Maryland Addiction Treatment Network: Verified Providers

Maryland has been at the forefront of the opioid crisis for years, with overdose deaths continuing to rise despite significant public health interventions. According to the Maryland Department of Health, more than 2,000 opioid-related fatalities were recorded in a recent year, with fentanyl accounting for over 85% of those deaths.

The crisis touches every part of the state—from the urban streets of Baltimore to the rural farming regions of the Eastern Shore and western Appalachians.

Baltimore, in particular, has long been a hotspot for heroin and now fentanyl use, and while the city offers a wide array of services including MAT (medication-assisted treatment), inpatient and outpatient programs, harm reduction outreach, and peer recovery support, the need often exceeds available resources.

In contrast, rural counties like Garrett and Somerset struggle with provider shortages, stigma, and transportation barriers that make accessing care difficult. Maryland expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which has greatly improved coverage for low-income individuals seeking addiction treatment.

The state’s Medicaid program covers a full continuum of care, including detox, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and medication-assisted recovery. However, disparities in treatment access and quality persist, particularly for Black and Latino residents who face structural barriers such as language differences, economic instability, and fewer culturally competent providers.

Maryland has adopted a strong harm reduction approach, funding syringe service programs, widespread naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strip availability, and Good Samaritan protections. These programs have helped reduce overdose deaths and improve public health outcomes, especially in high-risk areas.

Still, stigma around addiction remains a serious issue in many suburban and rural communities, discouraging individuals from seeking help until a crisis occurs. Youth substance use is also on the rise, especially involving marijuana, vaping, and prescription drugs, prompting school-based prevention programs and expanded behavioral health screening.

The state’s criminal justice system has increasingly embraced diversion strategies, using drug courts and pretrial intervention programs to route nonviolent offenders toward treatment instead of incarceration. Telehealth services have expanded rapidly since the pandemic, helping bridge access gaps in remote areas and for those with mobility or transportation challenges.

Faith-based recovery programs and mutual aid groups play a vital role in Maryland’s recovery ecosystem, particularly in small towns and suburban areas, often offering emotional and spiritual support that complements clinical care.

Overall, Maryland’s addiction treatment framework is one of the most comprehensive in the country, but gaps in rural access, cultural equity, and long-term recovery housing persist. Continued investment in community-based services, harm reduction infrastructure, and cross-agency coordination will be essential to controlling a crisis that continues to evolve across all parts of the state..