Oakland County Warns About Increase in Heroin Overdoses

The Oakland County Health Division has issued a warning about "a significant increase" in heroin-related overdoses reported to the Michigan Poison Control Center.

Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus said that an 18-year-old Farmington Hills man died in his home in late May as the result of overdosing on the drug, described as a white or brown powder, or black, sticky substance. 

While the cause for the increase remains under investigation, the Health Division noted cases outside Michigan have been tied to combining heroin with Fentanyl, described as "an extremely potent synthetic opiate analgesic" generally prescribed for severe pain. 

According to a Health Department fact sheet, signs of heroin use include needle marks, loss of appetite, and unusual sleep patterns. To find resources and more information, visit the Office of Substance Abuse Services at oakgov.com.