Heroin Use Reportedly on the Rise in Northern Ky

The good news from the Kentucky Health Issues poll is the misuse of pain relievers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet and codeine may be on the decline across the state.

The bad news is, heroin use, particularly in northern Kentucky, is on the rise.

Stats from the KHIP indicate around 30 percent of adults in northern Kentucky say they know of a relative or friend who has used heroin; statewide the average is around 10 percent.

Roughly 27 percent of adults statewide said they know of a family member or friend who has abused prescription pain killers, which is down from 2012’s average of 33 percent.

Eastern Kentucky appears to have the highest number of adults — 35 percent — who have had someone close to them misuse pain relievers.