New York’s Immigrant Neighborhoods See Increase in Heroin and Pill Overdoses

New York City’s immigrant neighborhoods are seeing an increase in heroin and pill overdoses, according to The New York Times.

Parents in these communities are often unfamiliar with the signs of drug abuse, and may not know how to get their children help. Immigrant families may feel shame about addiction, which discourages them from seeking treatment.

Overdoses have occurred in Arab and Russian communities in Brooklyn. In an attempt to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, a Russian radio station in Brooklyn last year began weekly interviews with young people in recovery, as well as parents and advocates.