Pubdate: Sat, 05 Apr 2014
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2014 Detroit Free Press
Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009
Website: http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125

HEROIN USE, DEATHS IN MICHIGAN ARE ON THE RISE

Some states, including Michigan, are reporting a rise in heroin use as
many addicts shift from more costly and harder-to-get prescription
opiates to this cheaper alternative.

A look at what's happening in Michigan:

THE PROBLEM:

Heroin is a "significant" public health problem in Michigan, says
Angela Minicuci, spokeswoman for the state Department of Community
Health. According to the department, heroin abuse can result in fatal
overdoses, infections of the heart lining and valves, liver and kidney
disease and pulmonary issues related to pneumonia. Those who inject
heroin are at high risk for contracting HIV and hepatitis C, Michigan
health officials said.

THE NUMBERS:

Heroin overdose deaths in Michigan increased from 271 during the
four-year period of 1999-2002 to 728 from 2010-2012, according to data
compiled by the state health department. And admissions to publicly
funded programs for heroin treatment doubled from about 6,500 in 2002
to about 13,600 in 2013.

SOLUTIONS:

As in other states, Michigan lawmakers are weighing legislation to
allow friends and families of addicts to administer a heroin antidote
in the event of overdoses.

"It is unrealistic to think that someone who is in the midst of an
overdose would be able to recognize that fact and administer the drugs
on their own," said state Rep. Anthony Forlini, a sponsor of one of
the bills. Forlini is from Macomb County, which, according to state
health records, had more heroin overdose deaths from 2010-2012 than
any other county, including the more populous Wayne and Oakland.

Currently in the state, naloxone - commonly known by the brand name
Narcan - and other opioid antagonists only can be prescribed to a
recovering drug addict. Under the proposed bills, doctors would be
able to prescribe the antagonist drugs to family members or a friend
of the person who is in a position to help if an overdose occurs.
Those administering the antagonist drugs and the pharmacist or
prescriber of the drug would be shielded from civil lawsuits and
criminal prosecution if they were acting in good faith.
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