With increasing numbers of University of Wisconsin students going to
detox over the past four years, the two detox centers serving
University of Minnesota students have also experienced an upturn in
student-age admissions.
The American Indian Community Development Corporation Detox Center,
one of two detox centers in Minneapolis, admitted 280 clients between
the ages of 18 and 21 in 2006, according to center records. Although
intake numbers have fluctuated, the number is above the annual average
of 232 over the four previous years.
At the Mission Care Detox Center, the other destination for student
detox transports, 54 people between the ages of 12 and 20 were
admitted in 2006, and numbers have steadily risen since 2003, when 36
were admitted.
American Indian Program Director Sharlee Benson attributed the upturn
to community members reporting behaviors stemming from alcohol abuse
more often.
Police have noticed higher blood alcohol levels in the young people
they encounter, as well, according to University of Minnesota Police
Department Deputy Chief Steve Johnson.
“It seems when that’s the case, more of them need to go to care
facility to keep them safe,” he said.
In Madison, city and UW officials are also concerned with higher blood
alcohol levels in students that draw the attention of the police.
“If people have a higher tolerance for alcohol, they’re most likely …
drinking heavier at younger and younger ages,” said outgoing Alcohol
Policy Coordinator Joel Plant.

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