Overdose deaths Maryland, 2026
Families in Maryland who ask about overdose deaths saw another drop this year. In the 12 months ending May 2026, the state recorded 1,295 such deaths, down 16 percent. If you are considering treatment for someone you love, that change is worth noting.
- overdose deaths, 12 months
- 1,295
- shift from the year prior
- -16%
- centers teach naloxone use
- 357
When you are calling about a son, a parent or a friend, numbers can feel distant. But the overdose figures for Maryland do tell a useful story: fewer families are planning funerals than a year ago, and more people are finding their way into care. The state has 422 treatment facilities listed by SAMHSA, and many of them accept Medicaid or offer outpatient care that fits around work and family.
This page is not a sales pitch for a particular program. It is a plain look at what the latest federal data shows, what it means for someone deciding whether to get help, and where to start. If you are unsure, you can call the free helpline at any hour. A treatment advisor will listen and help you compare options, with no obligation to enroll.
What the figures mean for treatment
A 16 percent decline in overdose deaths does not mean any single person is safe. It means the odds have shifted slightly in favor of getting help. Naloxone, the overdose-reversing medication, is available through 357 listed programs in Maryland, and having it on hand is one concrete step while you sort out treatment.
When your relative has a mental health condition combined with a substance use disorder, ask directly about dual diagnosis capability. Of the 422 listed facilities, 357 offer telehealth, which can ease an initial assessment for someone not yet ready to visit a clinic. On the free helpline, a treatment advisor can compare Maryland rehab centers by level of care and payment options. The helpline is private, and calling commits no one to treatment.
Which drugs are behind overdose deaths
Most Maryland overdose deaths still involve fentanyl, with 860 in the 12 months ending May 2026, down 22 percent from 1,097. Opioids overall accounted for 1,004 deaths, a 19 percent decrease. Heroin deaths fell to 12, from 38, and prescription opioid deaths dropped to 96 from 155. Cocaine was involved in 602 deaths, nearly the same as 611 a year earlier, and methamphetamine in 77 deaths, down from 91. Maryland alcohol rehab and drug treatment centers accepting Medicaid can address more than one substance simultaneously, which matters because people often use more than one substance. Among the 422 listed facilities in the state, 290 offer buprenorphine and 83 are opioid treatment programs. Baltimore and other Maryland counties run outpatient and detox programs that accept Medicaid, so cost does not have to be the first obstacle. Those medications treat opioid use disorder; coming off alcohol and benzodiazepines May be harmful and calls for medical supervision, so ask about medically supervised detox if that worries you.
| Drug | Past year | Prior year | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any drug overdose | 1,295 | 1,540 | -16% |
| All opioids combined | 1,004 | 1,247 | -19% |
| Fentanyl plus synthetics | 860 | 1,097 | -22% |
| Heroin | 12 | 38 | -68% |
| Prescription opioid deaths | 96 | 155 | -38% |
| Methamphetamine | 77 | 91 | -15% |
| Cocaine | 602 | 611 | -1% |
Maryland overdose deaths trend downward
In Maryland, overdose deaths fell to 1,295 in the 12 months ending May 2026, compared with 1,540 a year earlier. That means 245 fewer deaths, a decrease of 16 percent. The decline is genuine, yet each of those numbers represents a person, and the state still loses on average more than three people daily to overdose.
If you are weighing treatment in Maryland, this trend indicates that care is reaching more people, not that the danger has passed. SAMHSA now lists 422 Maryland drug rehab centers and addiction treatment programs statewide, including 110 residential facilities and 362 outpatient programs. The drop is encouraging, but it does not reveal which level of care fits your situation. Talking with a treatment advisor can help clarify that.
- past year
- 1,295
- the year before that
- 1,540
Local health figures for Maryland
Percentage of adults in 515 communities across Maryland, based on CDC PLACES data (2023).
| Indicator | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Binge drinking | 14.2% |
| Frequent mental health struggles | 15.4% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Current tobacco use | 11.0% |
| Without health coverage (ages 18-64) | 9.4% |
Binge drinking by city in Maryland
| City | Binge drinking | Frequent mental health struggles | Without health coverage (ages 18-64) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster | 17.2% | 16.3% | 7.5% |
| Baltimore | 16.0% | 18.6% | 10.4% |
| Glen Burnie | 16.0% | 17.0% | 9.5% |
| Frederick | 15.0% | 16.2% | 10.5% |
| Elkton | 14.1% | 20.3% | 11.0% |
| Bel Air | 14.1% | 16.2% | 7.8% |
| Rockville | 13.7% | 12.2% | 8.4% |
| Columbia | 13.7% | 13.3% | 6.3% |
| Cumberland | 13.6% | 19.3% | 9.7% |
| Salisbury | 13.5% | 19.2% | 11.4% |
| Hagerstown | 12.8% | 19.7% | 12.0% |
Questions
How many overdose deaths were there in Maryland in 2026?
Maryland recorded 1,295 overdose deaths during the 12 months ending May 2026, per provisional CDC figures. That marks a 16 percent decrease from 1,540 in the earlier 12-month stretch. Opioids played a role in 1,004 of those deaths, and fentanyl in 860. These numbers are provisional and subject to revision.
How many rehab centers are in Maryland?
There are 422 treatment facilities listed by SAMHSA in Maryland as of November 2026. That includes 110 residential facilities, 362 outpatient programs, 88 detox programs, and 83 opioid treatment programs. Because the listings are updated regularly, the helpline can confirm current availability and which programs accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees.
Does Maryland Medicaid cover addiction treatment?
Maryland Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment, including outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and some residential care. Of the 422 listed facilities, many accept Medicaid, and 290 offer buprenorphine. Coverage rules vary by program and by the level of care, so ask the facility directly or let a treatment advisor check for you before you make any decisions.
How long does inpatient rehab last in Maryland?
Residential rehab in Maryland typically ranges from 28 days to 90 days, depending on the person's needs and the program. The length is not fixed by the state, and a clinical assessment usually determines the recommendation. Of the 422 listed facilities, 110 are residential. Shorter stays are common, and outpatient care is often used as a step-down after residential treatment.
Why do people typically enter rehab?
Reasons for seeking rehab vary: a substance use disorder that is now affecting health, job, or family life; a recent overdose; or a physician's recommendation. Maryland counted 1,295 overdose deaths during the 12 months ending May 2026, and that is why some families begin searching for help. The choice belongs to the individual, and a treatment advisor can help you weigh options without pressure.