Riverhead, NY, Aug 23, 2010 — Last year the New York State Legislature voted to give drug addicts a second chance, by doing away with the last remnants of the Rockefeller drug laws. Some considered the old laws draconian and reformers praised the change saying it could stop the addiction cycle by diverting addicts bound for prison and instead send them to treatment. For the last couple months, reporter Charles Lane has been investigating how this judicial diversion has been implemented so far across the state. And he finds that the impact of the reforms largely depends on which county the addict is convicted in. Photos and timeline courtesy of WSHU.  Go to full article

Apr 22, 2004 — More people died in Vermont last year from drug use than traffic accidents. As Jody Tosti reports, that's the first time that has happened.  Go to full article

Feb 20, 2004 — Heroin abuse is making a comeback in New York State. In many parts of the North Country, its popularity has eclipsed cocaine and crack. Most of the heroin use is clustered in Watertown and Plattsburgh, but smaller towns are also being affected. In this third part of our look at heroin abuse, Brian Mann reports that heroin is cheaper and easier to use than ever before.  Go to full article

Feb 20, 2004 — Six years ago we first talked with "Liz," an eighteen-year-old heroin addict. Hers is the story of a teenager's fall into addiction, and the struggle to come back. Martha Foley checked back in and found a hopeful epilogue.  Go to full article

Feb 19, 2004 — In 2001, according to the latest survey, more than four hundred people in the North Country sought help for heroin and other opiate addiction. In many parts of the region, heroin has eclipsed crack and cocaine as the most popular hard drug. But some people also come north looking for help and support. John -- not his real name -- is a college student in Canton. He says the north country offered an escape from heroin, which was wrecking his life.  Go to full article

Feb 19, 2004 — Heroin is cheaper and more available than ever before. In parts of the North Country, heroin has even eclipsed cocaine and crack as the hard drug of choice. For addicts in small towns, finding help can be tough. People who need Methadone treatment often drive hours each day to find the nearest clinic. In this first of a 4-part series, Brian Mann reports from Watertown.  Go to full article