January is designated nationally as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, an important observance dedicated to increasing public understanding of effective treatment options and combating the harmful stigma that often surrounds substance use disorders. This annual recognition serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is not only possible but achievable with the right support systems in place.
Throughout communities across Maryland, health organizations, advocacy groups, and local governments are using this month to spotlight the reality that substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing or character flaw. The designation provides an opportunity to educate the public, encourage those struggling to seek help, and celebrate the countless Maryland residents who have found their path to recovery.
The State of Substance Use in Maryland
Maryland experienced a dramatic 38% decrease in fatal overdoses in 2024, with 1,553 reported cases compared to 2,511 in 2023, representing historic progress in addressing the overdose crisis. This decline marks the first time since 2015 that the state recorded fewer than 2,000 overdose deaths annually, offering hope to communities long impacted by the widespread use of opioids and other substances.
Despite this encouraging trend, substance use disorder continues to affect hundreds of thousands of Marylanders from all walks of life, crossing boundaries of age, income, education, and geography. From Baltimore City to the Eastern Shore, from suburban communities in Montgomery County to rural areas in Western Maryland, no region is untouched by this public health challenge.
According to the state's overdose dashboard, from September 2023 to August 2024, there were at least 1,934 overdose deaths, with 1,669 deaths involving opioids and 1,545 including fentanyl. These statistics underscore that while progress has been made, opioids - particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl - remain the dominant factor in Maryland's substance use crisis. The demographic impact reveals persistent disparities.
Despite making up about 30% of Maryland's population, non-Hispanic Black people accounted for 44% of all overdose deaths in the state since 2022. Additionally, Black men older than 55 experienced the highest rate of increase in overdose deaths, and since 2023, overdose deaths among Hispanic residents under age 25 have surpassed those of both non-Hispanic white and Black residents in the same age group.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder as a Health Condition
Like diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic health condition, substance use disorder involves complex changes in the brain that affect behavior and decision-making. Medical research has demonstrated conclusively that addiction is a disease that requires professional treatment, ongoing management, and comprehensive support.
Recovery from substance use disorder is achievable. As a treatable medical condition, substance use disorder responds to appropriate intervention and ongoing support. Treatment programs help individuals rebuild their lives, restore physical and mental health, and reconnect with family and community. The benefits extend far beyond the individual, creating positive ripple effects that strengthen families, reduce crime, improve workplace productivity, and enhance overall community well-being across Maryland.
Evidence-based treatment approaches available throughout Maryland include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, counseling services, peer support programs, and integrated care models that address co-occurring mental health conditions. When individuals receive comprehensive, individualized treatment that addresses their unique needs and circumstances, the outcomes can be truly transformative.
Breaking Down Barriers to Treatment
One of the most significant obstacles preventing Maryland residents from seeking help remains the persistent stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Shame, fear of judgment, and misconceptions about addiction continue to keep many individuals suffering in silence rather than reaching out for the assistance they desperately need. This stigma exists not only in broader society but often within families, workplaces, and even healthcare settings.
Maryland's Behavioral Health Administration and numerous community organizations are working diligently to change these perceptions. By fostering understanding and creating supportive environments, Maryland communities can make it easier for individuals to take that crucial first step toward recovery.
The message from health advocates across the state is clear: seeking treatment demonstrates courage, not weakness. Every person is worthy of receiving care, hope and compassionate support. This perspective reflects a growing movement throughout Maryland to reframe how society views addiction and recovery. When communities embrace the understanding that seeking treatment is an act of strength and self-care, more people feel empowered to access the services that can save their lives.
Maryland's Commitment to Recovery Support
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation. The support of family members, friends, colleagues, and community organizations plays a vital role in an individual's journey toward sustained recovery. Maryland has invested significantly in building recovery infrastructure, including recovery community organizations, peer recovery specialists, and recovery-oriented systems of care that provide ongoing support beyond initial treatment.
The state's recent success in reducing overdose deaths reflects these collaborative efforts. Increased access to naloxone - the overdose reversal medication- along with enhanced public education about overdose risks and fentanyl test strips have contributed to saving lives across the state. Governor Wes Moore has emphasized that these improvements demonstrate the effectiveness of Maryland's investments in behavioral health and substance use care.
Community education initiatives throughout the state help dispel myths and provide accurate information about substance use disorder and recovery. When Maryland communities understand that recovery is possible and that people in recovery can and do lead fulfilling, productive lives, they become more supportive and less judgmental. This shift in community attitudes creates an environment where seeking help feels safer and more acceptable.
Local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies across Maryland work together to ensure that treatment and recovery resources are accessible to all who need them. This collaborative approach recognizes that addressing substance use disorder requires a comprehensive community response involving prevention, intervention, treatment, and long-term recovery support. Maryland's network of treatment facilities, outpatient programs, recovery residences, and support services represents a continuum of care designed to meet individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.
However, significant work remains to address disparities in overdose rates among minority communities. The Maryland Overdose Response Advisory Council has established a workgroup specifically focused on studying racial disparities in overdose and formulating recommendations to ensure all communities are connected to care.
Available Resources and Immediate Help
Maryland residents seeking information about treatment programs or recovery support services can access help through multiple channels. These resources are designed to meet people where they are, providing various entry points to care regardless of someone's specific circumstances or stage of readiness for change.
The Maryland Department of Health offers a comprehensive resource directory and treatment locator through its Overdose Data Dashboard, which now provides current data with a 30-day release period. Residents can also contact local health departments and behavioral health authorities for guidance on accessing services and support throughout the state.
Those experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have immediate support options available 24/7. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. This service connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who can provide immediate support, assess safety, and connect callers with appropriate local resources throughout Maryland.
Information about how to respond to an overdose and how to find and use naloxone is available at StopOverdose.maryland.gov. Learning to recognize the signs of an overdose and understanding how to administer naloxone can help save lives in communities across the state.
It's important to remember that reaching out for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, is always the right decision. Crisis services are confidential, and trained professionals understand the complexities of substance use and mental health challenges. No Maryland resident should face these struggles alone.
Moving Forward with Hope
As Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month reminds us, recovery transforms lives every single day across Maryland. Behind every statistic is a person who has reclaimed their health, rebuilt relationships, and rediscovered purpose. The historic decline in overdose deaths demonstrates that public health interventions are making a meaningful difference.
Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott notes that progress would not be possible without dedicated individuals across the state, from local health departments and behavioral health authorities to community organizations providing supportive services every day. This commitment reflects Maryland's values of compassion, inclusivity, and the fundamental belief that every person deserves the opportunity for a healthy, fulfilling life.
By supporting treatment access, reducing stigma, and building compassionate communities, Maryland continues to create pathways to recovery for everyone who needs them. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing racial disparities and ensuring equitable access to care, the state's collaborative approach offers hope for continued progress in the fight against substance use disorder.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center. With 16 beautiful addiction treatment centers across 7 states, recovery has never been closer to home.
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