Heroin in our midst: Part 3

County resources strain to fight the crime, illness and industry of heroin

By Joshua Rosenau

Published May 29, 2013 at 12:16 pm (Updated May 29, 2013)

Convicted of shoplifting and possession of heroin, defendant Karly Casson agrees to enter drug court. (Photo by Joshua Rosenau)

There were 98 participants in Sussex County Drug Court in 2012, eight of whom successfully graduated from the program.

A recovering heroin addict, alias: "Tess," shows her hand. Tess started using the drug in her thirties. She entered residential rehab after two years of use. Access to residential rehabilitation is limited in Sussex County.

This series marks a collaborative effort between Straus News and its sources, particularly reforming addicts. The execution of this series depended greatly on the testimony of those in recovery and, particularly, the willingness of one former heroin user. Straus News includes this note to give due credit to those whose worth as sources and collaborators cannot be acknowledged by name. Thank you.

WANTAGE Heroin doesnt workit delivers.

All of the recovering addicts consulted for this series reported the euphoric upsides and the nauseating, paralyzing downsides of the drug.

For Tess, an office worker in her mid-30s, the positives were as strong as they were fleeting.

Visit link:
Heroin in our midst: Part 3