Substance Abuse Statistics in Gaithersburg
Like other counties in Maryland, Gaithersburg’s Montgomery County has seen a significant increase in drug and alcohol-related overdose deaths between 2018 and 2020 alone. Those statistics reflect trends across the state as a whole, whereas drug and alcohol-related deaths jumped by 18%. Opioids, including prescription medications and non-prescription fentanyl analogs, play a major role in the increase in overdose deaths and hospitalizations throughout Maryland, accounting for 90% of drug-related deaths in 2020.2
Here are a few more statistics on alcohol and drug use in Gaithersburg and Montgomery County areas:3
Montgomery County ranks fifth among Maryland Counties for deaths related to heroin and other opioids, including fentanyl and prescription drugs.
Fentanyl-related deaths increased across all adult age groups.
Between 2011 and 2020, opioid-related deaths jumped from 28 to 109, most caused by fentanyl.
Fentanyl-related deaths increased across all adult age groups.
Total alcohol-related deaths in Montgomery County increased by 34% between 2019 and 2020.
Between 2015 and 2020, Maryland saw an 85% increase in methamphetamine-related deaths.
Deaths increased by 19% for men and 17% for women.
Cocaine and/or benzodiazepines combined with opioids in 92% of overdose deaths.
Levels of Care for Rehabs in Illinois
Several levels of addiction treatment are available to meet various care and recovery needs.
Detox
Residential or inpatient treatment involves 24/7 care. It’s the most intensive treatment setting, offering constant supervision. In this setting, you will typically participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions, and you may receive medication and additional recreational and holistic therapies.
Residential or Inpatient
Residential or inpatient treatment is the most intensive treatment setting, involving 24/7 care. Medication, individual and family therapy, and recreational therapy are common forms of treatment at this level.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs often involve some of the same treatment methods used in inpatient care. The difference is, you only stay at the facility during treatment times, then return home.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs provide several hours of treatment over several days per week. Treatments often include individual and group therapy. This type of program is a step down from partial hospitalization, and many people transition to IOPs after completing a residential or PHP program.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient programs are often appropriate for individuals who have mild additions and strong support systems. This level of care requires a couple hours of care per week, typically with a therapist in their office or at an outpatient clinic.
Aftercare
Once inpatient or outpatient treatment is completed, aftercare provides ongoing support, such as 12-step meetings, transitional housing, or therapy. It is an important component of relapse prevention.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Private Insurance
All insurance companies must provide at least some coverage for substance abuse treatment, per the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Each plan differs, so contact your provider to find out exactly what yours covers.
Medicaid
Maryland Medicaid is a government-funded insurance program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid offers coverage for various forms of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. To be eligible, you must live in Maryland, be a U.S. citizen or meet immigration status requirements, and earn less than 138% of the federal poverty level. You must apply for Medicaid coverage in Maryland, and the treatment program must accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with certain disabilities. Some forms of addiction treatment are covered under Medicare Part A, and others are covered under Part B. Not all rehab facilities accept Medicare, so it’s important to confirm accepted methods of payment before starting a program.
TRICARE in Maryland
TRICARE in Maryland (North region) provides health insurance coverage for military personnel, veterans, and their families. This includes addiction treatment services; however, various plans differ in their coverage.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federally funded health program for indigenous people. Native Americans and Native Alaskans who need SUD treatment can receive low-cost or free services, even if they have other insurance coverage.
Everything to Know About Visiting Gaithersburg, MD
If you’re looking for an alcohol and drug rehab in Gaithersburg, or if you’re assisting someone who’s receiving help at a drug and alcohol rehab in the area, you may want to know a bit about the amenities, accommodations, and travel in the city and neighboring areas, including the nation’s Capital:
- Gaithersburg is located along Interstate 270 and connects with I-495, the Washington Beltway between the District of Columbia and Baltimore.
- The city is about a 45-minute drive from Washington, DC.
- Gaithersburg is served by Metrorail and Metro Bus as well as Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system.
- Nearby airports include Baltimore-Washington International, Dulles International, and Ronald Reagan International Airport.
- Gaithersburg and nearby areas have most national hotel and motel chains as well as local extended stay and bread and breakfast options.
- The Gaithersburg area has plenty of parks, community activities, and local businesses, including restaurants and retail stores.
- The Smithsonian, the National Mall, and other popular DC attractions are less than an hour’s drive or a Metrorail ride away from Gaithersburg.
Maryland Drug and Alcohol Laws
Maryland policy makers have established the following laws regarding substances:1,2,3,4,5
Protection Against Discrimination: Article 49B provides protection against discrimination for Maryland residents who are participating in or have completed a substance use disorder treatment program and are no longer using drugs illegally.
Marijuana Laws: On November 8, 2022, Maryland officially voted to legalize recreational marijuana use. Listed as Question 4 on the ballot, voters overwhelmingly supported the amendment allowing residents to possess, use, and grow marijuana under the regulation and supervision of the Maryland General Assembly. Starting on July 1, 2023, the ballot initiative will legalize personal possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana and the cultivation of up to two plants for personal use in Maryland
Low-Level Drug Possession: Maryland officials do not prosecute for possession of small amounts of illicit drugs/drug paraphernalia. Effective March 2020, this policy was enacted to reduce the number of people jailed for minor offenses.
The Good Samaritan Law Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law protects those who seek or receive emergency medical assistance during a suspected overdose. The law does not cover drug felonies or witnesses who fail to help during the medical emergency. The Good Samaritan law is meant to save lives by removing the fear of arrest or prosecution for:
- Possession or use of a controlled dangerous substance
- Possession or use of drug paraphernalia
- Providing alcohol to minors
Alcohol and Drug Courts: Maryland drug courts allow offenders to enter treatment for SUDs as an alternative to legal punishment.
Resources
- City of Gaithersburg. (n.d.). Gaithersburg: About Us.
- Montgomery County Government. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Overdose Data and Reports. Drug and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2020.
- Maryland Department of Health. (2020). Unintentional Drug and Alcohol Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2020.
