Heroin Returns to Iowa

Authorities in Iowa say heroin is making a comeback in the state. The Associated Press reports people have switched to heroin from OxyContin, which is now difficult to obtain.

Mexican brown heroin is being brought into the Cedar Rapids area from drug organizations in Chicago, according to the article. So far this year, 22 people have died from heroin overdoses in that city.

Scott Smith of the Drug Enforcement Administration told the AP that heroin users in Iowa tend to be in their mid-20s. He said users quickly develop a physical tolerance to the drug, which leads them to use ever-increasing amounts.

Kelly Reitzler of the Area Substance Abuse Council in Cedar Rapids said people can overdose when they quit heroin for awhile and then go back, using the same amount they had before. Often, their system is unable to tolerate it, she said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Deegan said the Northern District office is sponsoring an overdose task force to investigate the flood of heroin into the area, with a goal of preventing future deaths.