Expanded Maine Drug Death Report, 2018
Published: 2019
Publication Name:
Publication URL: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mcspc_healthsafety/8/
Abstract:
This report, funded by the Maine Office of Attorney General, provides a summary of statistics regarding drug fatalities in Maine during 2018. Data for the report were collected at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. A drug death is identified when one or more drugs are mentioned on the death certificate as a cause or significant contributing factor for the death. There has been a reduction in 2018 drug deaths compared to 2017, 15% fewer drug deaths overall, with a reduction in both non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical opioid deaths. There were 354 total drug deaths statewide, down from 417 in 2017, and similar to 2016 levels. Of these 354 deaths, 80% were caused by opioids, frequently in combination with other drugs or alcohol.