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JennCo
My greatest joy is my baby boy
Member since 1/07 2772 total posts
Name:
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Heroin on Long Island
I was at a family funday that my DS league organized over the weekend and my 3 year old found a heroin needle on the ground. In.an.elementary.playground.  
This sadly is not the first time that I've come across this. Last yr they cancelled recess at one of the schools for the same issue.
I have young DC that aren't in school yet but I am petrified of this. I grew up in a nearby town and my DC will go to the same school district that I went to and I just find it so upsetting b/c this is not the way it used to be...I know it's everywhere (from what people say)...but 
My two neighbors across the street are in rehab for heroin....while they were using weird things would happen to my house and my doorbell would ring at weird hours of the night. Parties all the time, screaming in the street. it was nuts! now that they are away, all is quiet. I live in a "good" neighborhood, I work my azz off and pay a ton in taxes....heck, we all do!
It's all very upsetting...I just needed to share
Message edited 6/8/2015 3:12:36 PM.
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Posted 6/8/15 3:11 PM  |
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Leb
LIF Adult
Member since 12/09 4166 total posts
Name:
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Heroin on Long Island
It's everywhere on LI. Especially in the "good neighborhoods".
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| Posted 6/8/15 3:26 PM |
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blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Leb
It's everywhere on LI. Especially in the "good neighborhoods".
100% true and its been like that for a while just not known as much. Heroin was a problem when I was in high school and I graduated in 2000.
my brother died from an overdose a few years ago.
Its a problem I hope goes away but if people keep "ignoring" the issue I don't see it getting better any time soon.
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| Posted 6/8/15 3:33 PM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
It's terrible how this has taken over the island. Something needs to be done just not sure what.
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| Posted 6/8/15 3:44 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Heroin on Long Island
I know of a number of people who died from an overdose over the years. It's not just long island, it's all over. Heroin is, unfortunately, VERY accessible. Believe it or not, it's also relative inexpensive from what I understand. It drives me crazy and scares the crap out of me. But I have to have hope that if we raise our DS (and any others that come along) as well as our parents raised us, they won't get into it all.
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| Posted 6/8/15 3:48 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
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| Posted 6/8/15 3:50 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
I was thinking the same thing.
Or some type of prescribed drug.
My brother takes a daily dose of some kind of vitamin he needs to inject himself with -- it comes in a scary looking syringe druggie needle.
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:00 PM |
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JennCo
My greatest joy is my baby boy
Member since 1/07 2772 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
Sadly, because someone we spoke to about it said that the park we were at is a known place where drug addicts hang around (DH and I had no idea) and there were packets (little zip lock bags) that were found not too far from where the needle was.
I had a BF in college that was insulin dependent and they looked similar to what we found but most people that use them for medical purposes would never leave a needle lying around...let alone on the ground at a park in an elementary school.
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:11 PM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by JennCo
I had a BF in college that was insulin dependent and they looked similar to what we found but most people that use them for medical purposes would never leave a needle lying around...let alone on the ground at a park in an elementary school.
This is why I would think heroin.
I don't think anyone using a needle for a medical condition would leave it laying in a park. I'm sure they would be more responsible about it.
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:15 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
We call the cops when we find them and the cops told us they were heroin. My 9 year old was riding her bike and found about 10 needles in a bike trail behind our house. I believe we live in the same town as you. Such a shame!
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:23 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by JennCo
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
Sadly, because someone we spoke to about it said that the park we were at is a known place where drug addicts hang around (DH and I had no idea) and there were packets (little zip lock bags) that were found not too far from where the needle was.
I had a BF in college that was insulin dependent and they looked similar to what we found but most people that use them for medical purposes would never leave a needle lying around...let alone on the ground at a park in an elementary school.
Can I ask what town you are in?? Our friends in Merrick were having a problem on the playgrounds as well. We formed a neighborhood watch and got assigned a patrol car. The police have been great to work with!
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:25 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Thats just it though, its not just the "good districts". I know those are the popular ones to discuss, but it does a disservice to the island to pretend these are the only areas majorly affected by heroin. That is not the case, it is EVERYWHERE. In your town, in my town, in every town now. I know people/families from all walks of life, all towns, each shore that have been affected.
I think it does a HUGE disservice to the epidemic to think its only, or worse, in the "good" districts. Its just not the case. I live in one of the "good" areas always mentioned in this topic and honestly, I don't know a single kid in my children's schools using, it seems to really happen after HS.
I just think for too long people have been going "oh this district and that district, the ones considered "good" districts have a HUGE heroin problem", and then stick their head in the sand about what is going on in districts island wide. It is no more rampant in these good districts than others, its really not.
They are just the ones who first addressed it aloud, didn't sweep it under the rug and pretend it wasn't happening and are actively, publicly every day trying to do something about it. This has lead to the belief which is often just passed by word of mouth; bc you heard from so and so, you heard on LIF, a neighbor said, bc there was an article in newsday about use in the district (bc of the community programs addressing it), etc, without looking at the island as a whole, that its "rampant mainly in the good districts". It is EVERYWHERE. EVERYWHERE.
Even if say there are 20 kids in my district HS who are users (which is an overestimate), lets just SAY, in my district, thats only .19% of the enrolled population. EVEN if you up that to 100 kids which is not EVEN CLOSE, that is .94%, not even 1% of the student body. So to say its the worst in the good districts and rampant, its simply not true, no more than it is in your district, you co-workers, your sisters, etc.
I think the entire island needs to open their eyes to the problem, look inside their own towns bc it is happening, not just prominently in "good districts". Communities need to recognize it publicly, form committees, task forces, outreach programs like mine has with neighboring districts. Address it publicly and actively, not be naive to the fact or go well, "ignorance is bliss" or "oh, its not here but I heard its in the good districts" to save our children and to stop it. It needs to be admitted and recognized that its a problem in every town on this island, it needs to be recognized and faced to educate the younger generation so they don't ever touch it.
We just lost a family member to it two weeks ago, from a good family. He was the 3rd person I know, or knew their family to have passed from it in the last year alone. None of them were from the "good" districts. From great districts, great towns, but not the commonly referred to so I think its time for communities to stop being naive, and look inside, look at what you can do in your own communities too. You are not safe and you are not better off either, we are all in this mess together unfortunately.
Message edited 6/8/2015 4:38:29 PM.
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:27 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
I have a family member who is diabetic and they would NEVER have left a needle on a playground. There are ways to properly dispose of medical waste and anyone who uses legal medication know how to, and will do it correctly.
I live in a "nice" area and I have come across a used needle on the street within sight of my house and walking distance to the high school. No question in my mind it was for heroin. 
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:31 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Pomegranate5
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
I have a family member who is diabetic and they would NEVER have left a needle on a playground. There are ways to properly dispose of medical waste and anyone who uses legal medication know how to, and will do it correctly.
I live in a "nice" area and I have come across a used needle on the street within sight of my house and walking distance to the high school. No question in my mind it was for heroin.
No I wasn't referring to medicinal drugs like insulin.
I meant, aren't there other illegal drugs people inject with needles?
Other than heroin?
I was just curious how they knew it was heroin as opposed to something else.
I know it doesn't really matter because either way it's disturbing but I was just curious
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:33 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Faithx2
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
We call the cops when we find them and the cops told us they were heroin. My 9 year old was riding her bike and found about 10 needles in a bike trail behind our house. I believe we live in the same town as you. Such a shame!
If we do, I live right behind that bike trail- actually my house backs the Sump that part of the bike trail runs against.
I heard of drug use back there, but we are most bothered by the constant, illegal dirt bikes back there and have been working with the police on that....to not much avail, sadly
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:36 PM |
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Pinkisles
<3
Member since 11/13 2868 total posts
Name:
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Heroin on Long Island
The problem is prescription narcotics. Oxy, Vicodin and the like. People get addicted to them, then they can't get more prescriptions, or they can't afford it, so they turn to heroin. It's cheaper and easier to get.
The doctors and pharmacists really need to be monitored and maybe not give these prescriptions out so easily. Something does need to be done and It needs to start with these pills!
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| Posted 6/8/15 4:55 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Pinkisles
The problem is prescription narcotics. Oxy, Vicodin and the like. People get addicted to them, then they can't get more prescriptions, or they can't afford it, so they turn to heroin. It's cheaper and easier to get.
The doctors and pharmacists really need to be monitored and maybe not give these prescriptions out so easily. Something does need to be done and It needs to start with these pills!
They are. In NYS there is something called the Prescription Monitoring Program. Physicians and Pharmacists alike must check the online database PRIOR to writing a narcotic (any control substance) prescription, and for pharmacists, this would be prior to dispensing the drug. The website updates in real time and lists EVERY controlled substance the patient fills at the pharmacy in NY. MOST doctors are VERY hesitant to write these prescriptions these days because it is so heavily monitored. Most will refer out to a pain management physician (often a neurologist) who specializes in pain management (not just drugs, but other treatments such as epidural and trigger point injections). They have patients sign contracts, they see them monthly, do monthly urine screens, etc. It's actually NOT that easy to get pain meds anymore.
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:00 PM |
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Pinkisles
<3
Member since 11/13 2868 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by Pinkisles
The problem is prescription narcotics. Oxy, Vicodin and the like. People get addicted to them, then they can't get more prescriptions, or they can't afford it, so they turn to heroin. It's cheaper and easier to get.
The doctors and pharmacists really need to be monitored and maybe not give these prescriptions out so easily. Something does need to be done and It needs to start with these pills!
They are. In NYS there is something called the Prescription Monitoring Program. Physicians and Pharmacists alike must check the online database PRIOR to writing a narcotic (any control substance) prescription, and for pharmacists, this would be prior to dispensing the drug. The website updates in real time and lists EVERY controlled substance the patient fills at the pharmacy in NY. MOST doctors are VERY hesitant to write these prescriptions these days because it is so heavily monitored. Most will refer out to a pain management physician (often a neurologist) who specializes in pain management (not just drugs, but other treatments such as epidural and trigger point injections). They have patients sign contracts, they see them monthly, do monthly urine screens, etc. It's actually NOT that easy to get pain meds anymore.
It still is easy in some places. My husbands friend went to urgent care a few months ago for bronchitis and they write him about four scripts and one was for Vicodin because he hurt his back from coughing so much. He didn't even ask for it, and he didn't fill the prescription because he thought it was ridiculous and not necessary
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:03 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Pinkisles
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by Pinkisles
The problem is prescription narcotics. Oxy, Vicodin and the like. People get addicted to them, then they can't get more prescriptions, or they can't afford it, so they turn to heroin. It's cheaper and easier to get.
The doctors and pharmacists really need to be monitored and maybe not give these prescriptions out so easily. Something does need to be done and It needs to start with these pills!
They are. In NYS there is something called the Prescription Monitoring Program. Physicians and Pharmacists alike must check the online database PRIOR to writing a narcotic (any control substance) prescription, and for pharmacists, this would be prior to dispensing the drug. The website updates in real time and lists EVERY controlled substance the patient fills at the pharmacy in NY. MOST doctors are VERY hesitant to write these prescriptions these days because it is so heavily monitored. Most will refer out to a pain management physician (often a neurologist) who specializes in pain management (not just drugs, but other treatments such as epidural and trigger point injections). They have patients sign contracts, they see them monthly, do monthly urine screens, etc. It's actually NOT that easy to get pain meds anymore.
It still is easy in some places. My husbands friend went to urgent care a few months ago for bronchitis and they write him about four scripts and one was for Vicodin because he hurt his back from coughing so much. He didn't even ask for it, and he didn't fill the prescription because he thought it was ridiculous and not necessary
He should report that doctor (though I'm sure he's being watched). Their medical licenses are on the line.
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:06 PM |
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Kitten1929
LIF Adult
Member since 1/13 6040 total posts
Name:
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Heroin on Long Island
I agree that it is everywhere - but I find more people like to point fingers at more economically diverse or culturally diverse towns before they will admit there's a problem in their own backyard. Everyone wants to point fingers because it sucks to really think that we live in an expensive area with exorbitant taxes and yet heroin is running rampant. But it is.
It is cheaper and easier to get, and the high is supposedly so addicting that it's incredibly easy to get hooked. I have heard of everyone from the downtrodden bullied teen to the high powered CEO succumbing to the addiction.
We absolutely need specialized drug task forces to focus on where it is coming from and how it is so easily spreading.
"Good" district or not.
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:18 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by Kitten1929
I agree that it is everywhere - but I find more people like to point fingers at more economically diverse or culturally diverse towns before they will admit there's a problem in their own backyard. Everyone wants to point fingers because it sucks to really think that we live in an expensive area with exorbitant taxes and yet heroin is running rampant. But it is.
It is cheaper and easier to get, and the high is supposedly so addicting that it's incredibly easy to get hooked. I have heard of everyone from the downtrodden bullied teen to the high powered CEO succumbing to the addiction.
We absolutely need specialized drug task forces to focus on where it is coming from and how it is so easily spreading.
"Good" district or not.
I actually hear less about heroin in the diverse neighborhoods than I do in wealthier/white areas. I was thrilled when there was a massive bust a few months back near me... however it seems as though the fight has slowed. There is a town meeting next week regarding this at one of the local churches. I'm glad that our community doesn't ignore it...
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:23 PM |
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JennCo
My greatest joy is my baby boy
Member since 1/07 2772 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by Kitten1929
I agree that it is everywhere - but I find more people like to point fingers at more economically diverse or culturally diverse towns before they will admit there's a problem in their own backyard. Everyone wants to point fingers because it sucks to really think that we live in an expensive area with exorbitant taxes and yet heroin is running rampant. But it is.
It is cheaper and easier to get, and the high is supposedly so addicting that it's incredibly easy to get hooked. I have heard of everyone from the downtrodden bullied teen to the high powered CEO succumbing to the addiction.
We absolutely need specialized drug task forces to focus on where it is coming from and how it is so easily spreading.
"Good" district or not.
I actually hear less about heroin in the diverse neighborhoods than I do in wealthier/white areas. I was thrilled when there was a massive bust a few months back near me... however it seems as though the fight has slowed. There is a town meeting next week regarding this at one of the local churches. I'm glad that our community doesn't ignore it...
I read an article recently that said that the diverse towns don't have this problem as much as the wealthier towns. Apparently, the thought is that these communities and their children have seen what drug addiction has done to the generations before them and the wealthier communities now and the ones dealing with it more. And to PP's point, the pills that are prescribed by Dr's get people addicted and since heroin is cheap that is what they resort to in the end.
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| Posted 6/8/15 5:36 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by Faithx2
Posted by NervousNell
Naive question- how do you know it was a heroin needle?
As opposed to any other kind of drug that people shoot?
We call the cops when we find them and the cops told us they were heroin. My 9 year old was riding her bike and found about 10 needles in a bike trail behind our house. I believe we live in the same town as you. Such a shame!
If we do, I live right behind that bike trail- actually my house backs the Sump that part of the bike trail runs against.
I heard of drug use back there, but we are most bothered by the constant, illegal dirt bikes back there and have been working with the police on that....to not much avail, sadly
Yea the quads don't bother me. I've been here 13 years and they've always been here. Heroin needles are a bigger deal IMO.
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| Posted 6/8/15 8:04 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by JennCo
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by Kitten1929
I agree that it is everywhere - but I find more people like to point fingers at more economically diverse or culturally diverse towns before they will admit there's a problem in their own backyard. Everyone wants to point fingers because it sucks to really think that we live in an expensive area with exorbitant taxes and yet heroin is running rampant. But it is.
It is cheaper and easier to get, and the high is supposedly so addicting that it's incredibly easy to get hooked. I have heard of everyone from the downtrodden bullied teen to the high powered CEO succumbing to the addiction.
We absolutely need specialized drug task forces to focus on where it is coming from and how it is so easily spreading.
"Good" district or not.
I actually hear less about heroin in the diverse neighborhoods than I do in wealthier/white areas. I was thrilled when there was a massive bust a few months back near me... however it seems as though the fight has slowed. There is a town meeting next week regarding this at one of the local churches. I'm glad that our community doesn't ignore it...
I read an article recently that said that the diverse towns don't have this problem as much as the wealthier towns. Apparently, the thought is that these communities and their children have seen what drug addiction has done to the generations before them and the wealthier communities now and the ones dealing with it more. And to PP's point, the pills that are prescribed by Dr's get people addicted and since heroin is cheap that is what they resort to in the end.
Yes, but there is a giant grey area between "wealthy" districts and "diverse" districts. There is a whole area of middle of the road districts, the bulk of the island. Its not so black and white, and its the grey area that should be concerned. It is often these "grey" districts where I hear people say, "oh, its in the wealthy districts, or "good" districts" - that is the area that needs to be more aware. There are always that are going to have higher or lower use, but the fact remains, almost all districts are touched. And if not during the HS years, its after that should also be concerned when these kids, who have gone off and graduated but are still young and impressionable but now have more freedom. They have more and more opportunities to meet other kids from all towns, all districts, all walks of life. It is in these college years that the use frequently starts, when they arent insulated anymore. Everyone, every district needs to be on high alert, be aware of whats going on ISLAND wide. To make it a "Im in a diverse district, we dont really have a problem" or "its in the "good" districts" we dont really have a problem where the opportunity for trouble begins. When your guard is down. Like I said, Im in the one of the oft referred to districts where people are under the impression it runs rampant and its a misconception. Not that it doesnt exist, it absolutely does, enough so that we are using our resources to try to stop it before it starts, but its people in the 'grey" area who believe "not us" where lies the perfect storm for it to enter your community. How do you think it got here, in one of the "good districts"? We let our guard down.
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| Posted 6/8/15 8:13 PM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Heroin on Long Island
Posted by 2BadSoSad
Its not so black and white, and its the grey area that should be concerned. It is often these "grey" districts where I hear people say, "oh, its in the wealthy districts, or "good" districts" - that is the area that needs to be more aware.
ALL areas- regardless of "good" district, diverse, terrible, fabulous, mediocre- ALL need to be aware.
Aren't you doing exactly what you are accusing non "good" districts of doing? You say you "know" none of your kids' friends/ classmates are using- but HOW do you know? Sadly, it's not always obvious until it's too late.
PS- I'm very sorry for your loss
Message edited 6/8/2015 8:47:20 PM.
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| Posted 6/8/15 8:43 PM |
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