Did MaineCare’s crackdown on opiates fuel a spike in heroin abuse?

[eridani]

Yet more stupidity in the War on Some Drugs--

http://vitalsigns.bangordailynews.com/2014/03/01/home/did-mainecares-crackdown-on-opiates-fuel-our-states-heroin-problem/

Not long after MaineCare cracked down on the availability of narcotic prescriptions early last year, police reported a spike in heroin abuse.

Maine addiction specialists agree: They say the restrictions, while working to prevent some Mainers from getting hooked on painkillers, also squeeze the drug supply to fuel addiction elsewhere.

Enter Maine’s growing heroin problem, and the state’s ongoing distinction as one of the worst in the country for drug addiction.

<snip>

The second group Kolodny describes is middle-aged and older adults, more often prescribed opioids for medical treatment and less likely to turn to heroin in desperation.

“Believe it or not it’s that second group that’s much more likely to die of an overdose death,” he said.

Fatal heroin overdoses in Maine jumped from seven in 2011 to 28 in 2012.

[zabet]

1. I don't know about Maine but.....

in my state, the crackdown on prescription pain killers has somewhat influenced the influx of heroin into the area. Don't dare go into an ER here in pain unless via ambulance transport or you will be labled a drug-seeker. Even with a dislocated knee (my personal experience - which I did get resolved with hospital admin).

The main thing concerning prescription opiates causing an influx of heroin users is the cost. Comparitavely an opiate junkie can buy close to $100 of prescription opiates off the streets or they can buy $20 of heroin and it will last longer. This is just what I see in my area. The cost of maintaining the habit is the main factor more so than the 'war on drugs'.

My info about heroin use in the area comes from a 20+ year 'spiker' that I know.

[Sunlei]

2. I think there are people growing poppies domesticly (on North America)

Very easy to make. That is just my opinion.