Heroin Epidemic

Young people of the Waterford, MI area are trying, many for the first time, Heroin with deadly consequences in several instances. Jeannie Richards lost her son to Heroin addiction on Jan. 27, 2011. She discovered that nine others in her neighborhood have died from same addiction. In 2012, the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office totaled 281 deaths that were classified as undetermined, which is the category most drug-related deaths fall under. Richards is attempting to form a non-profit, tentatively called “Bryan’s Hope,” with a main goal of providing prevention and education against heroin and opiate addiction. Tolerance to Heroin develops quickly, and users need more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Many become hooked on the drug the very first time that they use it. Oakland County health officials in June sent out a warning to residents of the sharp increase in heroin overdose cases in the past few years. To learn more about this awareness campaign you can visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Heroinkills/