Public alerted to dramatic rise in heroin use

  A warning was issued Monday concerning what was called a 'dramatic increase' in the use of heroin throughout the Capitol District.

  Albany County District Attorney David Soares joined with officials from St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC) to report a 75 percent increase in heroin use locally since 2007.  And the increase was particularly alarming in patients seeking treatment from SPARC who are under 30 years of age.  There was also a 20 percent hike in heroin use in patients over the age of 46.

 Officials sent out an alert to schools,healthcare providers,medical and counseling professionals as well as the public in general concerning the alarming trend.  They also indicated the heroin use is being seen throughout the region and is not confined to one geographic area.

 District Attorney Soares says drug dealers who had been selling crack are diversifying into heroin to maximize profits.

 SPARC executive director Robert Doherty said this was the first time they have ever issued a public warning.