In addition to ending a life tragically, a death by drug overdose profoundly affects surviving relatives and friends. Rising drug overdose deaths can reflect increasing rates of addiction, more potent and dangerous substances, inadequate systems to treat and support addicts, and other worrisome trends.

In 2022, MetroWest had an overdose mortality rate of nearly 27 deaths per 100,000 residents, representing 873 deaths that year. This was a bit lower than the statewide rate of 34, or 2,359 deaths across Massachusetts that year. The region's 2022 rate was a 237% increase compared to 2007, when it was 8 per 100,000 residents. This increase was slightly below the state level, which also rose substantially (by 238%). The regional rate peaked in 2016 and declined slightly through 2021, before increasing again in 2022. The state rate stayed largely flat before increasing in 2021 and 2022.

Among the region's counties, Worcester had the highest rate in 2022 (38 per 100,000) and also experienced the largest increase since 2007 (326%). The 2022 rates in Middlesex (24) and Norfolk (22) also represented substantial increases since 2007 (214% and 168%, respectively).

There was substantial variation in overdose mortality rates across the region. Rates were relatively high in Maynard (47), Waltham (36) and Dedham (32). Rates were zero in Carlisle, Dover, Groton, Holliston, Hudson, Lincoln, Medfield, Sherborn, Stown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough and Westwood.

Deaths may be accidental or intentional, or this information may be unknown.