Heroin, Opiate Use Soars in Valley, Greater New Haven as Part of Epidemic across Connecticut

New Haven Register, May 12, 2014

"Towns in the Naugatuck Valley and elsewhere in Greater New Haven have seen a marked increase in the use of heroin and other opiates, in keeping with a disturbing trend throughout Connecticut.

Prescription drug and heroin abuse has grown to epidemic proportions in the Valley, as it has throughout the nation, says Pamela Mautte, executive director of the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council. She said experts say heroin addiction doesn’t carry the stigma it did in past decades and is readily available.

'Opiate abuse is an epidemic across the nation,' Mautte said.

The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council recently sponsored a “Call to Action,” a forum focusing on opioid and heroin use and prescription drug misuse/abuse." Read more