Opioid Deaths Continue, Frederick County Tries to Find Sources

Frederick County has a higher overdose rate than national average.

Frederick, MD – Almost 2,000 opioid overdose related deaths occurred in Maryland in 2017, making it one of the top 5 states for opioid related deaths.

According to the Opioid & Health Indicators Database, 84 of the deaths occurred in Frederick County which experiences 40 drug-related deaths for every 100,000 people.

Doctor Barbara Brookmyer said the deaths can be attributed to over prescribing from physicians.

“It’s not just the MD physicians,” Dr. Brookmyer said. “It’s also dentists and potentially other prescribers that are out there include veterinarians as well.”

The Health Indicators Database shows for every 100 Frederick residents, there are over 60 opioid prescriptions given.

Dr. Brookmyer said people with medical needs are drawn to substances like alcohol, opioids, and more for the immediate results.

“It can take 3-4 months to get a level of the medication that is adequate,” “Illicit substances have their effect right away.”

The state of Maryland is still conducting research and funding programs to reduce drug addiction within the area. Governor Larry Hogan in January announced that $248-million has been set aside in the general fund budget for prevention and treatment of drug addiction.