There is no doubt that heroin abuse is rising in Kentucky, according to addiction treatment center research. Drug rehabs note that although Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties make up only about 8.5 percent of Kentucky’s population, their first time heroin-related court cases account for about 62 percent of all first time heroin offenses in the state.
Drug rehabs have noticed a shift in the choice drug of abuse in these Kentucky counties. People in addiction treatment centers from Boone, Kenton and Campbell have a different drug preference than other abusers from the rest of the state.
"We have heroin and the rest of the state has methamphetamines," Kenton Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said. "Why do we have heroin instead of meth? I think part of it is our proximity to Cincinnati."
All three counties in question are very close to Cincinatti, where heroin is easily accessible and cheaper than prescription opioids. Sgt. Chris Conners says the clientele are young people from Cincinatti suburbs located in the Kentucky. Drug rehabs expect more admissions from heroin users in these counties.
Addiction drug treatment is certainly a viable option for people caught in the throngs of heroin addiction. However, police and government officials fear the epidemic is just beginning. Many may die before they reach addiction drug treatment. The deadly black tar heroin being abused in Kentucky suburbs comes from Cincinnati dealers who sell a potent product mixed with glass and other poisonous chemicals.
