Heroin addiction continues to be on the rise everywhere, including Trumbull County, where its deadly effects are creeping up.
Statistics released by the Trumbull County Coroner's office show 19 people died from a heroin overdose in 2011. That is a 215 percent increase from 2010.
In 2011, more people died of heroin overdoses than in the last five years combined, and authorities are struggling to find a way to reduce the number of deaths for 2012.
"It has such a hold on them, that it is very difficult and frustrating from our end. It is killing them left and right. We're locking them up in jail and they get out of jail and go right back to using. It is very alarming," said Traci Mendenhall, an assistant Warren City prosecutor.
Mendenhall said the Warren Municipal Court is in the process of starting a workshop to help educate parents and family members on what they can do to get an addict to rehab.
Sheriff Tom Altiere and Lt. Jeff Orr, an undercover officer with TAG Law Enforcement group, said heroin causes many to suffer overdoses and carries other serious side effects.
"We've been seeing a rise in jaundice and Hepatitis C, a big rise. We had one this week we had to get to the hospital," Altiere said.
Orr said family members also should alert their neighbors and friends that they have an addict in their home.
"You need to reach out to someone that can help you. If you keep turning a blind eye thinking you don't want anyone to know about your problems, they they are going to be one of those statistics," Orr said.
