Opioid overdose deaths are on the decline in Massachusetts, which spells promising news when considering the overall picture of addiction in New England. [1]
Still, areas such as Cape Cod and the Islands are facing addiction struggles. Beach destinations experience seasonality in visitors, and the overdose deaths and substance use problems may wax and wane with the seasons as well.
Overdose and Addiction Statistics in Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a summer city, with a population upwards of 1 million around the height of summer. But after the season ends following Labor Day, the city’s population can drop to 250,000. [2] So, what does this mean for addiction and staying sober? The vacation atmosphere makes Cape Cod a popular summer destination, but it also brings dangers of relapse and substance abuse.
From 2000 to 2016, there were over 500 opioid overdose deaths around Cape Cod, with 82 of those deaths taking place in 2016 alone. [3]
Declining Overdoses, Still a Need for Caution
Though opioid overdoses may be declining, addiction in Massachusetts is still a problem. Drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, and even alcohol are dangers all throughout the state and country. Though opioid overdose deaths are declining, fentanyl is an increasingly dangerous problem around Cape Cod, the Islands, and beyond. Fentanyl is an insidious drug that is found in many substances, and it can be deadly.
Preventing Overdoses
Massachusetts has been working to decrease overdoses statewide with a variety of programs, including safe needle exchange programs. And while these programs may help reduce the risks associated with addiction, the best choice for staying safe is to get sober with professional drug and alcohol treatment. We offer treatment and medically sound detox in Massachusetts to help patients get sober.
Don’t become another statistic. Call 888-280-4763 to learn about how our treatment professionals can help you find sobriety.
Sources:
- Mass Live – Opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts continue gradual decline
- The Guardian – How America’s go-to holiday spot became a shoreline of addiction
- Cape Cod Times – Lost to Addiction
