By Mary O’KEEFE

Drug trends come and go. A few years ago, Crescenta Valley saw an increase in teenagers with a heroin addiction in nearby rehabilitation centers. That trend soon found its way to law enforcement where heroin arrests were on the rise.

That translated into a Crescenta Valley heroin problem that was recognized by a group of residents and law enforcement, and the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition began.

Just as a canary in mines was used to warn of danger, rehabilitation centers are raising the alarm after   seeing an increase in the use of synthetic drugs. These go by many names, but the best known in the area is “Bath Salts.”

Next week Crescenta Valley Weekly will begin a drug series looking into the synthetic drug business. CVW will look at what they are, where they are sold, and what kids and experts are saying about synthetic drugs and the consequences brought about by using them.

Other drugs will be covered: Heroin is still an issue in the area but the trend seems to be toward those 18 to 29 years old. Kids under the age of 18 are moving to alcohol and prescription drugs. And one recovery center is finding an increase in methamphetamine.

The use of synthetic drugs seems to know no age limit and, as always, marijuana is still most commonly used.

Knowledge is power, and in the case of drug use, knowledge is the best defense against a life of addiction.

  Mary Okeefe