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Take Two

Philip Seymour Hoffman's death highlights resurgence of heroin in the US

By Take Two Staff
Published Feb 4, 2014
Drug treatment experts and public health officials said they see an increase in heroin use that is accompanying a rise in prescription opioid abuse by young people. A report released by the L.A. Department of Public Health Monday said drug overdose is the third leading cause of death and injury in the county.
Drug treatment experts and public health officials said they see an increase in heroin use that is accompanying a rise in prescription opioid abuse by young people.
(
Daniel Anderson/California Watch
)

Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.

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Philip Seymour Hoffman's death highlights resurgence of heroin in the US

Authorities are still investigating the official cause of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's death, but we know the actor struggled with addiction and investigators have confirmed the presence of heroin in his apartment.

It's a growing problem in this country, and heroin use here has doubled since 2007. According to the DEA, heroin seizures in New York State are up nearly 70 percent over the last four years.

For more on why use of the drug is on the rise, we turn now to LA Times reporter Sam Quinones, who's currently working on a book about the recent heroin surge.