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Heroin, a workers compensation connection

Posted On: Jul. 21, 2013 12:00 AM CST

A powerful New York Times video documents a surge in heroin use and overdose deaths occurring in Maine.

But it could be anywhere in the United States. Like addicts in the video testify, it's now harder for them to get high using prescription opioids like OxyContin, a narcotic commonly prescribed for workers compensation injuries.

Meanwhile, heroin is cheaper than it was a few years ago. So people that got addicted to OxyContin are now turning to heroin.

Last month I wrote a column about a shift away from OxyContin use toward heroin abuse and how it might be reducing workers comp expenses although the implications for society are not good. That column is available here.

The recent New York Times video is available below.