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Substance Use – Let’s Talk about it!

Published

3 years ago

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Substance use is deeply impacting Somali youth everywhere, especially here in Minnesota. The use of controlled prescriptions such as Fentanyl, oxycodone, and many others, have become prevalent among Somali youth and is the number one cause of overdose. Substance addiction has a cascading effect, causing many      costly social, physical, and emotional issues for the user and public health issues for the community. 

Substance use affects the growing brain

As youth, our brains are continuing to develop until we are about the age of 25. Using these harmful substances impacts the brain because they interfere with the neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that allow neurons to communicate by sending and receiving messages. Neurons may potentially die as a result of the harmful chemicals found in these drugs. Further, substance use can have an effect on a person’s emotions, judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. Drug use can also worsen any medical illnesses or health issues that someone may have. Therefore, substance use can have negative psychological effects on young people because it can hinder the progress of their developing brains. 

Reasons Youth might start substance Use

There are many different reasons that a youth might start to use substances. These might include problems at home, peer pressure, or maybe substance use is encouraged by an adult in the youth’s life. In other cases, a parent’s distrust for their child based on what they see or hear other youth are doing could lead to their child making risky choices in order to be rebellious. I have seen among my peers how this plays out among my peers. When a parent is already suspecting their kid is using drugs or engaging in other risky behaviors, the youth might feel like they have nothing to lose by engaging in these behaviors because they are already being painted a certain way. 

Pressure from school can be another reason why youth might turn to substance use. School is a place where youth can face different issues. For example, they might be struggling with grades, or might be having social issues, and turn to drugs to alleviate some anxiety. Peer pressure is also a main reason why a young person might start experimenting with substance use. For youth, the people they hang out with have a huge influence on their lives and the choices that they make at such an impressionable age. In most cases of peer pressure, a young person would choose to do what their friends are doing fearing that saying “no” will lead them to be an outcast.

Nicotine is Gateway to Substance Use Disorder

Gateway drugs can be introduced to children in the form of vapes, especially to minors in middle and high school. Vaping has been marketed as something “cool” to youth and many of them start as early as middle school due to peer pressure. There’s a misconception that vaping is like a better form of smoking and that it is less harmful, however, it contains a very high amount of nicotine that people, especially youth, don’t seem to not know about. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical because once consumed, it quickly absorbs into your body and goes directly to the brain. Additionally, because nicotine is highly addictive, it primes the brain for addiction to harder drugs such as the illegal use of prescription pills. Substance use has become very common among youth in our community, and we all need to do our part in raising awareness about this issue and take steps toward reducing its impact on our community. In the past few years, it is very noticeable how much this epidemic has impacted our youth. We need to take action and change this narrative and make a better future for the youth.

To summarize, the misuse of drugs psychologically affects a youth’s brain development and physical body. In many cases, problems at home, social issues and peer pressure play a role in a youth’s decisions. Therefore, as a youth, it is important to surround yourself with positive influences that will add value to your life. Be mindful about who you are hanging out with, as they can impact your physical and mental wellbeing. It is also important for parents to have a conversation with their child to be aware of what is going on in their lives without judgment or jumping to conclusions. Substance use is a huge issue in our community, and it is important that we are all aware, so we are doing our part to combat it.

Written by youth Leaders:

Aisha Mohamud

Mumtaza Mohamed

Socaad Haille

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Community Resource

Somali American Bar Association Launches Community Rights Education Video

Published

5 days ago

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March 2, 2026

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In response to Operation Metro Surge, the Somali American Bar Association (SABA) has released a Know Your Rights video to help educate community members about their constitutional protections and legal rights. The video is designed to provide clear, accessible information to ensure individuals understand their rights during interactions with law enforcement.

The video was created by Nomadic Arc Consulting, commissioned by SABA, and funded and supported by The Minneapolis Foundation.

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Community Resource

Hennepin County Seeks Community Partners to Prevent Violence

Published

6 days ago

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March 1, 2026

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Hennepin County is inviting community organizations, service providers, and residents to partner in strengthening violence prevention efforts across the county.

To support collaboration, the county will host both in-person and virtual information sessions. These gatherings will give potential partners the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and help shape how this important work moves forward together.

Building Safer, Stronger Communities

Over the past several years, violence prevention staff within Hennepin County’s Safe Communities area have worked closely with community-based providers in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Their shared goal is to increase safety and ensure residents have access to:

  • Basic needs and essential resources
  • Meaningful employment opportunities
  • Safe spaces to grow and learn
  • Psychological support and a sense of being valued
  • Freedom from fear
  • Pride and belonging in their communities

Through collaboration, the county and its partners aim to create protective environments for young people, connect them with caring adults and positive activities, and promote healthy families.

“Violence prevention is a collective effort,” said Ifrah Jama, violence prevention coordinator for Hennepin County. “Every young person has the potential to choose peace over violence. We can support and guide them in recognizing the strength of compassion and understanding. Empowering our youth to become leaders in peacebuilding is at the heart of our violence prevention effort. They are the change-makers of tomorrow.”

Get Involved

As the county prepares to seek proposals for 2027 programming, community members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual feedback sessions to learn more and share input.

Virtual Gathering:
Tuesday, March 10
1 p.m.

Learn more: Community violence prevention request for proposals

Organizations and residents who are committed to creating safer neighborhoods and expanding opportunity for youth are strongly encouraged to participate.

Together, we can build communities where every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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Community Resource

A Crescent of Hope: Minnesota Muslims Join Millions Worldwide in Welcoming Ramadan

Published

2 weeks ago

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February 17, 2026

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Minnesota — Muslims across Minnesota and around the world will begin the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as millions prepare to observe a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The announcement follows confirmation by Saudi Arabia of the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH, a determination subsequently echoed by several other Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia.

For Muslims everywhere, Ramadan is a sacred period focused on spiritual renewal, heightened devotion, and acts of compassion. From early morning suhoor meals to sunset iftars, the month encourages believers to draw closer to God, support those in need, and strengthen bonds with family and community.

In Minnesota — home to one of the largest Somali-American communities in the United States — the arrival of Ramadan holds particular significance. Local Muslims say this year’s observance comes at a moment marked by heightened concerns over immigration enforcement and an increasingly charged political climate.

“Ramadan arrives today, reminding us to be grateful for what we have, mindful of those with less, and committed to serving others—values Minnesotans, especially Minneapolis residents, have lived these past months as neighbors cared for one another, protected our streets, and kept children safe.’,” said Abdul Abdi, Minneapolis School Board Director “but many families in our community are feeling anxious due to ongoing immigration enforcement actions and rhetoric that affects our schools, businesses, and places of worship.”

Despite these challenges, Minnesota Muslims are approaching the month with resolve and optimism. Religious leaders emphasize that Ramadan’s message of peace, forgiveness, charity, and community service offers comfort and strength during times of uncertainty. Mosques and community centers across the state are preparing nightly prayers (taraweeh), food drives, and interfaith events to support neighbors of all backgrounds.

“This Ramadan in Minnesota arrives after a season of fear, loss and the shattering of any illusion that safety is guaranteed. The recent surge targeted our communities disrupting our lives, separating families and devastating many of our small businesses. We come to Ramadan carrying grief, exhaustion and unanswered questions.

Even in the middle of all this uncertainty, we will break fast together. We will come together in prayer, and we will give what we can. We will hold tightly to our dignity and refuse to let humanity be taken. This Ramadan, our worship will be our resistance, and community will remain our greatest strength.,” explained Malika Dahir, Executive Director of Reviving Sisterhood.

Community organizers are also reminding residents that charitable efforts are at the heart of the month — from providing meals for the hungry to supporting families facing hardship. Many local mosques are coordinating iftar dinners and volunteer opportunities, inviting people of all faiths to share in the spirit of Ramadan.

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