Authorities say high-purity, cheap heroin is becoming the drug of choice in Rock County. The highly addictive opiate is leading addicts to commit thefts and other crimes to support their habits, and overdoses have claimed at least 11 lives. In a three-day series, The Janesville Gazette examines the county's newest drug problem, which some are calling an epidemic.
Heroin treatment can start, stop many times for struggling users
By ANNA MARIE LUX - Tuesday, April 21, 2009
JANESVILLE --
Melissa's freefall began when the Janesville woman started drinking and doing drugs with her peers in high school.
Common heroin-related questions
By GAZETTE STAFF - Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Answers from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to some common heroin-related questions.
Needle-exchange worker helps heroin users in Rock County
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
Rock County Sheriff Bob Spoden said he appreciates the fact that needle exchanging limits HIV exposure, but he is concerned it also might legitimize heroin use.
Teens talk about heroin
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Ignorance might be spreading the use of heroin.
Heroin’s grasp extends to school-aged kids
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Lisa remembers the moment she discovered her 16-year-old son was injecting heroin.
Heroin in schools? Yes, but extent is unknown
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Authorities at Craig and Parker high schools say no instances of heroin dealing or use have come to their attention.
A heroin user speaks
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
JANESVILLE -- John said he can easily spot someone who is high on heroin: “You look like a zombie. You’ve got tiny pupils, and your nose is red because you’ve been itching it so much.”
Schools to try educational effort on heroin
By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, April 20, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville public schools have noted the uptick in heroin activity in the community, and the district’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs of Abuse committee is developing a response.
Tips for spotting heroin use
By GAZETTE STAFF - Monday, April 20, 2009
A recent Craig High School parent newsletter notes these signs, from the American Council for Drug Educators, that your kid might be using heroin.
Homicide charges filed in one heroin-related death
By TED SULLIVAN - Sunday, April 19, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Ryan O. Kennington had a greenish tint to his skin when he was found lifeless on his living room floor, a telltale sign of a heroin overdose.
Heroin injects Rock County
By TED SULLIVAN - Sunday, April 19, 2009
JANESVILLE --
Six residents died of heroin overdoses in 2008, according to the Rock County Coroner’s Office, and three more have died this year.
Emergency responders revive heroin users
By TED SULLIVAN - Sunday, April 19, 2009
JANESVILLE --
If it weren’t for emergency responders, more people would die from heroin overdoses, officials said.
A life lost
By ANNA MARIE LUX - Sunday, April 19, 2009
JANESVILLE --
18-year-old Jacob Mayfield had a promising future, but heroin stopped his heart and his dreams.
