OPIATE ADDICTION FUELING NORWICH DRUG TRADE

Rise in Heroin Use Tied to Painkillers

Norwich, Conn. -- Police say a new generation of heroin addicts
trying to replace the high they get from prescription opiates, such
as Oxycontin, is fueling the drug trade in Norwich.

On Thursday, law enforcement officials launched raids in Norwich and
Sprague and arrested 22 people who they suspect are involved in drug
trafficking. Norwich police said Friday they have made two additional
arrests, bringing to 24 the number of people charged in connection
with Operation Jersey Barrier, a crackdown on the narcotics trade in Norwich.

The increase in drug use is no surprise to professionals in the
region's rehabilitation programs.

"It's a trend we're seeing -- a very troubling trend," said Jack
Malone, executive director of the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Dependence.

Dr. James O'Dea, director of psychiatric services at The William W.
Backus Hospital in Norwich, said it is not uncommon for some
pharmaceutical agents to have "a shared relationship" with some illegal drugs.

"Oxycontin and other drugs have many uses in pain relief, where they
are very effective and very appropriate medications," O'Dea said.

"Where it gets complicated is that heroin is in the same family," he
said. "And people who use those medications long-term can become
physically addicted to them." "The problem is that there are a lot of
people with legitimate pain who need to be on them," said Dr. Jerome
Schnitt, medical director of the Stonington Institute.

Malone, Schnitt and O'Dea said opiates can become addictive if used
improperly, such as taking too many or not waiting long enough
between doses. O'Dea said the body builds up a resistance to the
effects over time. A doctor who is suspicious will stop prescribing
the drug. They said heroin provides much of the same high, the same relief.

"And if you're addicted to Oxycontin, there are too many controls,
and you can't chase it that well on the street," Malone said. "But as
those raids indicate, you can get heroin very easily on any street corner."

Schnitt and Malone said the addiction is chemical and biological, and
does not have to be the stereotypical version of a junkie.

"I've seen a lot of guys in treatment programs who find themselves
puzzled at how they turned from a talented worker to someone chasing
heroin," Malone said.

Schnitt and Malone said the pills, designed to release their contents
slowly into the blood system, often are crushed by an addict seeking
to deliver a full and immediate hit. O'Dea said withdrawal from
opiates sometimes can be fatal.

Norwich police identified the two people arrested Friday.

[redacted], was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession
of over one ounce of crack cocaine with intent to sell, possession of
cocaine and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

[redacted], was charged with two counts sale of cocaine.