DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware is among several states around the country that have seen an increase in heroin use as many addicts shift from more costly and harder-to-get prescription opiates to a cheaper alternative. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Delaware:
THE PROBLEM:
As law enforcement officials crack down on illegal use of prescription drugs, many addicts in Delaware are turning to heroin, which is in plentiful supply.
Marc Richman, assistant director for community mental health and addiction services in Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, said the increase in heroin use is an issue of supply and demand.
“Folks are moving over to heroin, which is generally markedly cheaper,” Richman said. “… When there’s lots of it, you can get it cheaper.”
THE NUMBERS:
The number of heroin treatment admissions reported by Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health has grown steadily since 2012. Admissions rose more than 24 percent in 2012, followed by a 36 percent increase in fiscal 2013 to 2,750 - the highest number in 20 years. Admissions for the first half of the current fiscal year were up 43 percent.
Meanwhile, Delaware State Police conducted 2,525 heroin-related investigations in 2013, up almost 70 percent from 1,496 in 2012, and more than triple the number in 2010.
RAMIFICATIONS/SOLUTIONS:
In his fiscal 2015 budget proposal, New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon requested $500,000 to enhance a Heroin Alert drug prevention and education program, saying the heroin crisis in Delaware’s most populous county has reached “epidemic proportions.”
Meanwhile, state officials last year adopted a pilot basic life support protocol that allows emergency responders to treat suspected narcotic overdoses with naloxone, a heroin overdose antidote known by the brand name Narcan. Legislation related to Narcan is expected to be introduced in the Delaware General Assembly this year.
Gov. Jack Markell signed a bill last year granting immunity for minor drug offenses if someone who is using drugs calls 911 for someone else who has overdosed. Markell also has said he will propose changes to better align state resources to fill gaps in the drug treatment system.
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