Gus DiRenna's addiction started with marijuana and beer in high school.

He was popping pills at 18 and selling drugs between jail stints in his 20s and 30s. By age 40, the Whitehall resident was shooting heroin.

DiRenna, 56, clean since 2010, said his story is common in what health officials describe as a drug epidemic sweeping America.

"I've seen this change with the young adults in our city becoming addicted," said DiRenna, who was among experts discussing the issue Thursday during a special meeting of Pittsburgh City Council hosted by Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak of Carrick.

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