Pharma drug abuse in MN declining; heroin use increasing

(Undated)  --  After a year of focused efforts to cut down on prescription drug abuse and opiate addiction in Minnesota, a new report shows progress has been made.  State Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson says in 2013 they trained over 1600 professionals on handling prescription drug abuse, on treatment options for opiate addictions -- including heroin -- and on how to reverse overdoses.  Jesson says in spite of progress, there is still much work to be done.

She says a significant increase in heroin use throughout the state is of particular concern.

Jesson says the goal in 2014 is to continue reducing drug abuse, through new legislation and increased public awareness about the dangers of opiates and synthetic drugs.

Minnesota News Network