heroin-report-2015

Our in-studio panel takes on heroin's steady march into New Jersey. And online, a community joins us to share resources and their own stories.

Thousands of New Jerseyans are struggling with drug addiction and many likely feel lost and don't really know where to turn for help. But there are several resources available for those who need assistance.

The numbers are frightening. For five straight years, the number of heroin deaths in New Jersey has risen. It's everywhere, from inner cities to central Jersey suburbs to small towns in Warren County.

It's an all-too-familiar story. Kids start experimenting with drugs and alcohol in middle or junior high school, and by the time they finish high school they've started using harder drugs and eventually get hooked on heroin.

As New Jersey continues to see a high rate of heroin-related deaths among young people, many parents seem to be ignorant of the epidemic, or perhaps in complete denial about their own child's drug use.

Last year there were 781 heroin-related deaths in the Garden State, and the scourge shows no sign of letting up.

Heroin Wasteland (Part 5 of 5): In the final installment in our exclusive series on New Jersey’s drug abuse epidemic, we learn efforts are being made across the board to promote better understanding about the dangers of heroin, and get effective help for those who become ensnared by the drug.

Heroin Wasteland (Part 4 of 5): In an exclusive series on New Jersey’s drug abuse epidemic, we we share the stories of two New Jersey mothers who went through numerous trials and tribulations before finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and saving the lives of their sons.

Heroin Wasteland (Part 3 of 5): In an exclusive series on New Jersey’s drug abuse epidemic, we examine the growing problem of heroin addiction in the Garden State and the programs being employed to combat the situation.

Heroin Wasteland (Part 2 of 5): In an exclusive series on New Jersey’s drug abuse epidemic, we examine the growing problem of heroin addiction in the Garden State and the programs being employed to combat the situation.