Substance abuse continues to be a serious public health issue in Maryland, though recent data shows encouraging signs of progress. Overdose deaths in Maryland have decreased sharply in the past year, offering hope to communities long impacted by the widespread use of opioids and other illicit drugs. Despite these gains, addiction remains a serious concern, especially as new synthetic substances emerge and mental health issues intersect with drug use.
Maryland drug use statistics reveal where the greatest needs remain, from which populations are most affected to how treatment and prevention efforts are shifting. Gaining a clearer picture of these patterns can help families and individuals better navigate available support and resources.
Sharp Drop in Overdose Deaths in Maryland vs. Long-Term Drug Treatment
In 2024, Maryland saw a 29.2% drop in overdose deaths—one of the most significant annual declines in its recent history. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths fell from 2,493 in 2023 to 1,747 in 2024. This mirrors a broader trend across the United States, where overdose deaths fell 25.6%, from approximately 106,881 in 2023 to just under 80,000 in 2024.
As the CDC stated, “Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference and having a meaningful impact.” The agency credits expanded access to naloxone and increased community outreach for the improvement.
Maryland outpaced much of the country in this regard, ranking among the states with the steepest drops in drug-related fatalities. Yet, health officials caution that the fight is far from over.
“Despite these overall improvements, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18–44, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to maintain this progress,” the CDC emphasized.
Opioids and Fentanyl Continue to Drive Fatalities
While the decline in deaths is promising, opioids remain the dominant factor in Maryland’s drug abuse crisis. Data from Maryland’s Overdose Data Dashboard indicates that between January and March 2024, 283 people died from overdoses. Of these, 233 involved opioids, and 209 were linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin.
This trend reflects national patterns as well. According to recently released U.S. drug addiction statistics, fentanyl continues to be the most lethal drug in circulation. It’s often mixed with other substances without users’ knowledge, dramatically increasing the risk of overdose.
Adding complexity is the recent rise of carfentanil, an even more potent synthetic opioid. A recent CDC report released noted a “shocking” increase in carfentanil-related deaths—a 720% rise across the U.S. from 2022 to 2023. Maryland was among the eight states reporting more than 20 confirmed deaths tied to this drug. Its presence raises new concerns for public health officials and reinforces the urgency of monitoring emerging threats in the illegal drug supply.
Demographic Disparities in Drug Use and Deaths
Maryland’s substance abuse crisis does not impact all communities equally. The age group most affected by fatal overdoses remains people between 35 and 44, followed closely by those aged 25 to 34. According to demographic reference data from the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, Black non-Hispanic residents have faced rising overdose death rates, even as overall numbers decline statewide.
This disparity underscores long-standing inequities in access to care, economic opportunity, and systemic health outcomes. In many cases, individuals in under-resourced communities are less likely to receive timely or appropriate treatment for both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Mental illness is often intertwined with substance use. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are frequently cited as underlying factors in addiction, especially among people who turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Addressing these interconnected issues is vital for any long-term recovery plan.
The Growing Presence of Polydrug Use
Another growing concern is polydrug use—the use of multiple substances simultaneously or in rapid succession. In Maryland, many overdose deaths now involve combinations of drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. This makes treatment more complicated and increases the difficulty of reversing overdoses with naloxone alone.
The Maryland Department of Health has highlighted the increased use of “cutting agents” in street drugs. These include substances added to drugs to increase potency or stretch supply, which may have toxic effects or unknown interactions. These agents contribute to the unpredictability and lethality of illegal drug use today.
Illicit drug use not only affects the individual but also leads to broader public health concerns, including increases in infectious disease transmission, chronic disease complications, and emergency department overload. The long-term consequences impact families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities.
Maryland’s Response to the Addiction Crisis
Maryland has responded to the shifting drug landscape with a combination of treatment access expansion, overdose prevention, and harm reduction efforts. The state has increased funding for community-based programs and provided naloxone kits to law enforcement, schools, and nonprofit groups.
The Overdose Data Dashboard gives public health professionals near real-time data to direct resources where they’re most needed. Additionally, educational campaigns have focused on increasing awareness around opioid use disorder, emphasizing that addiction is a treatable condition—not a moral failure.
There’s also been a renewed push to grow Maryland’s network of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers. MAT programs combine FDA-approved medications—such as buprenorphine and methadone—with behavioral therapy. This approach is often regarded as one of the most positively effective ways of treating opioid addiction.
However, not all Marylanders have equal access to these programs. Challenges remain for those in rural areas or without insurance coverage. Maryland continues to work on improving access points and integrating behavioral health into primary care to close these gaps, however.
National Comparisons and Long-Term Outlook
Maryland’s progress places it roughly in the middle tier of states nationally, according to the CDC. West Virginia and Washington, D.C., for example, saw even steeper declines in overdose deaths—42.4% and 37.6%, respectively.
Still, Maryland’s nearly 30% drop shows the potential of coordinated public health efforts. Sustaining this progress, however, will require ongoing investment in mental health services, public education, and treatment access.
On the national level, new threats are always emerging. From the rise of synthetic opioids to the resurgence of stimulant use, the drug landscape is constantly shifting. Treatment providers, policymakers, and families must stay informed and prepared to adapt.
Substance Abuse Treatment in Maryland: Getting Help Now
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. Ashley Addiction Treatment offers a wide range of services throughout Maryland designed to support people through every stage of recovery.
Our programs are grounded in clinical evidence and compassionate care, offering integrated treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. With facilities in Havre de Grace, Bel Air, and Aberdeen, we provide both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as support for teens and families.
Ashley Addiction Treatment serves individuals in the region with proven Maryland drug treatment programs that combine clinical excellence, family support, and spiritual healing. If you or a loved one may be facing addiction, reach out to our admissions team to explore care options and take that first step toward recovery.
