Salisbury Independent

• From 2011 to 2014 in Maryland, deaths related to heroin use increased 88 percent.
• In 2014, the Lower Shore’s percentage of overdose deaths increased by about 33 percent, while the statewide increase was 21 percent.
• During the first half of 2014, 10 Wicomico County residents died from intoxication related to heroin, and 300 died statewide.
• In 2013, about 460 people died. Of those, 11 lived in Wicomico County.
• The vast majority – about nine in 10 – heroin-related deaths involve opioids. These drugs include heroin and prescribed pain killers like oxycodone.
• Opioids are commonly prescribed for dental pain or pain causes by injuries.
• Narcotics affect mood and behavior and are sold for non-medical purposes, especially illegally. They include heroin, morphine and codeine and are all addictive.

(Source: Wicomico County Health Department.)