Substance abuse experts say they are seeing a sharp increase in heroin use and addiction in Maine, and they predict the situation will only get worse.
Experts say the surge in heroin use comes at a time when the state is placing limits on the use of effective treatment drugs.
Ronni Katz, the substance abuse program coordinator for Portland, calls the situation "a public health emergency."
Mark Publicker, an addiction specialist with Mercy Hospital, tells The Portland Press Herald, he's unaware of figures that document heroin use in Maine, but he's seen a rise in the number of patients using. He knows of four non-fatal overdoses in the past two weeks.
The rise in heroin uses comes at a time when progress is being made fighting the misuse of prescription painkillers.
Heroin Use on the Rise
-
Authorities Continue to Work Together to Search for Nichole Cable
-
Wardens Invite Public to Search for Missing Glenburn Teen
-
Bands Battle In Ellsworth To Benefit Area Nonprofit
-
Relay For Life Raises Over $250,000 for Cancer Research
-
Law Enforcement May Soon Need Warrants To Use Cameras On Remote Private Property
-
Valley Grange Awards WABI
-
Fugitive Arrested Following Chase
-
Bargain Hunters Prepare for 10-Mile Yard Sale in Cornville and Skowhegan
-
Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory Opens Saturday
-
A Spectacular Day For Seniors In Bangor
Comments
Add your comments to the discussion. By submitting a comment, you agree to the terms of the terms of use and are 18 years of age or older.
Fields marked with a * are required.
Want a personal picture next to your comment? Sign up for a free Gravatar or post with your facebook account.
Facebook Comments
Breaking News from CBS
-
1 winning ticket sold in Fla. on Powerball
Lottery official in Iowa confirmed the ticket matching all six numbers for jackpot of more than $590 million was sold in Florida
-
Understanding heroin and its hold on addicts
A look at the highly addictive drug's history, use and treatment for those who get hooked
-
Pacers knock out Knicks with 106-99 win in Game 6
The Indiana Pacers will face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals starting Wednesday
-
Video: Preview: "48 Hours" double feature
A pastor's wife is found dead. Was it suicide or was he playing God? Now, the other woman reveals the pastor's dark murderous secrets. Erin Moriarty reports Saturday, May 25 beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
-
Authorities: N.Y. college student was killed by police
Andrea Rebello was being held by an armed intruder as police responded to a report of a home invasion at an off-campus home
Add your Comments