From 1997 through 2000, the city saw 11 heroin overdose deaths. Four of the addicts were in their 40s, five were in their 30s, one was in his 20s and one was a teen. Of the 11, one was a woman. In the same period, police responded to 22 nonfatal heroin overdoses. Most of the users were in their teens or early 20s, and six were women, Patenaude said.
Police say heroin's low price and high potency is a deliberate marketing move.
While dealers in the past used more additives to boost their resale profits, now they offer a stronger product for less, knowing their customers will return more often, Patenaude said. He said the supply is ample, mostly from South America, and demand is growing, especially on the East Coast. It's just like any other business. Northampton is not alone in the trend toward young heroin users. Sienkiewicz says the city is in line with others of its size.