Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, December 3, 2007
(ALEXANDRIA) - Indiana has seen an increase in drug overdoes between 2001 and 2005, a disturbing trend that law enforcement officers are working to fight.
Elwood Police Lieutenant Jason Brizendine is a member of the Madison County Drug Task Force. He says part of the problem is that young people can get their hands on prescription painkillers and medications easier now than in years past.
The Indiana State Department of Health says the number of overdose deaths in Madison County rose from 17 in 2001 to 34 in 2005. Drug overdose deaths are up statewide, from 335 in 2001 to 665 in 2005.
Not all the overdoses can be attributed to recreational drug users, because the health department does not distinguish between suicides, homicides and accidents when calculating the total.
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