Maryland Drug Statistics

The rest of the nation may not hear much about Maryland in the news, but that is a fact that Marylanders are proud of. This beautiful state has powerful representatives such as the Baltimore Ravens, stable economy and phenomenal universities and colleges. The people of this state are in love with their surroundings, their history and every other aspect of their home. Maryland communities are not without their issues, however. Chemical dependency is a very real problem that affects the state. Palm Partners Recovery Center is here to provide hope. Our professional staff creates programs for every client. We can assist with drug detox, alcoholism, rehabilitation and so much more. Pick up the phone and call us now. We will be delighted to help you overcome your chemical dependency.

Data shows that those 18-25 particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Maryland. If you’re using and abusing, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 410-775-8335. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.

What you should know

Two major metropolitan areas in the state — Baltimore and Washington, D.C. — see a lot of drug traffic. Drugs transported to places south of New York City routinely go through Baltimore, and the city’s seaport has a notable amount of international drug traffic. In fact, Baltimore has remained one of the most heroin-plagued cities in the country for more than a decade.

Compared to other states

• Illicit drugs overall – moderately low for those 18 and older
• Marijuana – average for those 18-25, moderately low for those 26 and older
• Cocaine – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
• Alcohol – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
• Pharmaceuticals – low for those 18 and older

Source: SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, based on 2008-2009 annual averages. SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A closer look

Heroin

Commonly abused, particularly in Baltimore. The city has more heroin addicts and heroin-related crime than almost any other city in the nation — and the problems spill over into nearby counties where many heroin distributors live. A substantial demand for heroin in Baltimore has led to an increase in abuse among young adults, who routinely drive into the city to get heroin for themselves and other local abusers. The drug is usually packaged in gelatin capsules.

Marijuana

Most widely abused. Easily available in every part of the state, marijuana is imported from the Southwest and grown locally. Grow operations are primarily in western Maryland and along the Eastern Shore on private farmland and public parkland.

Cocaine

A significant threat throughout the state, especially near Washington, D.C. Crack is the primary drug threat along the Eastern Shore and in western Maryland. Wholesale levels come from New York City, the Southwest and Atlanta. Violence associated with cocaine trade is a serious problem.

Pharmaceuticals

Oxycodone, benzodiazepines, methadone and Klonopin most commonly abused. Sources are the illegal sale and distribution by health care professionals and workers, “doctor shopping,” forged prescriptions, employee theft and internet pharmacies, which are a growing problem.

Methamphetamine

Not in high demand or widely available. But meth imported from Mexico and the Southwest may be slowly increasing.

Club drugs

MDMA (Ecstasy) on the rise. Baltimore has a thriving rave and nightclub scene in which club drugs, usually Ecstasy, are abused. Ketamine, GHB and others don’t have the same demand or availability.

Alcohol

Not a significant problem.

Percentage of Maryland population using/abusing drugs

¹ Age group is based on a respondent’s age at the time of the interview, not his or her age at first use.

² Illicit Drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically. Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana include cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically.

³ When the Perception of Great Risk in using marijuana or alcohol is low, use of marijuana or alcohol is high.

⁴ Binge Alcohol Use is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.

⁵ Dependence or abuse is based on definitions found in the 4^th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

⁶ Needing But Not Receiving Treatment refers to respondents needing treatment for illicit drugs or alcohol, but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility.

⁷ Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and had a majority of the symptoms for depression as described in the DSM-IV.

Source: Condensed version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004 and 2005, from SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies.