Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 Source: Norwich Bulletin (CT) Copyright: 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2206 Author: Michael Gannon Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake