Drug and alcohol use is a rising problem across the United States - and Maryland is no exception. With the rate of overdose-related deaths climbing each day, the need for quality alcohol and drug rehabs in Maryland keeps on growing as well.
In 2020 alone, Maryland suffered 2,773 substance-abuse (both drug and alcohol) related deaths - a 16.6% increase from the 2,379 fatalities of 2019. These steadily rising numbers reflect a dangerous trend that’s evolved since the beginning of the opioid crisis in 2010.
Alcohol Abuse in Maryland
Excessive alcohol use holds the blame for around 88,000 deaths and $223.5 billion in expenses in the United States each year. In Maryland itself, 1,318 lives and $4.1 billion are lost each year by excessive drinking. These funds are lost through decreased workplace productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and alcohol-induced crime.
The Maryland Young Adult Survey on Alcohol (MYSA) was a survey performed in Maryland on teenagers and young adults across a range of communities. According to MYSA, nearly 90% of respondents to the survey reported alcohol use in the past month. 55% of respondents admitted heavy alcohol use or binge drinking in the past month.
Binge drinking is by far the most widespread, expensive, and fatal form of alcohol abuse in the United States. Aside from the obvious concern of alcohol addiction, it poses many other serious risks:
- Car accidents
- Crime and violence
- STDs
- Accidental pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart and liver disease
- Cancer
- Cognitive impairments
Altogether, 18.% percent of Maryland adults and 18.4% of Maryland high school students admitted to binge drinking.
Maryland Drug Use Statistics
At present, Maryland’s drug overdose death rate is one of the worst in the United States. It has been strongly impacted by the spreading opioid epidemic, with one of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths among all states - 30 deaths per 100,000 people.
Since the early 2000s, Maryland has seen a significant increase in the abuse of heroin and opioids (both prescription and non-prescription), and a corresponding rise in the number of heroin and opioid-related overdose deaths.
Most recently, fentanyl is the drug being held accountable for the frightening spike in overdose deaths in Maryland. (650 out of 1,821 annual overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl.) With a potency 50 times greater than heroin and 100 times greater than morphine, fentanyl is an incredibly powerful synthetic opioid painkiller that is widely abused in drug-using circles. Its potency even in tiny amounts renders it both highly addictive and dangerous. Additionally, many drug treatment centers in Maryland reported that their clients were unaware that their drugs had been laced with fentanyl - which contributed greatly to the number of unintentional fatal overdoses.
Prescription drug abuse has been another cause of fatal overdoses in Maryland. Commonly-abused prescription drugs include:
- Adderall
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Methadone
- Oxycontin
- Percocet
- Ritalin
- Valium
- Xanax
Altogether, the abuse of drugs and alcohol has had a devastating impact on the residents of Maryland. The need for quality, affordable Maryland drug treatment programs has never been greater - and Avenues Recovery works every single day to meet that need.
Substance Abuse Laws and Policies in Maryland
What happens to someone caught with drugs or alcohol in Maryland? What are the Maryland alcohol laws and Maryland cannabis laws?
Maryland classifies drugs and alcohol (or “Controlled Dangerous Substances”) into 5 categories, or “Schedules”. Schedule I lists the most dangerous and addictive drugs that have no recognized medical use and Schedule V lists the least dangerous and addictive drugs with recognized medical uses. The severity of the penalties for drug possession, use and sale are dependent on the Schedule of the drug in question.
Controlled Substance Penalties
Possession
- The possession of any amount of any controlled substance (excluding marijuana) is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 4 years of jail time and up to $25,000 in fines.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Schedule I and II substances - Up to 20 years of jail time and up to $25,000 in fines
- LSD, PCP, and all hallucinogens - Up to 20 years of jail time and up to $20,000 in fines
- Schedule III, IV and V substances - Up to 5 years of jail time and up to $15,000 in fines
Once the controlled substances in a person’s possession exceeds a certain amount, there is a mandatory 5-year prison sentence, and fines can go up to $100,000.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Marijuana Paraphernalia (with intent to use or actual use) - Up to one year of jail time and up to $500 in fines
- Drug Paraphernalia (with intent to use or actual use) - Up to four years of jail time and up to $25,000 in fines
Maryland's drug and alcohol laws continue to evolve. One significant change relates to DUI (driving under the influence) offenses. Starting October 2024, individuals convicted of alcohol-related DUIs or those who receive probation before judgment (PBJ) will be required to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. These devices prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. The ignition interlock must be installed for six months for a first offense, one year for a second, and up to three years for repeat offenders.
Regarding drug-related offenses, the state has also taken steps to reform Maryland marijuana laws. With the state's recent legalization of recreational cannabis for adults over 21, Maryland joins a growing list of states embracing regulated marijuana use. Maryland weed laws now dictate that individuals can possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis without facing penalties, but possession of larger amounts can lead to civil fines or misdemeanor charges. Additionally, Maryland maintains stringent regulations on the possession of controlled substances like opioids and other illicit drugs, continuing to treat such offenses with severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the quantity and intent to distribute. The state's approach reflects a balance between progressive drug policies, such as marijuana legalization, and firm control over more dangerous substances.
Maryland’s drug testing laws, especially in the workplace, also carry notable regulations. Employers in Maryland are permitted to conduct drug testing, both randomly and as a pre-employment condition, but must comply with strict procedural standards to avoid privacy violations. Maryland drug testing laws do not require businesses to test employees for drugs or alcohol, but when testing is performed, it must be conducted by a certified laboratory following federal regulations.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a drug addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our two addiction rehab centers in Maryland have helped thousands of people break free of their addictions, and can help you too. Avenues offers an unparalleled treatment program that employs a wide variety of therapy modalities and individualized treatment plans. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery in a safe and supportive environment.