Shore overdoses: Fentanyl plays increasing role in fatalities

New data from the Maryland Department of Health shows fentanyl-related deaths in the state — including the Lower Shore — have continued to climb "at an alarming pace."

The data, which was published in a recent report along with a news release, illustrates trends in unintentional drug- and alcohol-related intoxication deaths for January through June 2018, comparing them to the same period in years past.

Much like the rest of the state, the data indicates that overall on the Lower Shore deaths related to heroin are on the decline, while deaths related to fentanyl have increased, rising from 20 during those same months in 2017 to 24 in 2018.

The state saw a 12 percent increase in total unintentional intoxication deaths compared to 2017, according to the release, with fentanyl playing a role in nearly 80 percent of those fatalities.

The number of fentanyl-related deaths exceeded those related to heroin for the first time in 2017, and compared to the first six months of that year, they have risen by about 30 percent this year, according to the newly-released data.

“We know that fentanyl is so powerful that just a small amount can be deadly,” said Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center, in the release. “And it’s so important now, more than ever, that we continue our fight against the opioid crisis — making Marylanders aware of the dangers of this illicit drug.”

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On the Lower Shore, the data shows that Wicomico County has seen the greatest decrease in overdose deaths, falling from 19 to 17 alcohol and drug intoxication deaths, 15 to 14 opioid-related deaths, 12 to six heroin-related deaths and 12 to 11 fentanyl-related deaths.

But after not seeing a single death related to prescription opioids in 2017, the county has already seen one in 2018 as well as eight deaths related to cocaine so far this year compared to seven total last year.

Statewide, deaths related to cocaine increased 47 percent between the first six months of 2016 and 2017 and by more than 50 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the release. Cocaine-related deaths now outpace heroin-related deaths in the state, with opioids playing a role in 90 percent of those fatalities.

However, deaths involving prescription opioids throughout the state fell 7 percent in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period last year, the release states. Fatalities related to heroin also fell from 587 to 469 and carfentanil  from 46 to one.

Somerset County saw the greatest increase in overdose deaths, the report indicates, with drug and alcohol intoxication deaths increasing from two to five, opioid-related deaths from one to five, heroin-related deaths from one to three and fentanyl-related deaths from one to five.

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The data also shows that Somerset has experienced five deaths so far in 2018 involving cocaine compared to two total last year, but so far, the county has seen the same number of prescription opioid-related deaths.

Worcester County saw drug and alcohol intoxication deaths increase as well from 11 to 13, the report shows, though opioid-related deaths decreased from nine to eight and heroin-related deaths from six to four.

Fentanyl-related deaths in the county, however, increased from seven to eight and the county has experienced two deaths so far this year involving prescription opioids compared to one overall last year. 

Deaths involving cocaine have so far not shown an increase in Worcester, according to the data, with three this year compared to seven total last year.

"Addiction affects families and individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds," Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall said in the release. "The Maryland Department of Health, along with our state and local response partners, will continue to improve and expand treatment and prevention options for all Marylanders. If you or someone you know needs assistance, know help is available 24/7 by dialing 211 then press 1."