OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin have become gateway drugs for heroin among children, authorities in Johnson County said Friday.
The painkillers are often prescribed to adults, but they're being found and used by children.
Police said there were 24 heroin overdoses in 2008, along with five deaths. In the first half of 2009, there were 22 overdoses and six deaths.
Overland Park police have been tracking the trend. Police said there has been an increase in the cases of OxyContin and heroin in Johnson County, while other drug problems remain steady.
Investigators said the leap from OxyContin to heroin is simple.
Peggy Breit/KMBC
"I believe it's much closer than people perceive. Once they start using OxyContin, they go to heroin because it's a cheaper way of doing it," Sgt. Cindy Henson said.
Authorities said the best advice is to keep your medication in a secure place.
"Lock up your meds -- make sure your meds are secure so that your children, your grandchildren, can't get to them. Hide them, it's that important. Do whatever you have to do. Take an inventory of your meds, know what meds are in your house and keep track of that at all times," said Janine Gracy with the Regional Prevention Center.
Overland Park police, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, and the district attorney's office and other agencies are creating a proactive program to help deal with the increased drug abuse.
Overland Park's video presentation about OxyContin and heroin is now available through schools and every police department in Johnson County.
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