In the state of Maryland, 89% of all intoxication deaths in 2018 were opioid-related . Maryland now ranks in the top 5 states in the country for opioid-related overdose death rates, with the largest increase attributed to cases involving synthetic opioids (mainly fentanyl) . The number of opioid-related deaths varies by county (see figure).

Between 2017 and 2018 the number of fentanyl-related deaths increased by 18% (from 1594 to 1888). The number of heroin-related deaths declined by 11% between 2016 and 2017 (from 1212 to 1078) and continued to decline in 2018 by 23% to 830 deaths. The number of prescription opioid-related deaths decreased by 8% between 2017 and 2018 (from 413 to 379); 65% of these deaths occurred in combination with heroin and/or fentanyl .

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Figure: Total Number of Opioid* and Non-Opioid-Related Deaths Occurring in Maryland, 2007-2018

*Total opioids include heroin, prescription opioids, and illicit forms of fentanyl.

Source: Maryland Department of Health, Unintentional Drug- and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2018, May 2019.

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Figure: Number of Opioid-Related Deaths Occurring in Maryland by Substance, 2007-2018

Source: Maryland Department of Health, Unintentional Drug- and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2018, May 2019.

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Figure: Total Number of Opioid-Related Intoxication Deaths by Place of Occurrence, 2007-2018

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Source: Maryland Department of Health, Unintentional Drug- and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2018, May 2019.

• Annual and Quarterly reports published by the Maryland Department of Health on unintentional drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths
  
• General information about the country-wide opioid epidemic
  
• Substance use in rural areas
  
• Information and resources about the opioid crisis in Maryland
  
• Answers and resources for teens, parents, and teachers
  
• General help and resources