Meth use falls in Reno, but other drugs gain popularity

RENO -- After a year of community efforts that targeted children and educated parents about a methamphetamine epidemic, meth activity has declined, but now the use of heroin and cocaine is on the rise.

Local police say the development is mainly the result of a decline of meth availability and a price increase.

Detectives report the amount of meth recovered dropped 31 percent from June 2007 to June 2008. At the same time, the amount of cocaine seized rose 47 percent and heroin more than 1,000 percent.

The street price for meth jumped to $100 for a tenth of a gram, up from about $50 for a gram a year ago, investigators said.

In addition, they say photos and interviews of addicts whose appearances have been ravaged by meth, with problems such as teeth and hair loss and skin sores, may have convinced teens and young adults that meth is "dirty." But they may be opting for "cleaner" and more chic drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

"Meth is the scariest drug I know, but information has been provided to the community that is accurate and real, stating people die, lose their futures and don't make good decisions," said Garry Rubenstein, coordinator of substance abuse treatment programs at University of Nevada, Reno and also a private practice drug-alcohol counselor.

"They got the message," he said.

"But if people want to drink and do drugs at parties to socialize and want to look good, meth is not the drug they're going to take."

Detectives of the regional Street Enforcement Team, who conduct undercover drug and prostitution stings in Washoe County, report the amount of meth they have recovered has decreased 31 percent from June 2007 to June 2008. At the same time, they have seen a 47 percent rise in cocaine they've seized, and a 1,375 percent increase in heroin.

"Our crooks are saying they can't get meth," Sgt. Brent Teasley said. "But addicts find an alternative, which for them is cocaine and heroin."

People continue to be booked weekly into jail on charges related to possessing or selling meth, but at a dramatically reduced rate. There also has been no violent crime attributed to meth addicts, although frauds and property crimes continue.

"It's not gone, but it's taken a downturn," Sgt. Mac Venzon said of meth. "We're not out of the woods yet. It's gotten more expensive and we've seen fewer arrests. There's just less product here."

Jessie Lott is a counselor at Bristlecone Family Resources, one of the area's main substance abuse treatment centers. He does assessment for the clients coming into the facility and has seen more heroin and cocaine users seeking help.

"Meth is not seen as attractive and has horrible side effects," he said.

"Kids aren't attracted to meth anymore, because it's dirty and there is a stigma about being a tweaker. Heroin is seen as classy and something celebrities do."

Lott said many combine heroin and cocaine together, known as a "speed ball." He said if people like feeling amped up, they choose cocaine or meth. If they like feeling relaxed and sedated, they choose heroin and alcohol.

Teasley and Lott said many heroin addicts abuse prescription drugs, or use heroin for pain management. Both say these addicts attract a younger crowd.

"When they run out of their prescriptions and can't get anymore, they turn to heroin, because it's cheaper," Teasley said. "We're going to see a generation of heroin addicts born from pain medication addicts."

Teasley said a tenth of a gram of heroin sells on the street for $10 while a tablet of oxycontin from $50 to $80.