Pubdate: Mon, 07 May 2007 Source: Register Citizen (CT) Copyright: 2007 Register Citizen Contact: http://www.registercitizen.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/598 HEROIN TEARS DOWN EVERY COMMUNITY Heroin is the enemy of Litchfield County. Addiction to it, and other illegal drugs, has an adverse impact on everyone. First there is the addict, who lives a life in search of their next fix. Next are the addict's friends and family members who constantly have to deal with instability associated with addictive behavior and drug abuse. Then there are police agencies that are stretched to the limit trying to control crimes committed by addicts who are looking for ways to pay for their next fix. Finally there are the residents and business owners. These are the people who are often victims of the addict's crimes. They are also the people who pay the taxes for increased police forces, caused by higher crime rates due to addicts committing crimes looking for money to pay for their next fix. The business owners are also the people who unknowingly employ addicts who can be unreliable and dangerous. Heroin use is a problem whereever it occurs, even in Litchfield County. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek