Action News Jax Investigates: Heroin epidemic changes how law enforcement fights crime

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heroin is a cheap, easy to get and can hook a user almost immediately. Law enforcement faces challenges when working on drug cases.

Scott, who is a recovering heroin addict, said when he used, nothing else mattered.

"Extreme euphoria,” said Scott. “Pins and needles kind of going down your spine."

The latest numbers from Florida's Medical Examiners show a 111 percent increase in the number of people dying of a heroin overdose.

"With the difficulty in getting prescription drugs, some of these folks have chosen to go to heroin, which is a nasty drug," said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Mike Johnson.

"It turned me into an animal looking to survive,” Scott said. “I was a thief, a huge manipulator. It pretty much ruined every relationship in my life.”

Scott survived his addiction. However many do not.

Officer Johnson said most of the heroin in the United States flows into Texas from Mexico, and from there it goes to the larger cities and filters down.

"Our challenges is knowing what the current trends are, what our youth are probably getting involved in and tailoring our investigative techniques to stop that issue or at least slow it down." Johnson said.

As law enforcement changes tactics to battle the resurgence in heroin use, local treatment centers are on the front lines in the battle against the drug’s effects.

Danny Smith is a physician’s assistant at Gateway Community Services.

"I saw a guy who was using 9 times a day," said Smith.

“I think we need more services throughout the entire U.S., not just here,” Smith said when asked if there are enough services for people who are addicted and who want to not be addicted.

Currently, Florida ranks 49th for mental health care. After three years of cuts, Governor Rick Scott is now proposing an increase of $19 million for mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Both advocates and addicts told Action News Jax Paige Kelton it’s almost impossible to beat heroin without help.

“Once you make it to the other side, it's a freedom,” said Scott. “I can't even describe, because it was definitely a slave, it was a nightmare."

Resources:

• Al-Anon Family Groups
• Gateway Community Services
• Beaches Recovery
• River Region Human Services
• 2014 Annual Drug Report

Cox Media Group