Heroin Use, Substance Abuse in East Windsor a Topic of Community Forum

A 14-year old East Windsor student died from a heroin overdose in February. That same month, four East Windsor high schoolers were hospitalized after taking Xanax, according to a report on WFSB.

On March 11, a Community Services Night took place at East Windsor High School and provided an opportunity for the community to learn about substance abuse and resources available to them, according to a letter from Superintendent Theresa M. Kane. The letter is attached to this article as a PDF.

'Significant Drug Threat'

Heroin is the "second most significant drug threat to Connecticut," according to the U.S. Department of Justice's National Drug Intelligence Center.

According to Friends of Narconon, the demand for heroin in Connecticut is "increasing dramatically." They described it as inexpensive and easily accessible.

NBC Connecticut cited the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on how fatalities in Connecticut due to heroin use increased from one year to another.

In 2012, there were 174 fatalities in the state, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported. In 2013, there were 257 fatalities.

Did you attend the East Windsor Community Services Night? What did you take away from the forum?

Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s fact sheet on heroin to learn more about the drug, how it impacts the brain and the dangers associated with using it.