Never did I think we’d hear the words heroin epidemic within our own communities. Many associated the heroin epidemics of the 70s and 90s with the inner city. Yet, here we are with a heroin and opioid epidemic on our hands in the suburbs and rural communities of upstate New York.

From 2003 to 2012, opioid painkiller overdose deaths nearly quadrupled, from 186 to 914. More than 89,000 New Yorkers were admitted to treatment programs for heroin or opioid addictions in 2013, roughly a 40 percent increase since 2004. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heroin use has increased in most demographic groups and all income levels.

We, as a community, are indeed facing an epidemic.

How did heroin sneak into our quiet communities? It was through the misuse and abuse of opioid painkillers, which can be derived either from the poppy plant or synthetically produced. Opioid painkillers were frequently prescribed by doctors, introducing opioids to many people, from student-athletes to moms and dads. For some, opioid painkillers became addictive, which led many to heroin. Those addicted to prescription opioid painkillers are 40 times more likely to graduate to heroin. For comparison, addiction to alcohol makes people two times more likely to become addicted to heroin, marijuana three times more likely, and cocaine 15 times more likely.

In 2012, we enacted the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing (I-STOP), which provided a real-time system where doctors could record, check and prevent individuals from obtaining opioid prescriptions for misuse or drug sale. Additionally, in 2014, we passed an 11-bill package to combat heroin and opioids, which was signed into law. The bills created harsher penalties for the illegal sale of opioids, and addressed treatment and a number of other aspects. I also support a bill, A.6039, which would create the crime of homicide by sale of an opiate controlled substance. It is important we develop treatments for those addicted, but also go after the drug dealers who bring these deadly substances into our communities.

However, we can and must do more. I will be hosting an Assembly Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response forum in Carthage on Monday, October 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Carthage High School Cafeteria, 36500 NYS Route 26. We will be discussing the effectiveness of heroin abuse treatment and recovery strategies; the challenges facing first responders, treatment providers and families; what new strategies New York could adopt; and your personal experiences and ways to help those addicted to heroin or opioids. Please call our Public Affairs Office at 518-455-5073 or email them at minpaff@assembly.state.ny.us if you would like to attend.

If you or a loved one is facing heroin or opioid addiction, I encourage you to seek help and support. Please call 1-877-8-HOPENY, a 24/7 hotline for those facing addictions. You also may visit www.oasas.ny.gov/accesshelp.