The rate at which Maryland residents are admitted into drug treatment facilities more than triples the national average, according to a recent study.
The study, conducted in April by The Dawn Rehab Thailand, an international treatment facility, found that 1,897 residents per 100,000 people were admitted into programs in 2021. With the state seeing 100,145 total admissions, it ranks third in the nation.
The organization collected the data from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“Seeking professional help is the best way to address these issues, as their expertise and access to resources can set people on the path to recovery,” said Helen Wells, the organization’s clinical director, in a statement. “They can also direct patients to support groups, which can help them maintain the positive steps they may have taken in the initial phases of their recovery.”
Only Arizona and South Dakota had higher admission rates than Maryland. They saw 2,618 and 2,071 residents per 100,000 people attend a treatment program, respectively.
The national average was 540 per 100,000 people.
Although Maryland’s admission rate is relatively high, nationwide studies have shown that less than half of adults with substance use disorders receive treatment.
Previous studies also show that Maryland is somewhat lacking in drug treatment program availability, ranking 12th in the nation.
A study in January reported that there were 6.36 substance abuse rehabilitation facilities per 100,000 people in Maryland, according to SAMHSA. There was also $184.68 spent per capita on mental health treatment in the state.
The top three states regarding treatment availability were Maine, Alaska and Vermont.
As the overdose crisis continues to take thousands of lives in Maryland, preventing many from having the opportunity to seek help, officials are looking to invest more to get aid to those struggling with addiction.
Gov. Wes Moore signed a budget earlier this month with a record-high $1.4 billion in state aid for mental health and substance abuse services.
In Baltimore, which has the highest overdose death rate in the nation, Mayor Brandon Scott has also proposed a budget calling for a 44% increase in funding for such services.
Overdose death rates still remain high, although the crisis has somewhat subsided. The U.S. recently saw its first decline in deaths in five years.
There were 2,456 overdose deaths in Maryland in the 12-month period ending January 2024, a 4.1% decrease over the year prior. The death rate was 39.8 per 100,000 people, ranking 13th in the U.S.
Baltimore, however, was one of 13 jurisdictions in Maryland that saw an increase in overdose deaths.
The city had 1,043 deaths in the yearlong period, an 8.2% increase over the year prior. The death rate was 178.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
Those struggling with substance abuse in the Baltimore area, regardless of their age, can find addiction treatment resources by visiting The Long Haul’s Baltimore Addiction Resources guide.
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