HEROIN OVERDOSE DEATHS ON RISE

The number of heroin overdose deaths in Plymouth County investigated
by state police more than doubled last year, raising concerns that
even more people could fall victim this year as the drug increases
in popularity. State police investigated 22 heroin deaths last year,
compared with nine in 2004 - but the final number of fatal overdoses
could be much higher since it doesn't include those people who died
in hospitals. Those up-to-date fatality numbers, compiled by the
state, were not available.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz called the number
of overdoses in the county troubling and said it highlights the
problem of increased heroin use.

"Heroin is much stronger now than ever," Cruz said. State police
investigate all unattended or suspicious deaths, including those who
die of drug overdoses at home.

Overdose deaths in hospitals - unless it involves a homicide or
criminal investigation - are not ordinarily investigated by state
police. The leader of a parents' support group said the overdoses
reported to authorities represent just a fraction of the deaths - and
the tip of a growing problem. "We hear about these deaths all the
time because it is our kids' friends," said Joanne Peterson, founder
of Learn to Cope (www.learn2cope.org), a support group for parents.

"There are some that are never reported as an overdose statistic,"
she said. "There was one person who died in a car accident after
nodding off (after taking heroin) and overdosing."

Some teenagers and younger adults are getting hooked on OxyContin,
then turning to the cheaper heroin.

"Once they are addicted to it, nothing matters to them anymore," she
said. "They know they can die but the drug just requires them to use.
Their friends are dying but they can't stop. It is more powerful than
anything else. ... They can be crying about someone who died and go
out and use right after." Throughout the region, community meetings
to increase awareness about the problem are being scheduled.

In Bridgewater, a forum sponsored by Bridgewater police and the
Plymouth County district attorney's office will be held Feb. 16 at 7
p.m. at Bridgewater-Raynham High School.

In Easton, a meeting for parents sponsored by the newly formed Easton
Community Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Coalition is tentatively
set for Feb. 28 at the junior high school to talk about the issue.
Another group is sponsoring a second forum March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at
the Unity Church, 9 North Main St.

Easton Police Chief Thomas Kominsky said educating people on the
issue is important. "Parents can look for themselves and decide for
themselves how extensive the problem is," he said.

Peterson said many young addicts are overdosing but survive thanks to
quick medical attention.

Of the 17,704 people hospitalized in 2004 for opioid use or overdose
- - the most recent numbers available, 3,442 were between 15 and 24.
There were 23 people hospitalized for opioid use or an overdose who
were age 14 or under, according to the Massachusetts Division of
Health Care Finance and Policy.