Discuss family and social factors
  • Review previous treatment experiences
  • Make treatment recommendations tailored to your needs

An assessment can help you better understand your relationship with alcohol and identify appropriate treatment and recovery options.

Alcohol Treatment for Adults

Our New Choices for Recovery program helps adults build healthier coping strategies, prevent relapse, address trauma and mental health concerns, strengthen relationships, and develop long-term recovery skills.

Treatment approaches include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Seeking Safety Curriculum
  • Recovery support
  • 12-Step integration

Programs are available in:

  • Oakdale
  • Coon Rapids
  • Cottage Grove
  • Forest Lake
  • North Branch
  • Stillwater

Telehealth options are available for some services.

Whether you’re looking for outpatient alcohol treatment, alcohol counseling, or a longer-term alcohol recovery program in Minnesota, our care teams can help you understand which services may fit your needs.

Alcohol Treatment for Teens

Alcohol use among teens often looks different than it does for adults. Some warning signs include:

  • Changes in friends or social groups
  • Declining grades
  • Increased secrecy
  • Mood changes
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Changes in family relationships or responsibilities

Canvas Health offers specialized alcohol treatment for teens ages 13-18 using a trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral approach designed to keep young people connected to their families, schools, and communities.

Early support can help adolescents address alcohol use while also identifying underlying mental health, family, school, or social concerns.

Concerned About a Loved One?

You do not have to wait until someone “hits rock bottom.”

If you’re thinking, “My spouse drinks too much,” or you’re worried about a child, parent, sibling, partner, or friend, reaching out for guidance can help you better understand what support options are available.

Many families benefit from learning:

  • How to have conversations about alcohol use
  • How to recognize signs of alcoholism
  • How to set healthy boundaries
  • How to support recovery without enabling harmful behaviors
  • What treatment options are available
  • When an alcohol assessment may be appropriate

You can seek support even if your loved one isn’t ready for treatment.

Find Alcohol Addiction Help in Minnesota

If alcohol is affecting your health, relationships, work, school, or daily life, help is available.

Canvas Health provides alcoholism help in Minnesota, including alcohol assessments, outpatient alcohol treatment, counseling, recovery support, and specialized treatment for adolescents and adults.

Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking or looking for help for a loved one, taking the first step can help you better understand your options.

Contact Canvas Health to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment and recovery services in Minnesota.

Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism

Name(Required)
More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need alcohol treatment?

If alcohol is negatively affecting your health, relationships, work, finances, or wellbeing, it may be time to consider an assessment.

Can I get help even if I’m not sure I want to quit drinking?

Yes. Many people begin with an assessment to better understand their situation and explore options without committing to treatment immediately.

Does insurance cover alcohol treatment?

Canvas Health’s Minnesota 245G licensed substance use treatment program is recognized by insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan.

What’s the first step?

Call Canvas Health at (651) 777-5222 or request an appointment to schedule a substance use assessment.

Take the first step today!

Recovery is possible, and help is available. Whether you're concerned about your own drinking, worried about someone you care about, or simply looking for answers, Canvas Health provides compassionate, professional support for individuals and families throughout Minnesota. All are welcome at Canvas Health.

Call us at (651) 777-5222 or click the button below to get started.

Request Appointment

Find Your Nearest Canvas Health Location