Maryland is lagging behind 11 other states in providing residents access to addiction treatment, according to a nationwide study released last week.
The study, conducted by The Freedom Center, a Maryland-based addiction treatment organization, ranked states based on the number of treatment centers available to the population and how much they invest in mental health.
“Quality rehabilitation opportunities hinge on a state’s commitment to mental health services, reflected in both facility numbers and financial investment,” said Nicholas Bellofatto, the facility’s director of admissions. “… The effectiveness of rehabilitation, however, relies on factors beyond quantity, such as accessibility and integration into the broader mental health system.”
The study reported that there are 6.36 substance abuse rehabilitation facilities per 100,000 people in Maryland, according to data from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
There is also $184.68 spent per capita on mental health treatment in the state. With both factors being scored out of 10, Maryland ranks 12th in the country.
The top three states are Maine, Alaska and Vermont, respectively, according to the study.
Maryland also falls behind Washington D.C., which ranks fifth in the nation thanks to its relatively high spending on mental health treatment.
Pennsylvania ranks eighth, boasting more treatment facilities and higher spending on mental health.
The study comes as Maryland continues to see an increase in overdose deaths and works to improve access to treatment options — at least for its uninsured population or those with Medicaid.
Gov. Wes Moore last week unveiled a budget proposal that would provide record-high funding for addiction and mental health services in 2025.
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In the proposal, the Democrat included more than $1.4 billion in state aid to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
The funding would include $482.8 million for substance use disorder services alone, marking a 14% increase over the current fiscal year.
Even with increased investments in treatment, though, the percentage of those seeking out and receiving help remains an issue.
Less than half of those with a substance use disorder have received treatment, even though 29% of U.S. adults say they are battling with opioid addiction or know someone who is, according to a poll of more than 1,300 adults by KFF, a health policy research group.
That could be an undercount, too, as the poll relies on self-reporting — and many are hesitant to be transparent about their history of drug use.
In addition to the limited access to treatment, affordability and an individual’s willingness to seek help contribute to the low numbers.
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