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The number of opioid overdoses in Maryland increased by 14.8% in the first half of the year, as public health officials and other agents continue to struggle to control the disease.
Overdoses of opioids killed 1,185 people across the country from January to June, compared to 1,032 for the same period last year, according to data released Friday by the Maryland Department of Health.
Fentanyl, a potent opioid, was involved in most deaths. More than three-quarters of overdose deaths involved fentanyl.
"We know that fentanyl is so powerful that a small amount can be deadly," Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operations Command Center, said in a statement. "And it is so important, more than ever, to continue our fight against the opioid crisis to educate Marylanders about the dangers of this illicit drug."
The total number of people died from poisoning was 1,325, an increase of 12% over last year.
Deaths related to cocaine also continued to increase, increasing by 54% over last year. The increase in the number of cocaine-related deaths can be attributed to cocaine combined with opioids, which have been discovered in 90% of overdose cases this year, according to the Department of Health.
Cocaine-related deaths now exceed heroin-related deaths, making cocaine the second most common drug among overdose deaths.
"Substance abuse affects families and individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds," said Robert R. Neall, Maryland's Secretary of Health, in a statement. "The Maryland Department of Health, along with our national and local partners, will continue to improve and expand treatment and prevention options for all Marylanders."
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