Statistical Data on Drugs in Maryland
Maryland faces one of the most severe drug overdose crises in the United States, with death rates consistently exceeding the national average since 1999. The state has experienced a dramatic transformation in its overdose epidemic, shifting from prescription opioids and heroin to synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, which now dominates the landscape. Between 2011 and 2021, drug-related deaths increased by 317%. This crisis disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, with growing disparities among racial/ethnic communities and alarming increases in deaths among older adults aged 55 and above. The following statistics provide a comprehensive overview of Maryland’s substance use crisis based on available data.
Overall Overdose Death Statistics
- 2,369 overdose deaths per year
- 2,573 overdose deaths in 2022
- 2,800 overdose deaths in 2021
- 2,799 overdose deaths in 2020
- 2,460 opioid overdose deaths in 2021
Maryland has experienced exponential growth in overdose deaths over the past decade.
Overdose Death Rates
- 38.2 deaths per 100,000 residents (general rate)
- 42 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2022
- 42.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2021
- 4.68% of all deaths are from drug overdose
- 84.54% higher than the national average
- Maryland accounts for 3.37% of nationwide overdose deaths
Maryland’s overdose death rate significantly exceeds the national average.
Demographic Analysis of Deaths
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Number of Deaths | Percentage |
| Under 25 | 143 | ~5% |
| 25-34 | 555 | ~20% |
| 55 and over | 861 | ~30% |
The 55+ age group experienced the highest absolute number of deaths in 2021.
Age-Specific Trends
- 81.4% increase in fatal overdoses among individuals 55+ from 2015 to 2020 (424 to 769 deaths)
- 264% increase in fatal overdoses among 55+ since 2016
- 11.2% decrease in fatal overdoses among individuals under 25 from 2015 to 2020 (161 to 143 deaths)
- 14.9% decrease in overdose deaths among under-25 age group from 2017 to 2021
- Deaths among 25-34 age group peaked at 647 in 2020, then fell to 555 in 2021
- Individuals over 55 have surpassed all other age groups for fatal overdoses since 2018
The dramatic increase in deaths among older adults represents a troubling new dimension of the crisis.
Gender Distribution
- 72.1% of overdose decedents were male in 2020
- Fatal overdoses among males increased 33.4% from 2016 to 2020 (1,513 to 2,019 deaths)
- Fatal overdoses among females increased 35.9% from 2016 to 2020 (574 to 780 deaths)
- 67.8% of treatment admissions were male in 2010
- 32.2% were female
Gender-Specific Rates (2021)
- Male death rate: 67.6 per 100,000
- Female death rate: 24.3 per 100,000
- Males more than 2.5 times higher rate than females
- Highest rates among males aged 45-54: 120.5 per 100,000
- Highest rates among females aged 45-54: 43.0 per 100,000
While males consistently account for more overdose deaths, the rate of increase is similar between genders, suggesting the crisis is expanding equally across both populations.
Racial/Ethnic Distribution (2021)
- 51% of fatal overdoses involved non-Hispanic white individuals
- 46% involved non-Hispanic Black individuals
- Non-Hispanic white death rate: 47.2 per 100,000
- Non-Hispanic Black death rate: 64.3 per 100,000 (nearly 1.5 times higher)
- Hispanic death rate: 18.1 per 100,000
Non-Hispanic Black Marylanders experience disproportionately high overdose death rates despite comprising only 31.1% of the state’s population.
Racial Disparities Over Time
- 64.5% increase in overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black Marylanders from 2016 to 2020 (654 to 1,076 deaths)
- 15.3% increase among non-Hispanic white Marylanders from 2016 to 2020 (1,349 to 1,556 deaths)
- 2021 preliminary data: 1,412 deaths among non-Hispanic whites (9.3% decrease) and 1,165 among non-Hispanic Blacks (8.3% increase)
The growing disparity in overdose deaths within the Black community represents a critical equity issue.
Geographic Distribution of Deaths
| Jurisdiction | Number of Deaths |
| Baltimore City | 1,079 |
| Baltimore County | 390 |
| Anne Arundel County | 230 |
| Prince George’s County | 225 |
| Montgomery County | 142 |
Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County account for approximately 60% of all overdose deaths in Maryland.
Death Rates by Jurisdiction (2022)
| Rank | Jurisdiction | Deaths per 100,000 |
| 1 | Baltimore City | 138.1 |
| 2 | Cecil County | 90.5 |
| 3 | Washington County | 64.3 |
| 4 | Allegany County | 52.0 |
| 5 | Baltimore County | 45.9 |
| 6 | Harford County | 44.0 |
| 7 | Charles County | 43.5 |
| 8 | Anne Arundel County | 36.1 |
| 9 | St. Mary’s County | 34.8 |
| 10 | Calvert County | 30.7 |
Death rates vary dramatically across Maryland, with Baltimore City’s rate nearly 10 times higher than Montgomery County’s.
Comparative Context
Maryland vs. National Averages
- Maryland drug-induced death rate: 13.5 per 100,000 in 2009-2010
- National rate: 12.8 per 100,000 in 2009-2010
- Maryland rate exceeded national by approximately 5-6% in 2009-2010
- By 2021-2022, Maryland rate was 24% higher than U.S. overall
- Maryland opioid death rate 130.8% above national average (more than double)
- Maryland ranks among top 5 states for most opioid-related overdose deaths
Maryland’s position is moving from slightly above average to having one of the worst overdose crises in the country.
Comparison to Other Causes of Death
- 768 drug deaths vs. 614 motor vehicle accident deaths vs. 586 firearm deaths in 2009
- 807 drug deaths vs. 675 motor vehicle deaths vs. 678 firearm deaths in 2007
- 964 opioid deaths in Baltimore City in 2020 (nearly triple the number of homicide victims)
- One in three motor vehicle fatalities (33%) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009
Drug overdoses now kill more Marylanders than car accidents and firearms combined.
Opioid-Related Statistics
Opioid Overdose Deaths
- 2,518 opioid-related deaths in 2020
- 2,507 opioid-related deaths in 2021
- 2,087 deaths in 2018
- 1,856 deaths in 2016
- Opioids involved in 89% of intoxication deaths in 2016
- 90% of overdose deaths in 2021 were opioid-related
Opioids dominate Maryland’s overdose crisis, accounting for approximately 9 out of every 10 deaths.
Opioid Death Rates
- 33.7 deaths per 100,000 residents from opioid overdose
- 130.8% above the national death rate (more than twice the national average)
- 38.5 per 100,000 in 2021 (age-adjusted)
- 30 deaths per 100,000 in 2016
- 9.1 per 100,000 in 2011 (age-adjusted)
Maryland’s opioid death rate has increased more than fourfold since 2011.
Opioid Emergency Response
- 34,094 opioid overdose incidents identified in emergency medical services data between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022 (out of 1,251,050 unique incidents)
- 83.8% of overdose decedents in 2021 were not administered naloxone
- 57.2% of all fatal overdoses in 2021 occurred in a residence without naloxone administration
- Naloxone administration in residential fatal overdoses decreased from 17.7% in 2020 to 11.9% in 2021
The low rate of naloxone administration represents a critical missed opportunity for overdose prevention.
Opioid-Related Health Consequences
- 1.43% of hospital births are cases of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- 38,100 cases of hepatitis C attributed to intravenous drug use
- 20,374 cases of HIV/AIDS attributed to intravenous drug use
- Doctors write enough prescriptions for 45.1% of residents to have one
The opioid crisis extends beyond overdose deaths, creating significant public health challenges.
Fentanyl Statistics
Fentanyl-Related Deaths
- 84% of Maryland’s 2,912 overdose deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl
- 2,344 fentanyl-related deaths in 2020
- 1,825 synthetic opioid deaths in 2018
- 1,119 fentanyl deaths in 2016 (up from 26 in 2007, a 4,203.9% increase)
- 650 deaths in 2016 estimated to be caused by synthetic opioids (mostly fentanyl)
Fentanyl has rapidly become the dominant driver of Maryland’s overdose crisis.
Fentanyl Trends
- 81.8 times increase in death rates involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids between 2005 and 2022
- 90% of overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids by 2020
- Fentanyl-related deaths increased 3% from 2020 to 2021 (1,731 to 1,783 in January-September data)
The shift from heroin to fentanyl represents a fundamental change in Maryland’s drug market, with synthetic opioids now appearing in nearly all overdose deaths.
Prescription Opioid Statistics
- 418 prescription opioid deaths in 2016 (up from 302 in 2007, a 38.4% increase)
- 447 prescription opioid deaths in 2021
- 453 prescription opioid deaths in 2020
- Prescription opioids involved in 27.6% of opioid overdose deaths
- Prescription opioids involved in 53% of benzodiazepine-related deaths in 2016
- Over 40% of drug-related overdoses between 2007 and 2012 involved one or more prescription opioids
While prescription opioid deaths have not decreased as dramatically as heroin deaths, they remain relatively stable.
General Substance Use Statistics
Illicit Drug Use (Ages 12+, 2021-2022)
- 824,000 individuals used illicit drugs in past month
- 15.86% of population aged 12+
- 1,020,000 used marijuana in past year (19.64%)
- 733,000 used marijuana in past month (14.11%)
- 193,000 used illicit drugs other than marijuana in past month (3.71%)
Marijuana dominates illicit drug use in Maryland.
Substance Use Perceptions
- 1,087,000 individuals perceive great risk from smoking marijuana once a month (20.91%)
- 3,403,000 perceive great risk from using cocaine once a month (65.51%)
- 4,259,000 perceive great risk from trying heroin once or twice (82.01%)
Public perception recognizes the extreme dangers of opioids and cocaine, though marijuana is viewed as relatively low-risk by most Marylanders.
Substance Use Disorders (2021-2022)
- Population with substance use disorder: 16.87% (all ages 12+)
- Drug use disorder: 9.69%
- Opioid misuse in past year: 213,000 individuals (4.10%)
- Opioid use disorder: 2.38% of population
- Pain reliever use disorder: 1.96% of population
Nearly 1 in 6 Marylanders aged 12 and older meet criteria for a substance use disorder.
Young Adult Statistics (18-25 years)
- 237,000 adults aged 18-25 used drugs in the last month
- 7.96% more likely to use drugs than average American in same age group
- 28.88% of 18-25 year olds used illicit drugs in past month
- 28.20% used marijuana in past month
- 39.48% used marijuana in past year
Nearly one in three of young adults is reporting past-month drug use, primarily marijuana.
Youth Substance Use Statistics
- 37,000 teenagers (8.19% of 12-17 year olds) report using drugs in the last month
- Teens 1.71% less likely to have used drugs than average American teen
- 7.7% of children ages 12-17 reported using illicit drugs including marijuana (ranking: 29th among states)
- 86.49% of teen drug users report using marijuana
- 12.17% of 12-17 year olds report using marijuana in the last year
- 46,000 adolescents aged 12-17 used marijuana in the past year (2021-2022 average)
- 28,000 adolescents used marijuana in the past month
- 5.93% of adolescents used marijuana in the past month
Youth substance use in Maryland is slightly below national averages.
Youth-Specific Substances
- 0.22% of 12-17 year olds report using cocaine in the last year
- Up to 0.11% used methamphetamines (data limited)
- Up to 0.11% used heroin
- 2.21% report misusing pain relievers
- 14,000 adolescents misused prescription pain relievers in past year
Hard drug use among Maryland youth remains relatively rare.
Youth Treatment Needs
- 3.10% of teenagers aged 12-17 met criteria for illicit drug use disorder
- 1.33% met criteria for alcohol use disorder
- 56,000 adolescents classified as needing substance use treatment (2022)
- 17,000 adolescents received substance use treatment (2022)
- 33,000 adolescents needing treatment did not receive it
- 65.98% of youth needing treatment did not receive it
While youth substance use is below national averages, nearly two-thirds of young people who need treatment don’t receive it.
Treatment Statistics
- 502 active substance abuse clinics in Maryland
- 52,759 patients treated annually for drug rehab
- 50,382 patients enroll in outpatient services annually
- 1,892 patients enroll in residential (non-hospital) services annually
- 485 patients in Maryland hospitals for drug rehab
- 6 facilities offer free drug rehab treatment for all patients
- 61,377 admissions to Maryland drug and alcohol treatment programs in 2010
Maryland has substantial treatment infrastructure, but capacity appears insufficient.
Treatment Gap
- 190,000 individuals aged 12+ received substance use treatment in past year (2022)
- 925,000 individuals aged 12+ classified as needing substance use treatment (2021-2022 average)
- 724,000 individuals needing treatment did not receive it
- 79.26% of those needing treatment did not receive it
- 3.65% of population aged 12+ received substance use treatment
- 17.77% of population classified as needing treatment
A massive treatment gap exists, with nearly 80% of individuals who need substance use treatment failing to receive it.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- Only 13.7% of individuals who experienced their first non-fatal overdose received buprenorphine prescription within one year (July 2016-December 2021)
- 25.1% of those with opioid use disorder received methadone or buprenorphine-based treatment
- Number receiving MOUD through public behavioral health system increased 11.7% from 2016 to 2021
- 22,927 individuals receiving methadone in opioid treatment programs in 2015 (single-day count)
- 16,166 individuals receiving methadone in 2011 (single-day count)
Despite evidence that MOUD is highly effective, access remains severely limited.
Treatment by Substance (2010)
| Substance | Number of Admissions | Gender Breakdown |
| Heroin | 16,088 | 62.9% male, 37.1% female |
| Marijuana | 11,767 | 79.1% male, 20.9% female |
| Opiates (non-heroin) | 6,898 | – |
| Cocaine (smoking) | 4,733 | – |
| Cocaine (other) | 1,167 | – |
Treatment admissions reflect historical drug use patterns, with heroin and marijuana being the most common reasons for seeking treatment in 2010, before fentanyl became dominant.
Treatment Costs
Outpatient Rehab
- Average individual cost: $1,701
- $85.7 million total spent on outpatient services (3.71% of U.S. public total)
Residential Rehab (non-hospital)
- Average individual cost: $56,783
- $107.4 million total spent (2.07% of U.S. public total)
- Maryland ranks 30th in cheapest to most expensive state for residential services
Maryland’s residential treatment costs are exceptionally high at nearly $57,000 per patient.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
- 21,220 arrests for opium and cocaine possession in 2006
- 579 DEA arrests for assorted drug violations in 2007
- 4,321 juvenile court referrals for DWIs to substance abuse treatment
Law enforcement activity reflects the scale of drug markets in Maryland, though the shift toward public health approaches has changed enforcement priorities over time.
Maryland’s drug overdose crisis has escalated dramatically, with deaths increasing 317% between 2011 and 2021, primarily driven by fentanyl appearing in 84% of fatal overdoses. The epidemic disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black residents and adults over 55, while nearly 80% of those needing treatment cannot access it. Urgent expansion of evidence-based treatment, naloxone distribution, and targeted interventions for high-risk communities are critical to reversing this devastating trend.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Maryland
Alcohol abuse represents a significant public health challenge in Maryland, contributing to thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic costs annually. While Maryland ranks relatively well nationally for excessive drinking rates (11th lowest), the state still experiences substantial alcohol-related harm. The crisis particularly affects young adults aged 18-25, who show the highest rates of binge drinking and alcohol use disorders, and older adults aged 55+, who experience the most alcohol-related deaths. The combination of alcohol with opioids has created an especially deadly pattern, with 80% of alcohol-related deaths in 2021 occurring alongside opioid use. Despite these serious consequences, only a small fraction of those with alcohol dependence or abuse receive treatment, highlighting significant gaps in the state’s response to alcohol-related problems.
Alcohol Death Statistics
Overall Statistics
- 2,482 total alcohol-related deaths per year (average)
- 517 alcohol-related deaths in 2021 (9% decrease from 2020)
- 582 alcohol-related deaths in 2017 (all-time high)
- 891 alcohol overdose deaths in Maryland through 2015-16
- 270 alcohol-related fatalities in 2014 (including polysubstance use)
- 238 alcohol-related deaths in 2013
- 160 alcohol-related deaths in 2010
Alcohol-related deaths showed a dramatic 69% increase from 2010 to 2014.
Death Rate Trends
- 69% increase in alcohol-related fatalities from 2010 (160 deaths) to 2014 (270 deaths)
- 13% increase from 2013 to 2014
- 24% increase from 2019 to 2020
- 9% decrease from 2020 to 2021
Alcohol deaths have followed an unstable pattern, with sharp increases in 2015-2016 and 2019-2020.
Per Capita Death Rates
- One death from excessive alcohol use for every 2,489 people aged 18 and older
- 5.16 deaths for every 10,000 adults
- 5-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita increased by 61.2% from 2015 to 2019
The per capita death rate increased dramatically over a five-year period.
Alcohol-Related Deaths: Demographics
Age Distribution of Deaths (2021)
- Those aged 55 years and over experienced the most alcohol-related deaths
- 35-44 year age group had second-most alcohol-related deaths
- 79.0% of deaths from excessive alcohol use are adults aged 35 years and older
- Alcohol-related deaths decreased among those aged 45-54 years from 2020 to 2021
Alcohol-related deaths concentrate in older adults.
Gender Distribution of Deaths
- 69.9% of people who die from excessive alcohol use are male
- 8 out of 10 alcohol-related deaths (424) were males in 2021
- 93 alcohol-related deaths among females in 2021
Men account for approximately 70-80% of alcohol-related deaths.
Race and Ethnicity (2021 Alcohol-Related Deaths)
- 48% of alcohol-related deaths were among non-Hispanic white individuals
- 38% occurred among non-Hispanic Black individuals
- 11% among Hispanic individuals
- Alcohol-related deaths rose by 41% among non-Hispanic whites between 2019 and 2020
- 57% increase among Hispanic populations between 2019 and 2020
While white individuals account for the most alcohol-related deaths, Hispanic populations experienced the sharpest increase during the 2019-2020 period.
Chronic vs. Acute Alcohol Deaths
- 46.6% of excessive alcohol use deaths are from chronic causes, such as Alcohol Use Disorder
- More than half of deaths were from injuries (2006-2010 average)
- 80% of alcohol-related deaths in 2021 occurred in combination with any opioid
Alcohol deaths are split between chronic health effects and acute injuries.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving Deaths
- 143 Marylanders died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in 2013
- 186 alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2008
- 28.9% of fatal car accidents in Maryland involve alcohol
- Nearly 28% of all fatal car accidents in U.S. involve an alcohol-impaired driver
- 31% of all driving fatalities nationally in 2014 were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in Maryland.
Alcohol Use by Age Group
| Age Group | Number Using Alcohol (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12+ | 2,547 | 49.02% |
| 12-17 | 28 | 5.87% |
| 18-25 | 301 | 50.86% |
| 26+ | 2,218 | 53.72% |
| 18+ | 2,519 | 53.36% |
Approximately half of all Marylanders aged 12 and older use alcohol.
National Comparisons by Age (2013)
- Past month underage alcohol use (ages 12-20) in Maryland: 22.89%
- National rate: 23.52%
- Maryland ages 18-25 binge drinking: 39.38% (slightly higher than national 38.70%)
Maryland’s underage drinking rates are slightly below national averages, but young adult binge drinking rates exceed national figures.
Youth Alcohol Use Statistics
- 55,000 adolescents (12.1%) used alcohol in past month (2014-2015 average)
- 28,000 (5.87%) adolescents used alcohol in past month (2021-2022 average)
- Maryland Rank: 5th for youth alcohol use percentage
Youth alcohol use in Maryland is similar to or slightly below national averages.
Youth Alcohol Initiation
8.9% of adolescents aged 12-17 initiated alcohol use in past year (2011-2015 average)
Youth Binge Drinking
14,000 adolescents (2.98%) engaged in binge drinking in past month (2021-2022 average)
Youth Alcohol Perceptions
206,000 adolescents (43.39%) perceive great risk from drinking 5+ drinks once or twice a week
Despite relatively lower use rates, many adolescents do not perceive significant risk from regular heavy drinking.
Young Adult Statistics (Ages 18-25)
- 301,000 young adults used alcohol in past month (50.86%)
- 177,000 young adults engaged in binge drinking in past month (29.94%)
- 39.38% of ages 18-25 reported binge drinking in Maryland (2013)
- 13.1% of 21-25 year olds engaged in heavy alcohol use nationally
- 13.11% of 18-25 age group experienced past year alcohol dependence or abuse
Young adults show exceptionally high rates of both regular alcohol use and binge drinking.
Young Adult Survey Findings (Maryland Young Adult Survey on Alcohol, 2016)
- Nearly 90% of respondents reported alcohol use in past month
- 55% of respondents admitted heavy alcohol use or binge drinking in past month
This survey of Maryland young adults revealed that alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in young adult culture.
Risk Perceptions Among Young Adults
- 35.13% of 18-25 year olds perceive great risk of drinking 5+ drinks once or twice a week
- This is the lowest perception of great risk among all age groups
Young adults’ lower risk perception correlates with their higher consumption rates.
Excessive Drinking Statistics
- 16.6% of Maryland adults report excessive drinking
- 19.0% national average for excessive drinking
- Maryland has 11th lowest share of adults who report excessive drinking
Maryland performs better than the national average for excessive drinking rates.
Binge Drinking Prevalence
- 14.5% of Maryland adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month
- 18% of Maryland adults reported binge drinking in 2013
- 23.09% of those aged 12 or older reported current binge drinking in 2013 Maryland data (higher than national 22.92%)
Maryland’s binge drinking rates are close to or slightly higher than national averages.
Binge Alcohol Use by Age (2021-2022 Average)
| Age Group | Number Binge Drinking (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12+ | 1,053 | 20.26% |
| 12-17 | 14 | 2.98% |
| 18-25 | 177 | 29.94% |
| 26+ | 862 | 20.87% |
| 18+ | 1,039 | 22.00% |
Young adults aged 18-25 show the highest binge drinking rates at nearly 30%, significantly above all other age groups.
Binge Drinking Intensity
- Median 5.3 drinks per binge episode
- Median 7.0 drinks per binge for the 25% most active drinkers
- Average 7.3 drinks per occasion for binge drinkers in 2013
- Binge drinking adults binge a median 1.6 times monthly
- 25% most active drinkers binge 3.7 times per month
When Maryland residents binge drink, they consume substantial quantities of alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorders (2021-2022 Average)
| Age Group | Number with AUD (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12+ | 541 | 10.42% |
| 12-17 | 14 | 2.85% |
| 18-25 | 99 | 16.74% |
| 26+ | 429 | 10.38% |
| 18+ | 528 | 11.18% |
Approximately 1 in 10 Marylanders aged 12 and older meet criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Risk Perceptions Related to Heavy Drinking
| Age Group | Number Perceiving Great Risk (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12+ | 2,332 | 44.88% |
| 12-17 | 206 | 43.39% |
| 18-25 | 236 | 39.90% |
| 26+ | 1,890 | 45.76% |
| 18+ | 2,125 | 45.03% |
Less than half of Marylanders perceive great risk from drinking 5+ drinks once or twice weekly.
Treatment Statistics
- 11,230 admissions for alcohol alone in 2010
- 7,892 admissions for alcohol combined with a secondary substance in 2010
- Only 7.2% of persons aged 12 or older with alcohol dependence or abuse in Maryland from 2008-2012 received treatment
Fewer than 1 in 14 people with alcohol problems receive treatment.
Treatment Demographics (2010)
- Largest age group admitted for alcoholism: 46-50 years old (8.2%)
- 73.4% men, 26.6% women entering treatment
Treatment admissions skew toward middle-aged and older adults.
Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse
- $4.965 billion spent by Maryland taxpayers as result of excessive alcohol use in 2010
- Equivalent to $6.702 billion in 2022 dollars (adjusted for inflation)
- $3.00 per drink in economic cost (2022 US$)
- $860 per capita total costs in Maryland (2010)
Alcohol abuse imposes enormous economic costs on Maryland.
Lost Years of Life
- 69,071 years of potential life lost to excessive alcohol use each year in Maryland
- Alcohol abuse robs the state of decades of productive life.
Maryland faces a significant but manageable alcohol abuse crisis, with 2,482 deaths annually and $6.7 billion in economic costs attributable to excessive drinking. The state’s 11th-lowest ranking for excessive drinking nationally masks serious concerns, particularly among young adults aged 18-25 who show binge drinking rates near 30% and alcohol use disorder rates approaching 17%. The deadly combination of alcohol with opioids accounts for 80% of alcohol-related deaths, while fewer than 8% of those with alcohol dependence receive treatment. Targeted interventions addressing youth initiation, young adult binge drinking, impaired driving, and treatment access are essential to reducing alcohol-related harm across Maryland.
Conclusion
In general, Maryland faces a devastating substance use crisis, with overdose deaths surging 317% between 2011 and 2021, now claiming over 2,800 lives annually—primarily driven by fentanyl, which is involved in 84% of fatal overdoses. The epidemic disproportionately impacts non-Hispanic Black residents, who experience death rates 1.5 times higher than white residents, and older adults aged 55+, whose deaths increased 264% since 2016. Despite the severity of the crisis, nearly 80% of Marylanders who need substance use treatment cannot access it, while alcohol-related deaths combined with opioids account for an additional 500+ fatalities yearly. Urgent expansion of evidence-based treatment, naloxone distribution, and targeted interventions for high-risk communities are critical to reversing these devastating trends and addressing the massive treatment gap.
Sources
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets | KFF
- 2022 Annual Report
- MARYLAND – National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- MARYLAND DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in Maryland Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Data
- Maryland Drug Abuse Statistics, Maryland Drug Statistics
- Overdose Deaths in Maryland
- Explore Illicit Drug Use – Youth in Maryland | AHR
- Opioids Killed Thousands of Maryland Residents in 2021
- Drug Overdose Statistics in Maryland | Ashley Addiction Treatment
- Addiction Treatment in Maryland | Serenity at Summit
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