Transcript for Heroin Use on the Rise in Places Like Vermont
surgeon heroin problem right here in a part of the country you might least expect. Tonight, there is a cry for help from vermont, of all places. Addiction and overdose on the rise. Why there? Here's abc's byron pitts. Reporter: Even a pristine place like vermont has a major drug problem. Most especially heroin. In every corner of our state, heroin and opiate drug addiction threatens us. Reporter: The governor voted his entire state of the state speech to this one issue. Forcefully calling to have this gripping documentary on vermont's drug addiction, shown in schools statewide. The first pill I used was a percocet, and vicodin. And then moved on to oxycontin. And then it went to heroin. Reporter: Why vermont? One theory, higher prices in this rural area. That means bigger profits for dealers. Nationwide, more people die of drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes. That's triple the number from 1990. As we discovered on a recent ride along with police in new jersey, heroin is cheap and readily available. Heroin is much, much, cheaper than prescription medication. Reporter: Give me the ratio. A 30 milligram oxycodone pill, $30. An 80 milligram oxycontin, $80. A bag of heroin, $4. Reporter: And now, a governor has joined the chorus of concern. America can no longer arrest its way out of its addiction to heroin. Byron pitts, abc news, new york.
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