1 dead after 8 heroin overdoses around Washtenaw County in 2 days
A 27-year-old Saline man died last week and seven others were hospitalized from One man died and seven others were hospitalized after a rash of heroin overdoses in Washtenaw County last week.
The rash of overdoses came from Saline, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and Ann Arbor. Each person required hospitalization. In one incident, a Saline man was pronounced dead after Huron Valley Ambulance personnel attempted to revive him for 30 minutes.
Huron Valley Ambulance spokeswoman Joyce Williams said the rash of overdoses surprised paramedics and HVA officials.
“That’s large, that’s noticeable, that had dispatchers talking, that had some eyebrows raising,” she said.
Police and medical officials said last year heroin was becoming an “epidemic” in Washtenaw County. This two-day snapshot shows that trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down just yet.
According to a Saline police report, a 911 call was placed at 11:03 p.m. from a home in the 400 block of Maple Road reporting a man unresponsive in the bathroom. Police responded to the home and an officer began CPR on the man before HVA arrived on scene and relieved him. After 30 minutes of attempting to revive the 27-year-old man, medics pronounced him dead from a heroin overdose.
The investigation into the man's death is still open, pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report. At this point, the unofficial cause of death is believed to be heroin overdose.
The report stated the man was released the previous day from a rehabilitation facility, where he was attempting to overcome his heroin addiction. He was at his parents’ apartment for several hours and appeared to be sober and in good spirits before his death, according to the report.
“People come out of rehab and try to do the same amount they did before they went to rehab,” said Saline police Detective Don Lupi. “Their bodies can’t handle it and they overdose. It’s a common trend we see in overdose cases.”
The man’s death in Saline was the only fatality reported from an overdose on Thursday and Friday, but at least seven other people had to be hospitalized.
Williams said the first possible heroin overdose was reported at 1:08 a.m. Thursday in the city of Ypsilanti. One person was taken in critical condition to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
The next came just after 2 p.m. in the 6100 block of Lake Drive in Ypsilanti Township. Sgt. Geoffrey Fox, of the Washteanw County Sheriff’s Office, said a man was found passed out in a bathroom from a heroin overdose. Deputies responded and the man was taken by HVA to a local hospital, Fox said.
About the same time, a second case out of Saline was reported. Police and HVA responded at 2:30 p.m. Thursday to a home in the 400 block of Woodland Street.
A 20-year-old Saline man overdosed on the drug and was found unconscious in his bedroom by his father, who immediately called 911. The man regained consciousness and was taken by HVA to St. Joe’s.
The 20-year-old man told police he had used the drug before returning home Thursday, according to the report.
Medical personnel responded two hours later to an alley near William and State streets in Ann Arbor for a possible heroin overdose. One person was taken in stable condition to University of Michigan Hospital, Williams said.
Later on that night, two people were taken from Pittsfield Township to St Joe’s for treatment. Williams said both patients needed treatment for a heroin overdose and were in stable condition as they were taken to the hospital.
The final overdose reported during the two-day stretch came at 2:35 p.m. in the city of Ypsilanti, Williams said. One person was taken to St. Joe’s in stable condition after an overdose, she said.
Williams said the overdoses came at an alarming rate.
“We do get overdoses, and we do get a lot of overdoses that come in as cardiac arrest or unknown medical,” she said, “but for them to actually have the caller say ‘heroin’ or it’s clear from whatever the medics are seeing that it’s heroin, that’s rare to have that many all together.”
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
shadow wilson
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:44 a.m.
I speak from experience; my own. I am a recovering opiate addict clean for decades. I am around the recovering community often be it any of many twelve step groups based in the AA twelve
shadow wilson
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:01 a.m.
steps. I know that marijuana is a gateway drug.It is not the onlygateway alcohol and tobacco are as well. Not everyone goes on to harder drugs.But then some people contract pneumonia and die while others recover.The point is once someone begins using any mind altering substance they are at the "gate"and that often leads to harder drug use. I even know people in the recovering community that claim addiction to marijuana......who are any of us to dispute that? The fact is until the person using admits they have a problem and have a desire to stop it really does not matter.....self diagnosis is the only one that matters f The demographic of the recovering community has changed . In the early days of AA it was exclusively drinking with a few barbiturate and amphetamine users.Now almost everyone under sixty has used marijuana. I am not against legalizing marijuana.However the idea it is harmless is wrong and naive .It is a powerful drug like any other and subject to the same monetary greed and violence of any other black market drug trade.
Jimbo
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
News flash: The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area is beginning to mirror the Detroit/Inkster/Dearborn Hts area as it relates to slums and drugs. Good luck with that.
John
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Condolences to the affected family. Jails, institutions, dereliction or death. Recovery from addictions always come with a full misery back guarantee.
brian
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:41 a.m.
I believe one just happened in Ypsi at the Bomber Restaurant in their bathroom.
JRW
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
"People come out of rehab and try to do the same amount they did before they went to rehab," Well, I guess rehab's not working too well.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
most go to detox for ten days while they kick. not enough for people to change.
mpope
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
no. it's not working too well. short term treatment (28 days) is inadequate for heroin addiction.
734
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
WOW, heroin, really people!
Slc18
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:03 p.m.
They are cracking down hard on prescription drugs. Even for people with painful conditions. Even for people with certain cancers. They are taking oxycodone off the market due to its popularity as a street drug and overdose cases contributed to it. So in some places were they have cracked down the hardest they are seeing an increase in heroin use and heroin overdoses. Take away one drug people will find another. I can't get the more effective cold medicine I used to take because it was being used to make meth. But meth makers find something else or a way around it and users too. And in the end non- drug users or people who take pain medicine for real and serious conditions suffer while drug takers and makers just adapt and find something else. We need to fight the addiction. That isn't an easy proposition but history has shown us the war on drugs...they way they are fighting it anyway isn't working. I do think we had doctors over prescribing dangerous meds and worse some were "prescribing" to just about anyone who asked as long as they could pay but the pendulum as swung to far the other way now and people who really do need certain meds are hurting...literally. No easy answers her though
Slc18
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:22 p.m.
@Piney- fine take oxycodone off the market but my point is this...there will only be another drug that takes its place. People who have a compulsion/disease of addiction and want to get high will. And heroin can be jut as dangerous as Oxycodone. My mother is almost seventy and can hardly walk from three botched back surgeries as well a 3 other major surgeries unrelated to her back and it has left her with so much scar tissue and nerve damage that she lives with pain all the time. She takes a painkiller. Don't know what kind but it helped her live a somewhat active life again. But eh she should just endure it right? Because prescription meds found their way to those who abuse it the ones that don't should suffer? You will see once one drug is off the market you will here about a new dangerous drug on the streets in no time flat. And they'll still break into houses be it for money or what's in the medicine cabinet because that's what addicts do. We have to treat the problem, not keep up this stupid war on drugs, where only the drugs change....but not the problem.
PineyWoodsGuy
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:02 a.m.
@Sic. "No easy answers here though." You got that right! Oxycontin should be pulled off the market. I've noticed that contemporary medicine has acquiescence to govt-mandated "pain control." What happened to old-fashioned "Pain; Live with it?" Oxycoton is responsible for B&E's of senior citizens. When the enter the home, first place the look is the bathroom medicine cabinet. Oxycontin is killing our young people. Much more dangerous than Heroin; yet it can be purchase at CVS with a script from a storefront "doctor."
grimmk
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
Darn, I'm blanking on the name of the drug, but it's a nasal spray drug that blocks the affect of an OD. Usually only found in ERs but in some states it is legal to have. I saw it on Curret TV's Vanguard. Families with know addicts should have this handy to use. It could save more lives.
YpsiLivin
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
Not sure what the down votes are about, but Narcan has been around for a long time and is used to counteract the actions of opiates, including heroin. It is available as an injection or via nasal administration. It's not a myth, and it does work.
Brad
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7 p.m.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naloxone
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
myth
Erin Spanier
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
A long time ago, my boyfriend died of a "drug overdose." I wasn't there, didn't use drugs, don't really know, but a close friend of his told me it was because the drugs had been laced with rat poison. Rat poison, because it diluted the strength and made the dealer a few extra dollars. I hope the police are doing a chemical analysis, and that those who were sickened by the heroin will give up their source. Let's honor the memory of this young man by shutting down a dangerous dealer and providing help and counseling to others who are dealing with dangerous addictions.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
I've gone into the story and added this paragraph: "The investigation into the man's death is still open, pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report. At this point, the unofficial cause of death is believed to be heroin overdose." This accurately reflects the current status of the investigation and I wanted to clear that up.
RJones
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Is there any chance that the 18-year-old found by Eisenhower Parkway died from a drug overdose? Is there any update to that story?
YpsiLivin
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.
I think one element of the "real" story on heroin that doesn't get much coverage is the fact that the price of heroin has dropped significantly in recent years - to the point where it is now highly affordable for even the youngest users (read: high school age). Heroin was never really considered a "starter" drug, but the low cost-per-hit today is putting it squarely in that category. Kids who start their experimentation with heroin don't really stand a chance.
FFan
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
Guys, 60+ comments and not a single one is questioning Kyle for suspect grammar/writing. Congrats on finally engaging on a story and not trolling the author. You all are growing up, or just slipping.
foobar417
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
You spelled "Congratulations" wrong. :-)
Makes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
Perhaps they could've gotten to a treatment clinic, where they could ramp back to sobriety in a controlled, monitored, medical fashion. But wait, that would require that we weren't continuing to battle this losing war on drugs..... Treat the disease, stop the prohibition. It's not working people.
mpope
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
basic bob, if the addict doesnt have medical insurance, there is probably no free treatment waiting for him/ her. of the area LONG TERM treatment (short term, i.e. 28 day treatment is ineffective) indigent beds are very scarce. detox in combination with non-residential treatment may be more readily available but (approximately) 3 day detox and a therapist's phone number is utterly useless to combat heroin addiction.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:02 a.m.
You can be sure that treatment will be suggested and even offered free of charge to all these people. In fact there's a good chance that most of them have already been down this road before. First they will need to detox. Getting off heroin is no picnic.
cibachrome
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
This drug's problem is the reason for the out of control crime problem in southern Livingston County, according to a L.C. Sheriff Deputy I talked with a few weeks ago. Accorcing to him, the use of Craigslist to sell the stolen items is so large, there is too much on there for the current staff to check out. This has caused a few victims to go out on their own to get their stuff back. Stop the drug sales ==> stop the larceny and home invasion problem.
David Briegel
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Woman in Ypsi is correct, the only solution is to get drugs away from law enforcement and into the Public Health system. The current "system" is a total failure. Whether it is clean needles or drug quality we are failing our citizens. And not one person spoke of the crimes the addicts commit to pay for their habit. It would be much less costly in every way!
Chris
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
Actually methadone is much more addictive than heroin, it just doesn't get you high.
David Briegel
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
And it costs more than $35,000 per yr to incarcerate people. Pushing drugs works for both legal and illegal drugs!
Billy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
People don't want that solution because they see it as "giving in" to the drug addict's demands. Some people try to call it "enabling" even. The thing is, it's an absolute PROVEN method that works. The "free drugs" cuts down majorly on the crime...and those "free drugs" are also used in such a way to make it a lot easier for addicts to break the chemical aspect of the addiction. Much easier to stop using methadone than heroin. It's also a lot easier to stop using a drug that isn't PUSHED on you because it makes the PUSHER money...
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Well, the "war on drugs" hasn't been going well at all, has it? Fortunately, our President Obama stumbled upon the ideal solution which he and his Democrat cohorts in Congress have been doggedly pressing (to be applied in another 'horrific area'). The Solution to this Horror which He proposes: Simply force every heroin buyer to undergo a BACKGROUND CHECK. Viola!! (in sarcasm mode)
AdmiralMoose
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
That's strange--I thought it was the violin that had the sarcasm mode.
Mr. Ed
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
All the pot somkers/users who what to throw darts at the police and prosecutor I ask you this. Why do you need any drug be it alcohol,pot or herion. All drugs cause society problems and money. In many circles pot is a gateway drug and will continue to be a gateway drug. To the herion users in recovery stay strong and focused. To the pot users in denial they have an addiction seek help. Life is so much better sober.
johnnya2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
RIDICULOUS POMPOUS BS 1. People enjoy food. It brings them pleasure. 2. People enjoy sex. It brings them pleasure 3. People enjoy exercise. It beings them pleasure 4. People enjoy sports. It brings them pleasure 5. People enjoy religion. It brings them pleasure 6. People enjoy drugs it brings them pleasure More people have died from religion than will EVER die from drugs. There is no "logic" as to why some people need religion or "god". I guess you are against people CHOOSING what they want in THEIR life, since YOU know all and are the decider of all things good and right
Michigan Man
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:34 a.m.
Ed - Keep on preaching!
a2citizen
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:47 a.m.
...that is of course, unless the horse, Is the famous...
Brad
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
Probably not the best plan to get life advice from a talking horse. Of course.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
Mr Ed, people have been putting things in their body to alter consciousness since the beginning of recorded human history. They do it for pain relief, for mental exploration and just plain fun. The criteria for considering any substance to be harmful is its effect on functioning in society. For example, people who casually smoke marijuana continue to function in society. They work, participate in culture, etc. In many cases, their enjoyment of the plant has little to no negative effects, and some benefits, on their overall mental and physical health. Culture history is filled with examples of where altered consciousness helped inspire great literature, music, art and design. To deny that humans enjoy altering consciousness, and will continue to do so, seems to neglect the evidence. The more we neglect the evidence and the more we continue to be dishonest about usage, the longer we will continue fighting a battle that cannot be won. It would be much wiser to acknowledge history and move towards creating societal systems that educate people on the *real* effects of psychoactive substances and build infrastructure to help those who have difficulties with the substances which negatively impact their lives.
Kevin
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
I'm all for sober, but look at what you're saying! Drugs cause society problems, cost $$???? Isn't it often money problems that led people, real people, to escape in the first place? Maybe we should look towards economic parity before we start looking down on users. Mr. Ed, what is your economic situation?
Makes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
In many circles pot is a gateway drug and will continue to be a gateway drug. I like how you twist rhetoric into undeniable fact.
Billy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
"Life is so much better sober." "My way of life is clearly better..."
flyingforfun
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
Everyone has to remember that the police are doing the best they can with what they have. And not every success story makes the papers. Take for account the meth lab which was located in my community of Scio Farms. Washtenaw County Deputies investigated the claims and took down a meth and removed three children that were being neglected. One case that never made the papers and should have.
Makes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
I'd go so far as to say that these are far from "success stories". They're examples of how our society (and therefore law enforcement) chase their tales thinking the next big bust will make it all better. It's futile and counterproductive.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
flying - We actually talked to WCSO about that incident. They declined to release enough details on the case to form a story. I would direct questions about that to John Counts, he was the one who spoke with Sgt. Fox about it.
music to my ear
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
yes, people need to know what is going on in their neighborhood . like what happened in Cleveland with those missing girls ten years people need to get their heads out of the sand ,
Woman in Ypsilanti
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
This is sad especially because it is so preventable. Obviously drug prohibition doesn't work but programs where addicts are prescribed legal (and regulated for strength, quality, etc) heroin have been tried before with success. I wish we could get over our moral issues around drugs and start taking the course of action most likely to be effective.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
Tru2Blu76 - People use drugs because they make them feel awesome. Not every drug affects each person the same which is why people tend to have different drugs of choice. I wont get too deep into my own battles with addiction but I will just say that my drug of choice feels better than the best sex to me. Better than the best sex *and* the best most yummy food *and* LOVE. Better than all of that.
Max
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
@TruBlu76. Why do people drive fast. Why do people skydive. What about skiers, marathon runners, helicopter pilots, motorcycle riders, cliff divers, parasailers etc. Everyone has some sort of vice that feeds their brain. I do not condone the use of Heroin or any drugs to get this rush, but it's human nature to do things that pump up your endorphins and excites the brain. You could get that from finishing the Sudoku puzzle every day, but it's still there. We cannot change human nature. We need to recognize that some people will be drawn into this and we should work to redirect them into something else, not punish them for being an addict.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
The GAP in that reasoning omits the question: WHY do some people "need" to use such drugs or any mind-altering drug?? It also omits the answer. :-)
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
This is just really sad. Addiction is an awful thing. I don't know what else to say.
Blue Marker
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Back around 2006 there was a batch of heroin laced with fentanyl that lead to multiple OD's. Let's hope it's not another situation like that.
music to my ear
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
from what I hear it is coming from Detroit, people out there cannot afford it so they send their boys from dertoit to downriver to ypsilanti and no doubt; have a runner who goes where needed these parents need to get a grip on their kids they need big help. they have no clue what they are dealing with, and how do I know, WE had a user in the family as well as my friends son who is thankfully recovering be aware
Usual Suspect
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Isn't the use of any amount of heroin an overdose? I mean, anything greater than nothing is too much.
Kevin
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
No.
RRW
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:28 p.m.
How very sad! praying for the family, and for the addicts to get help.
mpope
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
heroin pushers are amongst the most exploitative people alive. in monroe, the addicts who were trying to stay clean would ask their 12 step program sponsors to go with them to the methadone/ alternatives clinic because that's where the pushers hang out-- near the parking lot of the clinic.
mpope
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:30 a.m.
johnny, i wont dispute with you the attributes of methadone and the alternatives offered (drugs with names i can't remember) because i really don't know. BUT... without a significant amount of support, addicts DO choose heroin over the rehab drugs. shadow, from my very limited experience (which has only been the experience of up-close witness) heroin is not like other drugs in that the addiction seems so much more embedded and harrowing (and cunning and baffling) to navigate. an addict (an adult!) i know turned her cell phone AND her phone account over to her sponsor because she said her cell phone was like a carry-along drug house. the sponsor then deleted all the numbers except the family, clinic, therapist and 12 step program numbers THEN the sponsor changed the addict's account password so the addict couldn't go online to retrieve the heroin dealer numbers. all this was at the request of the addict. and all this (and more) was part of the clean/ sober plan the addict, her therapist and sponsor put in place for the SEVENTH try at being clean and sober and after the addict's FOURTH overdose. the addict eventually moved back to Seattle, which indicates she is probably still not clean; seattle was her big income/ huge heroin expense city. i hate what heroin does to people. i hate heroin. i'm sad and sorry the young man died.
johnnya2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:59 a.m.
A methadone clinic is a LEGAL drug pusher that many people make a living off of. It is trading one killer drug for another. Mathadone is not safer than heroin. Mathadone is JUST as addictive and the withdrawl is many times longer than a typical heroin withdrawl.
JRA
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
Shadow...get a clue. Your experience with addiction may have been as simple as wishing it away, but I would say more the majority of people that is not the case.
shadow wilson
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
If they want to stay clean they will.....it comes down to being able to say no....I speak from personal experience.once the choice to not use is sincerely made the only person to blame if one uses is the addict
ChelseaBob
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Greg's got a point. Let's relieve our police, prosecutors and judges from having to deal with pot, and let them concentrate on hard drugs that spur violent crime and kill people. Pot takes up over 80% of enforcement resources now, imagine if those resources were concentrated on heroin, meth and oxycotin?
johnnya2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:52 a.m.
@ Shadow, So if it is a gateway drug so are cigarettes. I bet if you talk to ANY heroin addict they smoke cigarettes. A HUGE portion of them also use alcohol. I bet ALL of them ate food too. Pot is only a gateway in that it FORCES people to be introduced to a sub culture that may introduce stronger drugs. I will also point out that SEX is a gateway to prostitution. I guess you want to ban that too?
ThisAintKyle
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:04 p.m.
shadow - i'll see your 'gateway drug' argument and raise you a 'it's a gateway drug because it puts you in contact with drug dealers. if you could buy it at the store, you wouldn't have that guys number to begin with'. Where do you think harder drugs come from? The same guy who you bought your pot from, and he just 'happened' to have a little something else for you. Legalization removes buyers from contact with these shady people.
Paul
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 8:06 p.m.
I don't believe pot takes up 80%, we got so much crime from shootings, b&e, shoplifting and then you throw in driving offenses....I'm for legal pot but don't believe its the answer to many problems. We need to get at the root of why folks demand drugs, life is to be so great here, what is the problem ?
Basic Bob
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
everything i needed to know about drugs i learned from an alcoholic who never did them.
shadow wilson
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
It would be the same people. Really tired of the pot is harmless crap....it aint....it is a gateway drug (ask any addiction specialist) that generates the same cut throat (literally) culture , i.e. money as any other illegal drug trade Now if you want to talk taking the law enforcement model away and going the public health route.....
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:37 p.m.
As TheDiagSquirrel indicated earlier, there appears to be a really bad batch of heroin in the area at the moment. WXYZ reported last month there's been a 20-fold increase in heroin overdoses in the downriver area of Metro Detroit (I imagine that's the report TDS was referring to in his comment). Here's the link to their coverage: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/health/emergency-responders-report-a-20-fold-increase-in-heroin-overdoses-downriver
music to my ear
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
kyle the young man who passed away,he is being layed out at roberson bahmiller funeral home in saline I have ran into this young man several times he was so nice and had a zest for life ,it just breaks my heart to see his life ended so soon, may he rest in peace and always rock on.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Billy - I haven't heard anything definitive yet, but there's a lot of suspicion that that is the case.
Billy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Has there been any indication from authorities if it's an adulterant causing the ODs yet? That's an awful lot of ODs all of a sudden.
Billy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
That is some dirty ultra cut heroin there....hope it's just a stock photo. I'm hoping this wasn't heroin cut with fentanyl again. We had that rash a year or so ago with multiple deaths from it. Regular users can even think they're doing a small dose that they can tolerate...when the fentanyl is around 10 times the "strength" of the heroin it was cut with. That's 10 times only if the heroin was pure too...it's MUCH more when already impure.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:38 p.m.
Billy, that is just a stock photo. From what I'm hearing, fetanyl is still a big problem in our area. I haven't seen it confirmed to be involved in any of these OD cases but it wouldn't surprise me.
Sam S Smith
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
Special thoughts and prayers for this young man, his family and friends!
GoNavy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:12 a.m.
Nice side story. Main story at 11: More Americans die every year from the abuse of prescription painkillers than from those who die from the use of all illicit drugs combined.
squidlover
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
Nice try, C.C. As the article that you refer to clearly states, this study was confined to within the ER and did not mention anything about the use of narcotic pain medications. Depending on the type of abdominal pain being treated in the ER, most are more commonly treated with non-narcotic pain medications. While I have always been in favor of equal treatment for everybody regarding pain management, it is the type of attitude you posted that can worsen the problem that is the original topic of discussion. Also, feel free to check out the recent news of Walgreens' $80 million settlement regarding the over-dispensing of narcotic pain medications.
C.C. Ingersoll
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:35 a.m.
Squidlover: Oh, THIS "Race Card"? http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/black-children-pain-meds-er/story?id=16231146
squidlover
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
I agree with Ann that the pain management system is very flawed. I have been in the health care field for over 20 years, and I have seen quite a shift in how pain management is viewed. Early in my career, pain medications like Vicodin, morphine, etc... were handled with more care (verification with prescriber and documentation of proper use) along with pharmacists always having the option of denying to fill such prescriptions if things didn't check out right (while still trying to be patient advocates). However, the pain management system and it's advocates starting screaming about how pain was being undertreated in this country (some groups even trying to throw in the race card as a reason). This led to a different professional attitude, condemning physicians for not prescribing pain medications for those who "need it" as well as pharmacists for not filling these prescriptions unless there was a very good reason (in other words, shut up and fill it). However, after years of increased number of hospitalizations and deaths due to narcotic pain medication misuse, now there is a lot of focus on "safe and responsible" prescribing and dispensing of these medications, along with the DEA taking more notice of these patterns. Do I think this is the main reason for increased heroin use? No, but as I stated before, there are problems with the system.
Ann Dwyer
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
Too expensive, or their doctors just stop prescribing it to them. The pain management system is incredibly flawed.
Ricardo Queso
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Nominal numbers are irrelevant.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
GoNavy - This is a great point. In addition, many heroin abusers get hooked on the drug after their prescription drug addiction becomes too expensive.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
BIG drug companies... good DRUG dealers....bad That's about as much as the sheeple can understand
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:57 a.m.
Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton has stated, "We need more proactive policing and you need more local police officers to do things to prevent crimes from happening." The police are saying they don't have enough officers to catch the bad guys and investigate the crimes. We should listen.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
Jake C...so, what? It's the doctors fault the pt. gets hooked? It's the doctors fault that the pt./addict abuses his pain meds and creates an addiction? It's the doctors fault that the addict now feels a need to start shooting up in order to self medicate? And of course you have better pain management strategies based on all your years of expertise and education? Here's a hint for you: If taken as prescribed, nearly all narcotic pain meds are safe to use. It's when people start abusing them that they cross over into active addiction. In such cases, the responsible physician will stop prescribing that person's drug of choice. It is not the physician's fault, contrary to what I think you are trying to imply, when someone develops an addiction. The pt., be he addict or not, is responsible for his own choices. Stop blaming doctors, the whole medical community and the government for the choices made by the addict.
Paul
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
Yeah police are always complaining they got not enough funding, what else is new. How does Heroin even make it up here in the first place, you can't grow it indoors--all of it gets smuggle into the country in mass amounts.
Jake C
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.
Matt: You've never heard of a Vicodin or Oxycontin overdose? Or of someone being prescribed a controlled narcotic for a pain condition, and getting addicted to that drug, and eventually turning to black market sources when their doctor won't write them a legal prescription anymore?
Matt Cooper
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
BasicBob, I've worked in the health care field for over 12 years and I don't remember ever once a doctor prescribing heroin to a patient. Let's not blame the entire medical community for the poor choices of the addict. He is responsible for his own conduct.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
@Stephen, while I strongly support our law enforcement officers and agencies, I think our Sheriff may have been referring to "prevent crimes from happening" - which is proven to be a sociological problem, not a law enforcement problem. Drug overdoses: happen in hospitals too, they also happen AFTER someone unwisely decides to "try" an addictive drug on their own. It all begins with THAT KIND OF DECISION. There must be reasons for that - and it's arguable that it'll be easier to "prevent" people from making stupid decisions than it is to hire cops to SOLVE THE CONSEQUENCES of them.
Catasetumkid
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
And the teachers say they need more teachers to lower the classroom sizes and therefore be able to better educate our kids - we should listen to them, too. It's all a matter of money coming from the state.
Peregrine
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
This is a very confused posting. First you talk about the Sheriff wanting more proactive policing. Then you say "the police are saying" they don't have enough officers for arresting and investigating -- both of which are reactive. Who do you mean when you say "the police are saying"? In fact, Ann Arbor Police Chief Seto said in March, "We are a reactive police department. I think we're very effective, as some of the statistics show with recent arrests, but there's not much flexibility in some of the proactive engagement." So the Police Chief says we're "very effective" at reactive policing. So when you say the "police are saying" we're not effective at reactive policing, who do you mean? Or are you just making it up?
bigdaddycool
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.
Damn, a politician, and Sheriff Clayton is a politician, wanting more money That is new. Hey Jerry how about ending the week long training in Phoenix and the seminars in Dallas and use that money to "catch the bad guys and investigate the crimes." Sorry, the money is there, use it more wisely.
leaguebus
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
We have never been able to prevent this no matter how many Police we throw at the problem.
mr_annarbor
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
You anti-cop guys are missing the point here. What Clayton is saying is that he doesn't have enough resources to *prevent* this from happening in the first place. I've heard Clayton speak, and I think he's a good guy. He's not in favor of a police state. If you disagree with me, then find someone to run against Clayton in the next election. Sheriff is an elected post.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
@BasicBob: Who said anything about rounding up junkies and throwing them in jail? On the other hand how many of these eight overdose incidents will be thoroughly investigated by police detectives with the aim of identifying the suppliers and throwing them in jail? According to Chief Seto, Sheriff Jerry Clayton and other local law enforcement officials, they don't have the staff. I believe the OxyContin and heroin gangs need to be broken up or we will never solve the home burglary problem in our community.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
a heroin overdose is a serious condition which may require emergency medical treatment. rounding up junkies and throwing them in jail is not the solution. as long as our government policies are controlled by a medical industry intent on pumping the population full of dangerous and highly addictive prescription opioids, the police don't stand a chance.
brownfields
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Sure thing Homeland, it's about the Police being happy alright. What planet do you live on? The Law Enforcement profession has gotten more and more complicated, while personnel and resources have dwindled. All the while, the television viewing public believes complicated crimes are solved / tried and closed within an hour. There are fewer police officers now than on 9-11. Has the need also decreased?
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
*Be
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:18 a.m.
The police wouldn't happy even if they had a cop in every bedroom
GoNavy
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:12 a.m.
Police are like the military: There are never enough planes, guns, tanks or soldiers.
Greg
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:55 a.m.
Don't you worry, when the police and courts get time from prosecuting pot growers, importers and smokers, they will go after the hard stuff.
johnnya2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
@ trublu76 Altering ones mind is NATURAL. It is a basic human instinct. That is why roller coasters, or running, eating ice cream or cheering at a sporting event are around. People want the thrill. or chemical reactions in the brain brought about by drugs, or cheering for a team, or riding that roller coaster or getting an ice cream cone at Washtenaw Dairy are things people enjoy and desire to do. Just because YOU choose to alter your mind in other ways, does not make you better.
egcthree
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:09 a.m.
@TruBlu76 I would reason its the same reason some people "need" religion. Its all an escape, for some its mind altering for the "others" its world altering. Ill stick with the plant and not worry about what want to do with their time.
An Arborigine
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:53 p.m.
If I could give you a double thumb up I would!
Laura Jones
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
Some people, not all, have mental health problems. Due to the paucity of treatment for the poor and the stigma attached still to mental health issues, drugs are a thriving method of self treatment. Some others have miserable lives. Some are simply not too bright.
Paul
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.
I agree with you Tru2Blu, if live is so great --like we believe it is over here in the west--how come drugs are in such demand ? From alcohol, to pills and then harder drugs. If we had NO drugs--not even alcohol, that IMO would be great. Oh sure we need pain drugs for some folks--so it can't be done but then can it. A few countries, like say Iran, Saudi, they seem to do it but then we are told how bad life is over there--yet they aren't all drug up. Must be really bad over there
Kevin
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 5:06 p.m.
True dat.
John
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Why do people need to have a cocktail/alcohol to begin with?
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
That still hides the real question: Why do some people "need" pot and "the hard stuff" to begin with?? A person taking any mind-altering drug for the first time is NOT addicted and therefore isn't an addict. Your premise says, "Lets just take it easy on those who habitually want to take it easy." There's something DEEPLY WRONG with that premise. :-)
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:44 a.m.
Man, hopefully some of these people will give up where they got it. It would be nice for this to lead to the jailing of a supplier/dealer or two.
Solitude
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
There's nothing at all in my post that gives you any clue as to the level of compassion I feel for other individuals, or who those individuals might be. If you are diabetic, and you eat yourself to death, I'm not going to call for the guy who sold you your last banana split be held responsible for your death, and I'm not going to waste any compassion on you. That doesn't mean I'm not going to cry for the misery you subjected the people who love you to.
JRA
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
Solitude, ever here of a thing called witnesses? Eye witness testimony? If it prevents just one more death, if it spares one family the agony of losing a family member than it would be worth it. Such compassion you both have for your fellow man. I feel sorry for you. I truly do.
johnnya2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
Why? I have never met a heroin addict who was tied down and forced to do the drug. I wonder how many times you want the drunk driver to give up the bar or grocery that sold them alcohol and have the police spend resources on something somebody did to themselves. In fact., I would submit if we legalized ALL drugs, we could prevent overdose situations, since the product could be monitored and regulated as to potency.
Solitude
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
Make that self-inflicted, not self-inflected.
Solitude
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.
Just out of curiosity JRA, how do you propose the police go about "investigating" who sold a dead guy drugs? Check for a name on the receipt, perhaps? Maybe try to trace the serial number on the drugs? Unless there's some indication the person was injected with heroin against his or her will, I'd prefer the police allocate their severely limited resources trying to solve crimes that are not self-inflected. Everyone has the right to determine their own fate, right?
JRA
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
I know someone who fatally overdosed on heroin in the City of Ypsilanti a few years ago, he was the second person within a week to overdose in the City in a weeks time. My experpience was that the police were not interested in persuing the person who sold the drugs. In fact, when I inquired to the police if they were going to do any further investigating, I received a pretty flippant response to my inquiry.
TheDiagSquirrel
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 10:19 a.m.
Rumor has it (according to other Metro Detroit news sources) that this particular heroin is coming from the Downriver area, and is responsible for several OD's out there...