It can happen to any of us - doesn't matter if you have a rock-solid character or have devoted your life to serving others. Soccer moms, priests, school teachers - any of us can potentially succumb to heroin addiction. It doesn't discriminate. I've learned that prescription opioids are the gateway drug for 80 percent of heroin addicts. If you've ever had surgery or have been in extreme pain, the doctor may have prescribed a pain killer like Oxycodone or Vicodin. Aside from easing pain, these substances are also highly-addictive. When the doctor cuts off their supply, some people turn to heroin. If you've ever taken a prescription pain killer, you know how nice the "buzz" feels. That euphoria, however, can potentially lead to addiction, and consequently destroy lives. Because heroin addiction can impact any of us (and perhaps someone you know), it's beneficial to get educated on the topic. This coming Tuesday, March 14th, starting at 6:30pm, you can attend a free talk, sponsored by the Midvale Heights Neighborhood Watch Group. The following blurb is from my friend and volunteer extraordinaire, Wendy Reichel. * * * "West District Captain Cory Nelson and Detective Reggie Patterson from the Narcotics Task Force will join us to talk about the heroin epidemic and how it is affecting our community. Madison is already forty-percent ahead of last year’s pace for heroin overdoses. You may even know a co-worker, family member or acquaintance that is addicted to prescription pain medication or heroin. This week, a drug company’s five-hundred-percent increase in the cost of their life-saving overdose auto-injector caused some local agencies to scramble for cheaper alternatives. And according to the Department of Health Services, last year Wisconsin saw 598 babies born with a dependence on heroin and other opioids compared to 142 babies the year before. On March 14th at 6:30pm, West District Captain Cory Nelson and Detective Reggie Patterson from the Narcotics Task Force will join us to talk about the heroin epidemic and how it is affecting our community. They’ll also share how the new Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative is allowing MPD officers a new option to place low-level offenders in treatment rather than send them to jail." * * * We hope to see you on Tuesday evening. Stay warm and safe. All the best. : ) --Paula Fitzsimmons