Massachusetts City & County Drug Statistics

Like many regions in the United States, New England is facing challenges related to substance abuse. Specifically, the opioid crisis is impacting Massachusetts’ residents, law enforcement, and healthcare systems.

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the state saw 2,013 prescription opioid overdose deaths in 2018, 2,005 deaths in 2019, and 2,088 deaths in 2020.

These numbers represent a statewide increase from the most recent low of 1,747 fatal overdose deaths from opioids in 2015. This observed rise underscores a concerning trend.

The reported figures encompass a range of opioids, including deaths linked to heroin, illicitly manufactured fentanyl, and opioid-based prescription painkillers.

Barnstable County

Barnstable County has seen an increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 76 reported deaths in 2020, 80 reported deaths in 2021, and 87 reported deaths in 2022.

Additionally, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 52 and 67 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

In 2020, Barnstable County saw higher rates of emergency department visits for drug poisoning compared to both the national average and the Massachusetts average.

At state funded treatment facilities, more than 30 percent of all treatment admissions were for fentanyl or heroin-related concerns, and fentanyl was the most common drug connected to overdose deaths.

Berkshire County

Barnstable County has seen almost double the number of opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 39 reported deaths in 2020, 56 reported deaths in 2021, and 62 reported deaths in 2022.

Additionally, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 52 and 67 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

Though fentanyl was the most commonly detected compound in drug samples in Berkshire County at 87.9 percent, other drugs included heroin (66.7 percent), cocaine (48.5 percent), and tramadol (39.4 percent).

Bristol County

According to recent data, Bristol County has seen an increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 233 reported deaths in 2020, 293 reported deaths in 2021, and 276 reported deaths in 2022.

Furthermore, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 40 and 72 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

These numbers are correlated to the increasing instances of opioid-related overdoses and deaths seen in the county. Fentanyl is the primary illicit substance found in street drugs in Bristol.

New Bedford

According to the most recent data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, New Bedford saw 64 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 75 overdoses in 2019 and 54 overdoses in 2018.

It is estimated that 71 percent of the overdose victims were male and 29 percent female, of whom 50 percent were between the ages of 30 and 47.

These numbers have represented an increase in the total average number of opioid deaths per year in New Bedford since 2015, which saw 55 overdoses deaths from opioids.

However, data from the New Bedford fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have decreased over recent years.

There were 848 emergency opioid incidents in 2021, 713 incidents in 2022, and 499 incidents in 2023. Cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl were the substances most commonly abused in this area.

Fall River

According to the most recent data, Fall River saw 75 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 67 overdoses in 2019 and 55 overdoses in 2018.

These numbers represent an increase in the total number of opioid-related deaths per year since 2015, which saw 40 overdoses deaths from opioids.

However, data from the New Bedford fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have decreased over recent years.

There were 849 EMS trips related to opioid use in 2021, 754 trips in 2022, and 476 trips in 2023.

In September 2023, Fall River announced a $2 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to help it ease the impact of the opioid epidemic.

Dukes County

The population of Dukes County, Massachusetts, which includes the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Gosnold, is around 21,000, making it the second smallest county in Massachusetts.

Dukes County has held steady in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with six reported deaths in 2020, five in 2021, and six in 2022.

Though these numbers are small compared to other counties, local officials say they only represent a small portion of people experiencing addiction in the area.

Given recent trends, many more people are experiencing addiction, underscoring the need for efforts to address the challenges associated with substance misuse, even in small communities.

Essex County

Essex County has seen an increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 251 reported deaths in 2020, 291 deaths in 2021, and 278 deaths in 2022.

Additionally, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of street drugs. In 2023, between 65 and 79 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

These numbers are correlated to the increasing rates of opioid-related overdoses and deaths seen in the county. Fentanyl was the main substance found in street drugs that year.

Additionally, a national survey found rates of illegal drug use were higher in Essex County than in the nation, with 20 percent of adults and 16 percent of youth saying they used an illegal drug in the last 30 days.

Though drug use remains a problem, treatment is less available to residents. Essex County had 87 admissions to treatment per 10,000 residents in 2021, down 46 percent from 2018.

Lynn

According to the most recent data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Lynn saw 49 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 57 overdoses in 2019 and 51 overdoses in 2018.

These numbers have remained fairly consistent since 2015. During that year, the city saw 47 overdose deaths from opioids.

However, data from the Lynn fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving Narcan administration, have decreased over recent years.

There were 521 opioid-related EMS trips in 2021, 425 opioid-related EMS trips in 2022, and 341 opioid-related EMS trips in 2023, showing a promising decline.

Franklin County

Franklin County has seen a slight increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 20 reported deaths in 2020, 36 deaths in 2021, and 27 deaths in 2022.

Additionally, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of street drugs. In 2023, between 67 and 83 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

Data from 2021 shows that 14 percent of the population reports frequent mental distress, which increases from 12 percent in 2020. Mental distress can contribute to substance abuse.

Though Franklin County has a population of roughly 70,000, it is also the most rural area of the Commonwealth, with an estimated population density of less than 102 people per square mile.

Hampden County

Hampden County has seen no significant change in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 215 reported deaths in 2020, 213 in 2021, and 230 in 2022.

Similarly, the county has experienced no significant change in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs between 2020 and 2023.

However, when looking back at prior years, Hampden County has experienced a 62 percent increase in opioid-related deaths since 2016.

Springfield

In 2021, 40 percent of opioid-related overdose deaths in Hampden County occurred in Springfield, with 23 percent of deaths occurring in the neighboring cities Chicopee and Holyoke.

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Springfield saw 89 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 72 overdoses in 2019 and 82 overdoses in 2018.

These numbers represent a consistent number of deaths from opioids, including fentanyl, since 2015.

Similarly, data from the Springfield fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use have also remained consistent over recent years, with 1,100 incidents in 2021, and 1,113 incidents in 2022.

These numbers indicate that despite efforts by Hampden County officials, the opioid epidemic remains a problem in Springfield.

Hampshire County

Hampshire County has seen a slight increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 34 reported deaths in 2020, 44 reported deaths in 2021, and 37 reported deaths in 2022.

Conversely, the county has experienced a decrease in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs.

There were some instances where zero percent of seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl in Hampshire County, representing a further decline from previous years.

Despite these numbers, non-fatal overdoses increased by almost 50 percent between 2017 and 2018, and they have consistently exceeded the rate recorded in urban areas.

This represents a shift from prior numbers between 2013 to 2017, when urban areas had higher rates of non-fatal overdoses.

Middlesex County

Middlesex County has seen an increase in opioid-related overdose deaths over the last three years, with 297 reported deaths in 2020, 360 in 2021, and 382 in 2022.

Similarly, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 50 and 75 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

These numbers are correlated to the instances of opioid-related overdoses and deaths seen in the county.
Cambridge

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Cambridge saw 13 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 14 in 2019 and 11 in 2018.

These numbers represent a decline from Cambridge’s highest overdose year in 2016, which saw 27 opioid-related deaths. However, numbers have remained steady since then.

Data from the Cambridge fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have increased over recent years.

There were 469 incidents in 2021, and 579 incidents in 2022.

The increase in EMS trips shows that, although deaths are down due to the use of lifesaving medications like Narcan, drug overdose remains a problem in Cambridge.

Lowell

According to recent data, Lowell saw 45 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 54 in 2019 and 65 in 2018. These numbers represent a recent decline in total opioid-related deaths for the city.

Additionally, data from the Lowell fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have also declined over recent years.

There were 675 incidents in 2021, versus 625 incidents in 2022.

Nantucket County

Nantucket County is a county consisting solely of the island of Nantucket, known for its seasonal fluctuations in population due to tourism, with around 17,000 residents.

Like many other places in the United States, Nantucket has faced challenges related to opioid misuse, with one reported death in 2020, four deaths in 2021, and two deaths in 2022.

Heroin accounts for most of Nantucket’s drug-related concerns. Research suggests that prescription drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin may be serving as gateway drugs for heroin use.

Furthermore, the greatest increases occurred in demographic groups with historically low rates of heroin use, including women, people with insurance, and people with higher incomes.

Norfolk County

Norfolk County has seen a slight increase in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 154 reported deaths in 2020, 163 deaths in 2021, and 160 deaths in 2022.

Additionally, the county has experienced an increase in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 50 and 100 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

Other drugs commonly found in samples were benzodiazepines and MDMA.

Quincy

According to recent data, Quincy saw 41 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 45 overdoses in 2019 and 40 overdoses in 2018. These numbers have remained consistent since 2015.

Additionally, data from the New Bedford fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have also remained consistent.

There were 339 EMS trips related to opioid use in 2021, and a similar 308 trips in 2022.

Plymouth County

Plymouth County has seen no significant change in opioid-related deaths over the last three years, with 184 reported deaths in 2020, 167 reported deaths in 2021, and 190 reported deaths in 2022.

However, the county has experienced a decrease in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of drugs taken from the streets. In 2023, between 10 and 50 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

This represents a decline from the prior year, where up to 67 percent of all samples tested positive for fentanyl.

County officials have been working to educate people about the hidden risks of fentanyl and giving out fentanyl test strips to keep people from accidentally taking fentanyl.

Furthermore, the county has been increasing outreach funding, allowing them to expand services, such as providing emergency Narcan to the public.

Brockton

According to recent data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Brockton saw 48 opioid fatalities in 2020, 53 fatalities in 2019 and 35 fatalities in 2018.

These numbers have remained consistent since 2015, which saw 52 opioid-related deaths in the city.

However, data from the Brockton fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving the use of naloxone, have dropped slightly over recent years.

There were 470 EMS trips related to opioid use in 2021, and 439 trips in 2022.

Suffolk County

Suffolk County has seen an increase in the number of people who have overdosed on opioids over the last three years, with 287 reported deaths in 2020, 299 deaths in 2021, and 306 deaths in 2022.

However, the county has remained consistent in the presence of fentanyl in lab-tested samples of illegal drugs. In 2023, between 50 and 81 percent of all seized drugs tested positive for fentanyl.

This number represents no significant change from prior years.

As in all many other Massachusetts counties, fentanyl was the primary illicit substance found in street drugs in 2023. This trend underscores the ongoing challenges associated with fentanyl.

Boston

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston saw 248 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 173 in 2019 and 183 in 2018.

These numbers represent a spike in the total number of drug overdose deaths for the city over the last six years, with the lowest number of deaths sitting at 115 in 2015.

Furthermore, Boston experienced a 36 percent increase in opioid related deaths from 2019 to 2022, which is more than twice the statewide rate of increase over the same time period.

Interestingly, data from the Boston fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use, including those involving naloxone administration, have declined in recent years.

There were 3,565 incidents in 2021 and 2,671 incidents in 2022. Data through quarter three of 2023, the most recent available, shows there were 2,075 incidents between the months of January and September.

Worcester County

Worcester County ranks among the top three Massachusetts counties in both total drug and alcohol-related fatalities and age-adjusted death rates for unintentional intoxication deaths.

Opioid-related fatalities have consistently accounted for over 70 percent of all drug and alcohol-related deaths in the past three years.

The primary substances contributing to overdose fatalities from 2015 to 2017 were fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.

Fentanyl and heroin were particularly notable contributors to unintentional fatalities in Worcester County during this period.

Worcester County has been addressing the opioid epidemic, aligning its strategies with the state’s initiatives to coordinate community resources.

Worcester

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the city of Worcester saw 103 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, 81 overdoses in 2019 and 99 overdoses in 2018.

These numbers represent an increase in the overdose death rate for the city year over year.

Data from the Worcester fire department shows EMS trips related to opioid use have remained consistent over recent years.

There were 1,201 incidents in 2021 and 1,025 incidents in 2022. Data through quarter three of 2023, the most recent available, shows there were 635 incidents between the months of January and September.

Begin Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock

If you or a loved one is experiencing substance use disorder in Massachusetts, addiction treatment programs are available. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center to learn more.