What is the hype about heroin? Why is Northern Kentucky the hotspot in Kentucky?

Northern Kentucky is the center of the state’s heroin issue that’s on the rise.  Though Boone, Kenton, and Campbell County populate only 8.4% of Kentucky, they are responsible for nearly 60% of Kentucky’s heroin prosecutions in 2011.  These counties rate of heroin overdose deaths is more than 2 times Hamilton County or metro Louisville.  According to Covington Fire Chief Dan Mathew, “there is no such thing as a typical heroin abuser.” 

Why is the problem so apparent in Northern Kentucky?  Experts say the surge in heroin in the last decade lowered the price due to a large supply.  The state has a reputation of prescription pill abuse as it ranks 6^th in the nation for painkiller overdose deaths.  Heroin is an opioid like these painkillers, and is often cheaper on the streets so many have switched to heroin.  Also, treatment resources are not readily available in Northern Kentucky. 

Kentucky government officials are trying to take action before the issue hits the rest of the state hard.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130325/NEWS1006/303250003/SPECIAL-REPORT-Northern-Kentucky-heroin-ground-zero

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/kenton-county/covington/heroin-northern-kentuckys-first-methadone-clinic-opens-in-covington

Emily QL