Heroin On The Rise In The Suburbs Over The Years
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio1020 KDKA) - A McDonalds employee was arrested last night for selling drugs out of the back of the fast food restaurant. It was a McDonalds in Bill Rehkopf's hometown that he goes to and has taken his children to. This threw up a red flag with him and wanted to know exactly how prevalent are drugs in the city suburbs.
Dr. Neil Capretto of Gateway Rehab facilities joined Bill on the Afternoon News to talk about the rise of the drug scene outside of the city.
"It's been a growing problem for many years and it's in every community in Western Pennsylvania. There is more heroin being bought, sold and used today then at any other time," Dr. Capretto tells Bill.
He explained that we see exchanges happening at fast food, restaurants and bars normally because the person buying is in such a desperate need for the drug.
Due to their need for it to avoid a sickness of withdraw most users who buy at these establishments use the drug while still in building, causing the numbers of overdose deaths in restrooms to rise. This is becoming so common Dr. Capretto says some restaurants are even considering having Narcan, something EMT's use to counteract ODs, on hand just in case.
Bill asked about ways parents can be aware of this issue and how they can protect their children.
Dr Capretto gives KDKA Listeners these tips,
"Be aware it's a problem, keep your eyes on your kids. Know your kids as well as you can, because if you don't know them well you don't know if they have changed. Know your kids best friends, because if their best-friend is using there's a good sign they are using. Most of all trust your gut, if you think something is wrong with your kid 9 out of 10 times something is look into it."
Dr. Capretto says that being vigilant about these things is very important and it's always the best option to get involved if there is a problem.
He says you save a life if you act sooner rather than later.
You can listen to the whole interview here!
Heroin on the rise in the Suburbs
You can also listen to the Afternoon News with Bill Rehkopf weekdays 3 - 7 pm.
