Series: Introduction

WASTED YOUTH: OUR KIDS ARE DYING"

"Our kids are dying."

That's what one mother told us after we did a story about her son's
heroin use. Then she asked us: "Please keep this issue on the front
burner -- parents must be warned."

We listened, and began looking into the toll the drugs OxyContin and
heroin have taken on our young adults. The statistics are staggering
- -- dozens have died from overdoses in the last three years, hundreds
have been hospitalized, and many of the victims are under 25.

Staff members Maureen Boyle, Craig Murray and Steve Damish spent the
last year researching records, attending vigils and support groups,
and talking to addicts, officials and families of the victims.

(Includes links to online-only material)